Cupra has taken its DarkRebel concept, revealed in virtual form earlier this year, to the floor of the Munich motor show.
The brand invited its “Tribe” from all over the world to influence the final concept design through a virtual configurator.
Over 270,000 online configurations inspired the final design of the physical concept.
The concept measures 4500mm long, 2200mm wide, and 1300mm tall (or 2200mm with the doors open).
Cupra says the vehicle is all-electric but has yet to confirm power outputs.
The concept is a three-door, two-seat sports car or shooting brake, something the brand has never offered before.
The vehicle offers a long front end, with an “enigmatic mercury-like exterior liquid body colour” that changes under different light scenarios.
Its daytime running light design comprises three triangles, inspired by the Cupra logo. This design element is set to filter out across the Cupra range.
There’s a long, vented bonnet and an aggressively angular front bumper to form a “sharp front look”.
The Cupra badges are illuminated front and rear, while the wheels also echo the badges with a triangular motif.
The side profile features a steeply raked back, a triangular side rear-window design as well as aggressive creases on the doors, and vented wheel arches.
There’s a small rear window, while there’s a full-width lighting assembly that features a Cupra logo, light bar and triangular tail lights like those of the Tavascan.
Inside the concept, a 3D-printed fabric covers the Supersport bucket seats and headrest. Cupra says the steering wheel combines the reality of real-world racing and the world of gaming.
The centre console features a unique design with a separator dividing the driver and passenger side. The shifter is mounted on the centre console.
There’s a digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a central infotainment screen located on top of the dashboard. Cupra’s infotainment system offers three unique UX “journeys” which include a modern digital cockpit look with futuristic graphics and a 3D customisable avatar.
A special racing mode provides real-time track positioning, lap times and performance data, while finally there’s a mode that allows drivers to interact with Cupra’s metaverse while the vehicle is parked and charging.
Each experience can be controlled through the steering wheel. The modes will interact with the exterior and interior lights as well as sounds to make the experience more immersive.
Earlier this year, Cupra introduced a virtual reality concept of the DarkRebel.
Cupra has kept most of the exterior design elements the same only adding a few extra details including bonnet vents at the front, a more streamlined design from the roof to the spoiler and Cupra’s copper finish on the wheels.
While Cupra hasn’t confirmed this vehicle for production, and calls its design a “provocation” and not a prediction, Cupra CEO Wayne Griffiths has previously left the door open for a sports car to join the line-up.
“It is a rebel with a purpose: to prove that electric cars in the future can be sporty, sexy, and emotional,” said Mr Griffiths.
“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 earlier this year.
“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.”
