Cupra Unveils DarkRebel Concept Car, Looks Like Something Out of TRON

The CUPRA brand is doing its best to flex its newfound independence from SEAT by unveiling the final form of its vision to the world. The car in question is more futuristic-looking than we've seen in most science fiction movies. Everything about it looks like it came straight out of TRON or Ready Player One.

Building on the ties this car has to technology is what CUPRA calls Hyper Configurator, a fitting name considering this car is the definition of hyper in terms of design. The Hyper Configurator is a tool meant to emphasize the design being a communication process by allowing the fans to give their input on the concept.

It is meant to intrigue people and encourage them to challenge CUPRA's concept. This means that when the physical version of the DarkRebel comes out, and CUPRA says it will in the future, it might look nothing like the current concept, as users get the chance to influence the design.

Causing intrigue can also be used to describe how the car looks in the available renders. It's sharp, sleek, angular, and aggressive. The DarkRebel features a front-end design that would not look out of place on a track-only hypercar. Despite that, this vehicle boasts a two-door shooting brake architecture.

This choice makes it look distinct and upscale, akin to an Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato shooting brake, especially in the back. Meanwhile, the silhouette of the hood seems somewhat inspired by the Ferrari GTC4Lusso.

Granted, those cars might have caught some flack from the enthusiast community, but it's undeniable that their design is bold. That can also be said for the DarkRebel, as the car seems to take inspiration from what can be considered an obscure and outdated body style and reinterpret it for the future.

The side profile of the DarkRebel is even more impressive, as it's characterized by triangular elements that look shaped with aerodynamic function in mind. But that design choice might have as much to do with function as it has with showcasing that CUPRA aims to become a dynamic and exciting brand all on its own.

Every element discussed so far is further accentuated by CUPRA, allowing users to experience the concept in three distinct environments. These range from the exponential cube, which emphasizes the DarkRebel's raw texture, allowing the users to challenge the design all the way, to the exponential Infinite, where a surrealist interpretation of the car can be glimpsed.

But the Exponential cube is by far the most fitting way to experience this DarkRebel. Here, the car is drenched in neon glow, accentuating the futuristic lines and making every detail seem vibrant and alive.