• The CUPRA Tavascan and the CUPRA Tavascan XE share the same name as well as the CUPRA DNA, with values based on sportiness and electrification
• Dr. Werner Tietz, Vice-President of R&D at CUPRA, and Xavi Serra, head of CUPRA Racing, explain what CUPRA’s first 100% electric SUV and its Extreme E namesake have in common
• This weekend, the CUPRA Tavascan XE has competed again in Sardinia with the race driver tandem of Sébastien Loeb and Klara Andersson

They share much more than a name - they have the exact same DNA profile. The CUPRA Tavascan and the CUPRA Tavascan XE are moving in the same direction on a common path, from the foundation of CUPRA’s creation for the world of racing to its ultimate electric ambition. “The CUPRA Tavascan is our first all-electric SUV and conveys the CUPRA DNA through its design and performance” says Dr. Werner Tietz, Vice-President of R&D at CUPRA. “The CUPRA Tavascan XE is the first 100% electric racing SUV and reflects the spirit of the brand in a unique design” says Xavi Serra, head of CUPRA Racing. The two specialists give us insights into what both models have in common, and how they’re set to change the rules.

CUPRA DNA. As a brand that challenges conventions, CUPRA was born with a clear sporty character, with its origins in racing. That’s why its entire range aims for an emotional, adrenaline-fuelled experience, in total connection with the asphalt. While the CUPRA Tavascan XE competes in Extreme E, the production car’s racing DNA is embodied in “a sporty suspension that’s not only intended for the road” explains Dr. Tietz.

Technology to the test. “The world of racing is the perfect platform for testing new technologies” says Serra. In fact, “the CUPRA Tavascan is a response to this development, as we’ve incorporated all the experience gained from competition” adds Dr. Tietz. The extreme conditions of the races are used to test the performance of the cars and the innovations, and then apply the knowledge gained to series production vehicles. “In the case of the CUPRA Tavascan XE, it enabled us to experiment with pushing the limits of electrification to achieve optimal thermal management, battery response and the propulsion system” says Serra. 

Electric performance. For CUPRA, electrification and performance go hand in hand. “We always say that they’re a perfect match, and electric motorsport is further proof of this” says Serra. This is another aspect of the common ground shared by the CUPRA Tavascan and the CUPRA Tavascan XE. “If you’ve ever driven an electric car, you know that it’s unrivalled in acceleration” says Dr. Tietz. The CUPRA Tavascan goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and has an output of up to 340 hp. 

Driving change. CUPRA is moving towards electrification, and its commitment to electric motorsport is stronger than ever with its participation this season in Formula E and Extreme E. In the CUPRA Tavascan and the CUPRA Tavascan XE, the brand has united its commitment to racing and electrification, driving change with shared values. “With the CUPRA Tavascan we’ve taken a further step towards a fully electrified range by 2030” says Dr. Tietz. “Because the CUPRA Tavascan isn’t an answer to change, it’s the vehicle that creates it” he concludes.

CUPRA HQ Communications

Rocío Soria
Content Generation
M/ +34 689 28 14 32
rocio.soria@seat.es

Gemma Solà
Content Manager & SM Communications
M/ + 34 639 944 087
gemma.sola@seat.es