Is this the ultimate Cupra Formentor?
German tuning company Manhart has revealed its latest high-performance creation. This time it’s based on the flagship Cupra Formentor VZ5, which isn’t offered in Australia.
Dubbed the CP 500, this is the first time Manhart has modified a Cupra model. It has previously revealed tuned versions of cars including the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi RS3, Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Nissan Patrol, among countless others.
Manhart has done an initial “stage 1” tune on the CP 500 which helps boost outputs from the Audi-sourced 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine to 365kW of power and 630Nm of torque.
In standard form the Formentor VZ5 produces 287kW and 480Nm, or 78kW and 150Nm less.
It’s worth noting this iconic inline five-cylinder engine is used in Audi vehicles like the RS3, RSQ3, and TT RS. The Formentor VZ5 is the first time the engine has been used by another Volkswagen Group brand.
Manhart has been able to achieve these inflated power and torque outputs by using its MHtronik powerbox. There’s also a slip-on tailpipe exhaust with valve control that offers an “enhanced sound track” and quad tips.
The tuning company completes the look by offering 20-inch Concave One wheels and a H&R spring lowering set. There’s also a decal set in Manhart’s signature design.
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Regular Formentor VZ5 -
Manhart said alongside its “stage 1” tune, it’s also planning a possible “stage 2” tune which would feature an “enhanced performance upgrade” with an intercooler, air intake, and ECU remap.
The Cupra Formentor has been on sale in Australia since July 2022 and is available in four variations, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
As previously reported, the flagship Cupra Formentor VZ5 won’t be offered in Australia. Just 7000 of them are being built and all of them are left-hand drive.
The current flagship Formentor in Australia is the VZx which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 228kW and 400Nm.
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Formentor VZx
In terms of current local supply of the Formentor, the company recently said high-end VZ and VZx versions can be delivered “within a few weeks” of someone making an online order.
Although supply of VZ and VZx models is solid, the Formentor VZe PHEV is currently not available.
The brand is “in discussion with its factory as to further production”, according to a media release.
The Formentor is comfortably Cupra’s best-selling car in Australia. In January, the 108 delivered represented just shy of three quarters of the brand’s deliveries.
