Cupra Tindaya Concept: Futuristic design and almost 500 hp

At 4.72 meters, the Cupra Tindaya is 20 centimeters longer than the brand's current largest model series, the Terramar. This indicates that Cupra is planning larger models in the future—and not only with an eye on the US launch, which is currently postponed until after 2030. A new top-of-the-line model could be an SUV coupé with a crossover body, as can be seen on the Tindaya.

The brand's current design language has been carefully refined. The LED daytime running lights on the pointed front end, shaped like a shark's nose, are arranged vertically next to each other, with the main headlights housed in a black mask below. The concept car dispenses with the lighting units and features a display with various animations.

In profile, the large 23-inch wheels and the reverse-opening doors with the missing B-pillar are striking. This entry-level concept is unlikely to make it into a production Cupra. A Y-shaped structural element in the roof is reminiscent of a living being's spine. Side openings in the roof could hint at roof rails. The rear features a new, three-dimensional interpretation of the LED light strip with embedded taillights and the model name at the side ends. Below this, the brand lettering on the tailgate can be seen. The Cupra logos at both ends of the body are illuminated.

The Cupra Tindaya seats four people. The individual seats float above the floor. They are bolted to the massive center console, which extends into the trunk. However, the most important person for Cupra is the person in the front left: "No Drivers. No Cupra" is the motto, intended to put the driver at the center. The rimless steering element draws inspiration from racing and the gaming scene. Behind it, a curved display shows all information relevant to the driver. Additional content is presented on displays arranged in a narrow strip directly below the windshield. This is reminiscent of BMW's new cockpit architecture, which premiered in parallel in the iX3 electric SUV.

The Cupra Tindaya doesn't have a large touchscreen monitor. The central interactive element is a glass prism on the center console, dubbed the "jewel" by the designers. Three driving modes can also be selected here. The "immersive experience" reduces the number of displays for full concentration.

The "Driving Experience" mode prioritizes displays for speed and centrifugal forces. There's also the "Connected Experience." In this mode, the car can connect with the "Cupra Tribe," i.e., other drivers of the brand and the manufacturer. It's quite possible that in the future, offers for coffee shop chains or shops along the route will also be displayed in the car.

For the first time, Cupra is using the new SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) architecture for the Tindaya concept. This architecture enables battery-electric models and serial plug-in hybrids. The Tindaya is such an electric car with a range extender (REEV). Propulsion is provided by two electric motors with a system output of 365 kW (496 hp). The unspecified battery is said to enable a range of 300 kilometers. The Tindaya theoretically accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds—faster than any Cupra before it.

A 1.5-liter TSI gasoline engine is also on board. It acts as a generator to generate electricity and never directly drives the wheels. This increases the total range to over 1,000 kilometers.

The Cupra Tindaya takes its model name from the volcano of the same name on Fuerteventura and the village at its foot. The matte dark gray paintwork on the front of the concept car symbolizes the Atlantic Ocean off the island. The body color changes to beige toward the rear, representing the earth and the mountains on land. Above the rear wheels and at the rear, recycled material is used for the outer body skin, visually reminiscent of carbon.