2021 Cupra Tavascan Extreme E Concept

CUPRA unveils the Tavascan Extreme E Concept, a reinterpretation of the e-CUPRA ABT XE1

CÚPRA unveils the Tavascan Extreme E Concept at the IAA Munich International Motor Show
•Flax fibres are used throughout the CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept's body structure, enhancing its sustainability and environmental focus
•Engineers have introduced 3D-printed parts to streamline construction, improve adaptability and make the all-electric race car easier to repair
•The CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept hints at the design direction for the unconventional challenger brand's future production SÚV car

CÚPRA has revealed its new Tavascan Extreme E Concept at the IAA Munich International Motor Show.

The all-electric off-road racing car is the next stage in the brand's Extreme E adventure, which also hints at the design language to be used in the future series production CÚPRA Tavascan.

The Tavascan will be the brand's second 100% electric model that will be designed and developed in Barcelona and will reach Europe and overseas markets in 2024.

The CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept integrates a completely new exterior design with 100% CÚPRA DNA and a holistic approach to natural material use making it more sustainable, adaptable and easy to repair.

'We strongly believe in the Extreme E project as a whole' said Antonino Labate, Director of Strategy, Business Development and Operations at CÚPRA. 'Electrification, sustainability, gender-balance and diversity are common values between CÚPRA and Extreme E. The CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is clear proof of the hard work that we're doing at CÚPRA in order to be able to compete next season.'

The front and rear design has changed considerably from the vehicle that is racing in the first season of Extreme E. LED technology delivers greater freedom to produce a vehicle with CÚPRA DNA; the headlights in groups of three triangles on either side provide a more imposing look.

The LED lighting is set into a 3D-printed frame – a technology chosen to give the CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept a competitive edge.

The 3D-printed parts can be manufactured in just six hours, meaning the team can adapt to changes very quickly; whether it's because of an incident or changes to the light position, the components can be modified in a very short time without the need for cumbersome and expensive tooling.

'The CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is the next evolution of our all-electric off-road racing car with even more CÚPRA DNA and a design that hints at the brand's future direction. But it also delivers technical advancement too,' said Head of Technical Development at CÚPRA Racing, Xavi Serra. 'The CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept uses flax fibres throughout the bodywork to improve sustainability and 3D-printed elements that can be quickly recreated to keep the race car out on the track.'



Constructing as much of the body structure as possible from flax fibres – extracted from the flax plant – reduces the use of carbon fibre components and the vehicle's impact on the environment. The material can be worked in the same way, achieving the same shapes and radii required by engineers, and is a technology that could easily be adapted for production vehicles.

The CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept's revitalised body is finished with a livery that will help it stand out whether it's racing in arctic, desert, glacier or ocean locations.

The all-electric off-road race car is finished with copper accents – a time-honoured CÚPRA mark – parametric texturing and dynamized lines to help the exterior shimmer and move as the vehicle shifts through the landscape, and an overlapping CÚPRA logo to create a powerful 3D effect.

'The CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is looking incredible and in addition to being fully electric, it is now even more sustainable, using recyclable and organic materials such as flax fibres,' said Jutta Kleinschmidt, CÚPRA driver. 'I cannot wait to compete with this newly designed version!'

The CÚPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is equipped with a 54-kWh battery, placed behind the cockpit to optimise rear weight distribution, and can go from 0-62 mph in about 4 seconds to meet the race series' regulations.

CÚPRA has been part of Extreme E from the outset. It was the first automotive brand to announce its participation, joining forces with ABT Sportsline as the team's main partner. The Extreme E series is enhancing CÚPRA's electrification research while promoting electrification, sustainability, and gender equality.

Thomas Biermaier, CEO of ABT Sportsline, commented: 'Almost exactly a year ago, we announced our partnership with CÚPRA and presented the design of our e-CÚPRA ABT XE1. Since then, we've generated a lot of attention together – on and off the track. The development of the own bodywork by the designers and engineers at CÚPRA is the next step in our close and successful collaboration. The Tavascan Extreme E Concept looks simply great, right down to the smallest detail. Now it's our job to take the first trophies with it soon.'

Source - Cupra