autoevolution
 

Cupra Formentor VZ5’s Torque Splitter Tech Will Let You Enable Drift Mode

Cupra’s upcoming Formentor VZ5 variant will feature the carmaker’s torque splitter technology and an all-new Drift Mode for increased stability and agility when tackling the twisty bits. The VZ5 will enjoy a limited production run of 7,000 units, all left-hand drive.
CUPRA Formentor VZ5 6 photos
Photo: Cupra
CUPRA Formentor VZ5CUPRA Formentor VZ5CUPRA Formentor VZ5CUPRA Formentor VZ5CUPRA Formentor VZ5
This electro-hydraulic fully variable torque splitter system utilizes two clutches for independent torque control on each rear wheel, meaning that power coming from the Formentor VZ5’s 2.5-liter TSI unit can be shifted between the wheels, depending on which wheel is on the outside during cornering.

The crossover’s multi-plate clutch pack comes with its own ECU, constantly analyzing wheel speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, yaw angle, steering angle, accelerator pedal position, and the gear you’re in. This way, it knows how much torque to send to the wheel with the most load, ensuring greater turn-in speed and stability while cornering.

Thanks to this torque splitter tech, Cupra is also enabling a new Drift Mode in the Formentor VZ5. Once engaged, this mode turns off the car’s ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and pushes all of the TSI engine’s 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque to the outside rear wheel when needed, thus generating oversteer.

Other drive modes present in the Formentor VZ5 include Comfort, Sport, Cupra, Individual, and Offroad, each with its own pre-set configuration for the throttle and gearbox response, as well as the steering feel and suspension.

“The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 is the most powerful and sophisticated variant of the high-performance crossover SUV ever created. With the addition of the torque splitter and the new Drift Mode, car enthusiasts will be able to experience the ultimate in terms of driving dynamics on closed tracks,” said CUPRA and SEAT R&D exec Dr Werner Tietz.

On paper, the Formentor VZ5 will rocket to 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.2 seconds, while its top speed is rated at 155 mph (250 kph).
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
press release
About the author: Sergiu Tudose
Sergiu Tudose profile photo

Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories