The Cupra DarkRebel previews what a sports car could look like from the sporty Spanish brand, and is the “ultimate interpretation” of its vision.
It’s only a virtual concept for now, but Cupra says a physical version is “coming soon”, and you can help shape what that physical concept looks like.
It’s the first Cupra concept to be presented on Metahype, Cupra’s metaverse space, and an immersive experience called the Hyper Configurator allows you to alter aspects of the vehicle such as the colours and graphics and share videos of your creation.
Cupra says these changes will influence the final design of the physical concept.
The DarkRebel has a three-door shooting brake body, a body style the brand has never offered before. Also unique is the aggressive front end styling, with a long, sculpted bonnet and an aggressive front air dam.
The cabin is pushed towards the back, with an extremely short rear overhang, while there’s some aggressive side sculpting.
But while this is a departure from the styling of current Cupras, some familiar design elements can be seen. These include the triangular headlight signature and the illuminated rear logo that will grace the upcoming Tavascan.
Inside, there’s a central “spine” connecting to the dashboard, like in the Tavascan, though here it’s asymmetrical.
There’s also a “progressive gamifying” steering yoke.
Cupra hasn’t released any technical information about the concept.
“After five years of building the brand Cupra in a nowadays world, it is time to think about the next step. Our next dream. The Cupra DarkRebel is the ultimate interpretation of our vision,” said brand CEO Wayne Griffiths.
While Cupra hasn’t confirmed this vehicle for production, and calls its design a “provocation” and not a prediction, Mr Griffiths has previously left the door open for a sports car to join the line-up.
“If we had to do new models on top of the range that we’ve got, those new models either have to allow us access into real global markets, such as the US or do something very, very special for our brand,” Mr Griffiths told CarExpert last month.
“And so if we were to do different cars, it would be cars that are in line with our brand and our brand DNA. And therefore we’re talking if additional cars or new models I would bet on a sports car, for instance.
“So sorry, I can’t do a ute but there may be at some point in the future the chance of a nice sports car from Cupra.”
If approved, this would give Cupra one of the few sports cars in the Volkswagen Group stable. The Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda brands have none, for example, while Audi is ending production of its TT.
One brand in the VW Group empire is working on an electric sports car already: Porsche, with the replacements for its current 718 Boxster and Cayman.
An electric sports car for Cupra would also give the brand a halo model, which could come in handy should its plans to enter the US market be approved.
In addition to a sports car, Cupra is also weighing the introduction of a larger SUV towards the end of the decade.
