Cupra Tindaya: An Electric Car with a 1,000‑km Range

CUPRA unveiled its most radical concept to date – the Tindaya Showcar – at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. More than a styling exercise, the prototype is presented as a manifesto for the future of the automobile and the brand’s identity, blending the volcanic nature of Fuerteventura with the cutting‑edge of the Volkswagen Group.

A Name Rooted in Volcanic Heritage

The name Tindaya refers to the iconic mountain in the heart of Fuerteventura, a symbol of teluric strength, permanence and mysticism. Its rough, copper‑coloured volcanic surface is echoed in the car’s tones and textures, giving the impression that the vehicle rises from the Atlantic earth as a moving sculpture.

“No Drivers, No CUPRA” – The Human‑Centred Philosophy

While much of the industry is moving toward driver‑less technology, CUPRA stakes its claim on the driver as the soul of the experience.

“While many move away from the driver, we bet on what matters most: the connection to the wheel. Our focus will always be on the emotion of driving,” said Markus Haupt, interim CEO of CUPRA.

The Tindaya is built to intensify the bond between person and machine, from its interior architecture to its exterior design.

Powertrain: Muscle Meets Brain

• Dual electric motors (one per axle) delivering 496 hp (365 kW).
• 0–100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, making it the fastest CUPRA ever produced.
• Equipped with a Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) system: the internal‑combustion engine acts solely as a generator, never driving the wheels.

This setup provides up to 300 km of pure electric range and over 1,000 km of total range, marrying the efficiency of a pure EV with the freedom of long‑distance travel without constant reliance on charging stations.

Exterior: Dynamic Sculpture

• Length: 4.72 m; wheels: 23‑inch; muscular fastback silhouette that appears to move even when stationary.
• Front fascia features an illuminated logo and a breathing‑like light sequence, giving the car a “living” presence.
• Functional aerodynamic elements – front splitters, side air channels, rear diffuser – enhance performance and efficiency while reinforcing the concept‑car aesthetic.
• A Y‑shaped roof structure, inspired by human anatomy, serves as a visible spine, adding personality and solidity.

Interior: The “Driver Axis” Experience

• The cabin follows a “Driver Axis” concept, placing the driver at the centre of an enveloping capsule reminiscent of a racing single‑seater.
• Yoke‑type steering wheel, haptic controls, and a raised central console transform driving into a piloting act rather than mere transportation.
• At its core lies “The Jewel”, a crystal prism that acts as a multisensory controller, allowing the driver to select driving modes, adjust interior ambience, and connect with the digital CUPRA Tribe community – a near‑ritual convergence of digital, tactile and emotional interaction.

Sustainable Luxury Materials

CUPRA embraces a sustainable‑luxury philosophy, selecting every material for its environmental footprint and sensory appeal:

• Vegan leather
• Bcomp linen fibre
• Bronze‑toned waxed microfiber
• 3D‑printed aluminium

These finishes are not merely aesthetic; they constitute a statement of principles that links design, innovation and responsibility.