This is how the development of the CUP Bucket seats for the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 went

The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 is a very special vehicle, so special that the Spanish brand only intends to build 7,000 units worldwide of this variant, a model conceived and developed on the racetrack to transfer all these sensations and know-how to a road car. It is no coincidence that racing driver Jordi Gené has been one of its main test drivers, giving the final touch to its setup.

As we have already told you, the CUPRA Formentor VZ5 uses a 2.5 TSI five-cylinder engine block, an engine until now reserved for iconic models such as the Audi TT, RS3 and RS Q3, which produces 390 CV and 480 Nm of torque. Thanks to this setup, the Formentor VZ5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

All this power is matched to a vehicle with a sporty configuration in many areas, such as the chassis tuning, the brakes, the exhaust system, the 15-level adjustable suspension and, inside, even the front seats. The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 exclusively features bucket seats that the brand calls CUP Bucket, which come with Feinnappa upholstery available in Black Soul or Petrol Blue, and a rear cover made of carbon fibre.

Seats in a competition vehicle are a fundamental element for a driver, not only because it is where they will spend the most time seated during a season, but also because they convey sensations while holding the driver in place. That is why each season drivers have a bespoke seat made for each of them. In a road car, a seat such as the CUP Bucket must suit many different body types, so the know-how of drivers Jordi Gené and Matthias Ekström was combined with the experience of a renowned brand such as Sabelt.

The CUP Bucket seats were developed with essential situations in mind, such as getting in and out of the vehicle, but also taking into account that they must suit a wide range of drivers. They were therefore tested in demanding environments to fine-tune both the foams and the restraints, achieving exceptional lateral support in corners. In addition, the foams were designed with special attention to the contact areas to achieve a greater fit to the driver’s body, something the brand also verified by testing them with drivers of varied anatomies.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverCUPRA Formentor17 versions · from 39,062 €