Cupra’s highly anticipated DarkRebel, initially presented as a show car in 2023, could be set for production by the end of this decade, according to reports from Spain. The vehicle, which generated significant excitement for its bold design and sporty characteristics, was originally seen as a one-off concept with no plans for mass production. However, new information suggests that the two-seater electric sports car will eventually make its way to the market, with technical support from Porsche.
The DarkRebel will not be developed solely by Cupra but will be based on the advanced technology of Porsche’s upcoming electric Boxster and Cayman models. Motor.es, a Spanish automotive news outlet, reported that the Cupra DarkRebel will share the same platform as these vehicles, marking a collaboration within the Volkswagen Group. The Porsche electric two-seater sports cars are expected to be revealed either later this year or in 2026, although production has faced delays due to a variety of technical challenges, including battery and drivetrain issues. These vehicles are set to use batteries sourced from Valmet Automotive, utilizing cells from the Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt.
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Although Porsche has yet to confirm the exact details of its own electric sports car lineup, it is expected that the upcoming models will feature both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. As with any sports car, the low seating position and ideal weight distribution are critical for performance, making the placement of the battery especially important. In order to preserve these features, the battery cannot be simply placed in the underbody as in higher-riding EVs. The DarkRebel will likely feature a unique battery setup, which is expected to differ from traditional EV architectures, allowing for optimal driving dynamics.
While precise technical specifications for the Cupra DarkRebel remain sparse, reports suggest that the electric sports car will offer power outputs between 220 kW (approximately 300 hp) and 368 kW (approximately 500 hp), with specific tuning for the electric motor and chassis to meet the Cupra brand’s performance standards. This range would position the vehicle as a high-performance competitor in the electric sports car segment, though the exact figures are still speculative.
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The move towards production for the DarkRebel is a significant step for Cupra, which has positioned itself as a performance-oriented brand within the Volkswagen Group. However, it is not the first time the Group has attempted to develop a mid-engine sports car based on Porsche’s platform. Previous attempts, such as Audi’s rumored R5 sports car and VW’s concept for a mid-engine two-seater, failed to make it to production. Given these past challenges, it remains to be seen whether Cupra will succeed in bringing the DarkRebel to market.
The potential production of the Cupra DarkRebel marks a notable shift in the electric sports car landscape. As electric vehicle technology continues to evolve, brands within the Volkswagen Group appear eager to leverage their combined resources and expertise in the pursuit of electric performance cars. With the DarkRebel’s design and technology drawing heavily from Porsche’s upcoming models, this collaboration could create a compelling offering for sports car enthusiasts in the electric age.
Source: motor.es
