CARS OF THE WORLD

Cupra Tavascan Extreme E 2022.

Cupra Tavascan Extreme E 2022 racing electric SUV unveiled.

The Cupra Tavascan Extreme E electric concept car developed together with ABT Sportsline has premiered at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich.

This prototype is also known under the name «e-CUPRA ABT XE1». It is a racing off-road vehicle with an aggressive exterior design, high ground clearance and «teeth» wheels.

Curiously, its body is not made of popular in racing models carbon fiber, but of biocomposite, which contains, for example, linen fibers.

This material is about 10% heavier than carbon fiber, but it’s much more environmentally friendly — during its production the level of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere is almost 85% lower than while making the same carbon fiber.

The design of the concept involves many components made on a 3D printer (for example, headlight housings).

The developers point out that this approach allows simplifying the process of repair of the car as it is possible to print out the necessary elements in just six hours.

The Cupra Tavascan Extreme E Concept is powered by two electric motors (one on each axle). Their total output reaches 306 hp.

Due to this SUV is able to accelerate from a place to a hundred in about 4.0 seconds. A traction battery with a capacity of 54 kWh is located in the rear of the platform.

It is reported that in the near future the car can be seen in the experimental racing series Extreme E, races which take place on off-road.

At the same time the prototype is a precursor to the Cupra Tavascan production model, the market launch of which is scheduled for 2024.

The production model is expected to be built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform. Technically there is not much in common between the shown concept and production model but the cars will be similar stylistically.

The racing Tavascan has nothing in common with the production Cupra Tavascan electric crossover except the name. Neither the filling, nor the design.

There is no crossover in lines or at least in optics. Spaniards are already thinking how the «second» Tavascan can look.

Recall that in the championship Extreme E participate cars built on the basis of one model Spark Odyssey 21 (400 kW, 544 hp, 1780 kg, battery capacity used — 40 kWh).

Teams can tamper with the exterior and adjust certain components (powertrain, motors, when power is limited by regulations).

The project is the fruit of joint efforts of the studio ABT Sportsline and Cupra brand, which was responsible for the design of the show car.

The overall contours of the car reminds XE1, but simple rectangular headlights and lights gave way to a combination of three triangles, redesigned bumpers and aerodynamic components such as a built-in antifender in the nose.

At the rear, two vertical triangular stabilizers appear.

The concept has found room for a couple of rare technologies so far: throughout the body you can find parts made of a composite based on linen fibers, as well as elements printed on a 3D printer.

I can’t wait to see it make its racing debut. A car like this contributes to making the Extreme E an international marketing platform for partners.»

However, ABT and Cupra have not yet given a timeline for turning the concept into a fighting car.