Good news: The Volkswagen Group is putting Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in another car besides the RS3. Bad news: it’s not the long-rumored Golf R with five cylinders. Instead, Cupra once again gains access to Ingolstadt’s illustrious inline-five. The Formentor VZ5 originally debuted in early 2021 as a special edition limited to 7,000 units. Now it’s back, and even more exclusive, with production capped at just 4,000 vehicles.
Based on the facelifted Formentor, the new VZ5 doesn’t have access to the full power output of Audi’s 2.5 TFSI. Instead of 394 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), it delivers 385 hp and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm). If you want the whole shebang, Audi will gladly point you toward the RS3 Sedan and the not-for-America RS3 Sportback.
Like its Audi cousins, the Formentor VZ5 uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, Cupra says it’s employing its own all-wheel-drive system rather than a Quattro adaptation. The standard torque-splitting rear differential is likely similar, if not identical, to the RS Torque Splitter that debuted on the RS3 a few years ago.
Curiously, Cupra hasn’t released performance figures, but the original Formentor VZ5 reached 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and topped out at 155 mph (250 km/h). Those numbers should carry over since the power output remains essentially unchanged. The stacked exhaust tips, reminiscent of the Lexus RC F, also return, still finished in copper to match the striking accents on the 20-inch wheels and front badge.
Photo by: Cupra
Unlike the original, which was limited to left-hand drive, the facelifted version will also be offered in right-hand drive, making it suitable for the UK market. Pricing remains unknown, but the regular Formentor VZ with the Golf R’s engine already starts at around €60,000 in Spain. Even so, the VZ5 should still undercut the RS3 models, which cost roughly €85,000 in Cupra’s home market. Production is scheduled to begin in Barcelona in the first quarter of 2026.
Meanwhile, there’s still no confirmation from Volkswagen about finally giving the Golf R the coveted five-cylinder turbo engine. The clock is ticking, though. Audi has confirmed it won’t update the 2.5 TFSI to meet Euro 7 regulations, which take effect in November 2026. Engineers could rework the powertrain, but limited demand for the RS3 makes the investment hard to justify.
With the TT RS gone and the RS Q3 not returning with five cylinders, the RS3 remains the only car still using this charismatic engine. Well, aside from the occasional Cupra and track toys from Dutch maker Donkervoort.
Here’s hoping the VW Group milks this powerplant for all it’s worth and finally delivers the ultimate Golf R that fans have been waiting for since the never-realized Mk7 R400/R420.
