This is the CUPRA Tindaya, the futuristic electric prototype unveiled at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich
With the solemnity of a declaration of intent and the silhouette of a futuristic creature, CUPRA has unveiled its most radical proposal to date at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich: the Tindaya Showcar. This prototype transcends mere styling or a simple showcase of technology; it represents a manifesto about the future of the automobile and the brand’s identity. A car that balances emotion and rationality, between the volcanic nature of Fuerteventura and the most advanced innovation from the Volkswagen Group.
The name references Tindaya Mountain, located in the heart of Fuerteventura, a symbol of tectonic strength and a point of permanence and mystique that CUPRA has reinterpreted in automotive terms. The rough, coppery surface of the volcanic rock is reflected in the car’s tones and textures, which seem to rise from the Atlantic soil to materialise as a moving sculpture.
At a time when much of the industry focuses on autonomy and assisted driving, CUPRA has decided to swim against the tide with a bold motto: “No drivers, no CUPRA.” For the brand, the driver is not an obstacle to be removed but rather the very soul of the experience. This was expressed by Markus Haupt, interim CEO of CUPRA: “While many are distancing themselves from the driver, we are focusing on what matters most: the connection at the wheel. Our attention will always be on the thrill of driving.” The Tindaya embodies this idea. Everything, from the interior architecture to the exterior design, has been conceived to enhance the bond between person and machine.
Beneath its skin, the Tindaya Showcar combines strength and intelligence. With two electric motors (one on each axle), it generates 496 hp (365 kW) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, making it the fastest CUPRA in history. However, its true impact lies in the propulsion system: a Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) that revolutionises the concept of plug-in hybrids.
Unlike traditional models, in this one, the thermal engine does not drive the wheels but operates exclusively as a generator, providing additional energy for the batteries. This allows for up to 300 km of electric range and over 1,000 km of total autonomy. In other words, it combines the best of both worlds: the efficiency of a pure electric with the freedom of long journeys without always relying on charging points.
The exterior of the Tindaya is a spectacle of dynamism and functionality. Measuring 4.72 metres in length, equipped with 23-inch wheels, and featuring a muscular fastback silhouette, the car seems to be in motion even when stationary. At the front, the illuminated logo is accompanied by a dynamic light sequence that simulates breathing, as if the vehicle comes to life each time it is activated.
The aerodynamic elements are not merely decorative: the front fins, side air channels, and rear diffuser serve both performance and efficiency purposes while reinforcing the aesthetics of a concept car designed to impress on the road and at rest. The Y-shaped structure of the roof, inspired by human anatomy, acts as a visible backbone, imparting personality and solidity to the whole.
The interior is even more radical. Under the concept “Driver Axis”, the cabin places the driver at the centre of an enveloping capsule reminiscent of racing cars. The yoke-style steering wheel, haptic controls, and elevated central console transform driving into an act of piloting rather than simple transportation.
At the heart of this space is “The Jewel”, a crystal prism symbolising the soul of the car. This multisensory controller allows management of driving modes, regulation of the interior atmosphere, and connection with the CUPRA Tribe’s digital community. It is the point where the digital, tactile, and emotional converge into an almost ritual experience.
If the design excites, the materials persuade. CUPRA has committed to a vision of sustainable luxury, where each element has been chosen for its environmental impact and sensory value. Vegan leather, Bcomp linen fibre, bronzed waxed microfiber, and 3D-printed aluminium are not just sophisticated finishes; they represent a principled stance that connects design, innovation, and responsibility.
