The Cupra Born was revealed in production form. It will be available with between 150 and 231 hp and will offer a range of up to 335 miles.
Formerly known as El-Born, the Spanish brand’s first electric car is based on the MEB platform of its parent company in the Volkswagen Group. The Born will go into production in September at the group’s plant in Zwickau, Germany.
It is almost technically identical and closely related visually to the Volkswagen ID 3, but brings its own “stimulating design and instant performance,” according to Cupra, with a distinctive “dynamic character”.
R&D Director Werner Tietz also promised that the Born would offer a distinct driving experience compared to its VW Group siblings: “We have invested a lot of time in tuning the chassis, steering and powertrain. We will offer the car with DCC [dynamic chassis control] in combination with ESC Sport and a lower ride height – 50mm at the front and 10mm at the rear, which gives the car a nice feel.
“The DCC app is unique, and we’ve spent a lot of time on different tarmacs and in different conditions to fine-tune that. Then we combined that with progressive steering so that you have a dynamic and sporty feel for handling, it gives a direct impression. reply.”
The Born is the first fully electric model to join the brand’s lineup and follows the introduction of plug-in hybrid powertrain options for the Leon and Formentor.
Its powertrain features a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (up to 16,000 rpm) paired with a single-speed and differential transmission.
Customers will be able to choose from four combinations of lithium-ion batteries and motors. A 45 kWh, 150 hp model with up to 211 miles of range marks the entry point, with a 58 kWh, 204 hp model positioned just above 260 miles of range.
As with the ID 3, a 77 kWh battery is specified on the high-end variants, offering an official range of 335 miles. The more powerful versions use a 231bhp engine that brings the tailgate from rest to 62mph in 6.6 seconds.
Cupra claims the larger battery can gain 100km of range in seven minutes using a 125kW charger, while a 5-80% charge from a 125kW fast charger takes 35 minutes. A custom-made Cupra-branded home wall box is also available for home charging and can be controlled using the company’s new Easy Charging smartphone app.
The Born is almost the same dimensions as the MEB-based ID 3, at 4322mm long, 1809mm wide and 1537mm high, with a 2767mm wheelbase. However, it stands out as the most overtly performance-oriented model with its sharp LED headlamps and pointed front end, which Cupra equates to the nose of a shark.
“Cupra Born’s design is multi-faceted,” said Cupra Design Director Jorge Díez. “It refines the Cupra look while incorporating the modernity of its advanced electric powertrain. It offers a strong Cupra character that expresses agility and performance with its blend of flowing surfaces and technical details.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-25 10:16:24
