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CUPRA Formentor VZ5 gets an update from Manhart

Manhart is mostly known for its amazing BMW vehicle preparations, although the company has recently expanded its portfolio of brands. Therefore, the most recent work done by the German specialist can be considered a small surprise. We are talking about the Formentor CP500 based on the CUPRA Formentor VZ5.

Only 7,000 units of the high-performance Spanish SUV were made, but its turbocharged 5-cylinder engine, borrowed from the Audi RS 3 Sportback and RS Q3, makes any engine enthusiast's mouth water. Manhart now shows the first images of its latest project and offers us some interesting data.

The exterior of this version of the Formentor largely features the standard design. In addition to the usual color scheme (in this case, in CUPRA bronze instead of Manhart gold), the VZ5 only receives a set of new 20-inch wheels, accompanied by H&R sport springs that almost completely eliminate free space in the wheel arches. 

Things get a lot wilder when you look under the hood. The 2.5 liter turbo TFSI block 'borrowed' by Audi produces 390 hp and 480 Nm of torque in the standard version. Enough for an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. After applying Manhart's so-called Stage 1 performance upgrade, which consists of an ECU modification and an exhaust system with active valves and thick oval tubes, the CP 500 offers a big improvement, but it doesn't quite reach 500 hp.

The final figure reaches 490 hp, which should push the car quite furiously, especially for the 630 Nm of torque. Unfortunately, Manhart has yet to release acceleration figures, but 0-100 will likely be closer to 3.0 seconds.

For all CUPRA enthusiasts, it doesn't look like this is the end of the road yet. Manhart already talks of a 'possible Stage 2', which will include an intercooler, an air intake and an ECU reprogramming. Thus, 500 hp should be possible. We will be attentive and will update the information when we have new data.

Autonews