The new Cupra e-Racer show car doesn’t only look the part, but it’s capable of some mind-blowing performance too.

Its four electric motors, which generate 408PS (402hp) and a peak of up to 680PS (670hp), allow it to sprint from rest to 100km/h (0-62mph) in just 3.2 seconds, and up to a top speed of 270km/h (168mph).

The EV is just as fast as the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4, but the Italian supercar has a higher top speed: 325km/h (202mph). This makes the automaker refer to it as having “the power of a vehicle fueled with petrol”.

Providing it with the necessary juice is a battery pack, with 6,077 cells. It tips the scale at 450kg (992lbs), a third of the car’s weight, and it can be completely recharged in as little as 40 minutes.

“One of this vehicle’s most surprising aspects has to be its power”, said the technical director of the project, Xavier Serra. “The Cupra e-Racer can reach 12,000 revolutions, compared to the 6,500 of a petrol powered racer car, and all with a single gear.”

There’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to its design too, as “the main goal was to improve aerodynamics”, added Serra, who described its sound as being “similar to a mosquito”.

Inside, it has a roll cage, plenty of carbon fiber, a very special steering wheel, and what appear to be three separate displays.

Underpinning it is the chassis of the SEAT Leon, and not that of the Leon Cupra TCR as it was initially believed, which was enhanced with safety features to make it “suitable for competing”, according to the manufacturer.

The new Cupra e-Racer will be brought to the Geneva Motor Show, alongside other Cupra and SEAT vehicles, and different technologies.

Live image credits Guido ten Brink / SB-Medien

VIDEO

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