Manufacturer Spotlight: CUPRA


CUPRA

Welcome to this edition of Manufacturer Spotlight! We’re shining the light on CUPRA, a brand that is having an incredible impact on the automotive industry, in celebration of turning 5 years old in 2023.

CUPRA was under SEAT as a joint entity until it separated to become its own brand in 2018. Since then, CUPRA has been offering automotive enthusiasts just what they’ve been searching for…a perfect mix of design, power, and innovation.

In this manufacturer spotlight blog post, we’ll explore the history of CUPRA and get an inside look at why it’s fast becoming one of the hottest names in the car world today. Let’s take a closer look!

Who makes CUPRA cars?

For those asking who owns CUPRA, well the sub-brand is manufactured by SEAT, which is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.

2013 SEAT Ibiza CUPRA
2013 SEAT Ibiza CUPRA

SEAT, the Spanish car manufacturer, has been crafting cars with a dash of zest since 1950. With a storied background in competitive racing, SEAT’s vehicles epitomise their passion for adrenaline-inducing experiences.

Being a part of the Volkswagen corporation has not diluted SEAT’s dedication to designing cars that will thrill and electrify its youthful clientele. Its focus on creating a fun and exhilarating driving experience is what sets SEAT apart from the pack.

When did CUPRA become its own brand?

Breaking away from Volkswagen’s traditional branding approach, SEAT caused a stir in 2018 by introducing the CUPRA sub-brand.

The goal was clear: targeting performance-oriented consumers and creating fervent demand for their products.

The move breathed new life into the brand, generating an exhilarating buzz that lingers to this day. The results have been stellar, evident in CUPRA’s ever-evolving range of models.

What does CUPRA mean?

To complement the SEAT group’s premier models, they deserve a title as impressive as their performance.

Enter “CUPRA” – a sleek, two-part name that pays homage to the brand’s racing heritage.

Split by “CUP” and ‘RA”, it is inspired by the euphoria of cup racing, since these exclusive vehicles embody the pinnacle of the CUPRA history of its fruitful motorsport background.

What is the CUPRA logo?

The CUPRA emblem is a visually stunning masterpiece that blends perfectly with the sleek wordmark. It takes on the form of a sharp X-shaped symbol with elongated tails at the bottom and pointed angles at the top, giving it an unmistakable spider-like appearance.

This masculine and powerful emblem exudes a sense of influence and energy, thanks to its sharp lines that convey a feeling of dynamism. To add a touch of class and sophistication, the logo switches from monochrome to silver when placed on the cars, bringing out the metallic grey in a luxurious and elegant manner.

The CUPRA logo is more than just a symbol for a sports car, it’s a powerful representation of the brand’s passion, precision, style, performance, determination, and courage. With the perfect balance of different worlds and elements, this logo embodies everything that CUPRA stands for. It’s not just a logo, it’s an intriguing reflection of the spirit and identity of this exceptional brand.

Are CUPRA cars fast?

CUPRA Formentor VZ5
CUPRA Formentor VZ5

Given the history of being a motorsport brand, you could say CUPRA cars are fast. And if you’re looking for speed, CUPRA cars have got it.

In 1970, SEAT launched its renowned competition division – SEAT Sport. This eventually became CUPRA RACING in 1996, a new era for the brand within the racing industry.

Their SEAT Ibiza CUPRA dominated the FIA 2.0-litre class World Cup in the late 90s, kick-starting the creation of the CUPRA brand. This victory was just one of many successes for the brand in various rally and touring car championships over the years. Their latest venture is the electrifying Extreme E racing series, where the CUPRA team is pushing the limits in all-electric racing.

Now, the cars from this brand truly accelerate like a rocket, allowing drivers to get from 0-to-60mph in the blink of an eye.

They are also known for having amazing handling and agility. Along with all that speed, you’ll have confidence behind the wheel, knowing that you can take tight corners and sharp turns with ease.

The brand’s fastest and most powerful car is the CUPRA Formentor VZ5. Featuring a sizzling 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine, this beauty boasts an impressive 385bhp that will take your breath away. The sound of the engine is pure music to the ears, with a heart-pumping roar that will leave you feeling captivated. 


In conclusion, CUPRA cars offer a thrilling driving experience that combines speed, power and agility. With its decades of motorsport heritage, CUPRA has created an iconic symbol of performance with the stylish X-shaped logo.

All in all, CUPRA vehicles bring a unique combination of style and performance to the table, offering drivers a truly unforgettable experience.