There aren't many cars that wouldn't be improved by the installation of Audi's 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo, and the Cupra Formentor will surely be better for the new engine choice. What was a likeable enough SUV in four-cylinder format stands to be a cult favourite with almost 400hp in VZ5 trim - especially as a left-hand drive limited edition...
Today it's been announced by Cupra that the Formentor will use the Drift Mode recently also confirmed for the new Audi RS3. Clearly VW is keen to get the most out of its investment! It's the same system as seen in the Golf R, with clutches on the rear axle to apportion torque as required to each rear wheel; the clutch pack has its own ECU, in fact, monitoring wheel speed, yaw angle, steering angle, lateral acceleration and more to help inform how much torque should go to each wheel.
Drift Mode here apparently completely disconnects the ESC (in the Golf there's a specially configured Sport mode for it as well as all off), with up to the full 354lb ft able to be sent one way or the other. Cupra says the hardware will allow VZ5 owners to "experience the ultimate in terms of driving dynamics on closed tracks."
Speaking of ownership, we're still no closer to knowing whether any of the 7,000 Formentors will be coming to the UK. Yes, it'll be left-hand drive and, yes, it'll likely be quite expensive - but the VZ5 would surely find a few buyers here. For now, we've been told its status is unconfirmed; Cupra UK wants to get the car here, though no further progress has been made on how or when that might happen. Surely a few can be spared, can't they? It's a cooler way into five cylinders and Drift Mode than an RS3...
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