The Volkswagen Group’s 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five has become a cult powerplant, most recently heard in the Audi RS3. However, Euro 7 emissions limits will force Audi to end RS3 production in the third quarter of 2027, leaving the engine without a flagship bearer in Europe. VW Group officials have hinted that the engine could survive in markets with looser regulations, such as the United States, and that an electrified version may be explored to meet future standards.
Amid this backdrop, spy photographs captured at the Nürburgring reveal a prototype SUV that bears the Cupra badge and the designation Terramar VZ5. The car’s silhouette is almost indistinguishable from the standard Terramar VZe, suggesting Cupra is opting for a sleeper-like approach similar to the Formentor VZ5, which also hides the five-cylinder under a familiar body shell. According to the photographer’s notes, the prototype emitted the unmistakable scream of the turbo five, confirming that the power unit is indeed present.
Technical package and performance figures
The Terramar VZ5 is expected to inherit the same 384 horsepower and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque that the engine produces in the Formentor VZ5. Power will be sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (dual-clutch transmission), delivering a 0-62 mph (100 kph) sprint in roughly 4.2 seconds. While this acceleration is a shade slower than the RS3, the soundtrack of the five-cylinder is likely to be the main selling point for enthusiasts.
The exterior differences are subtle. The prototype lacks the stacked quad-pipe exhaust seen on the Formentor VZ5 and instead uses the regular four-pipe layout shared with the VZ and VZe variants. Front-end styling retains the dark-gray grille and air intakes common to the Terramar range, and the wheels and brakes appear unchanged, with bronze-painted front calipers continuing the brand’s visual language.
Production outlook and market positioning
Production of the Formentor VZ5 is capped at 4,000 units, a figure that could serve as a benchmark for the Terramar VZ5 if Cupra decides to keep the model exclusive. No official volume has been disclosed yet, but the limited-run strategy would align with the niche appeal of a turbo five-cylinder SUV. The vehicle is slated to make its public debut in early 2027, giving Cupra time to fine-tune emissions compliance and possibly explore a hybrid-assist option to broaden its market reach.
Should the Terramar VZ5 reach series production, it would become the third VW Group model equipped with the iconic engine, joining the Formentor VZ5 and the soon-to-be-retired Audi RS3. Its introduction could extend the life of the turbo five beyond the RS3’s planned discontinuation, especially in regions where Euro 7 constraints are less stringent. The combination of strong power output, all-wheel-drive capability, and the distinctive acoustic character of the five-cylinder may attract buyers looking for a performance SUV that stands out without flaunting aggressive styling cues.
