Good news: Volkswagen Group is putting Audi’s 2.5-liter turbocharged engine in another car alongside the RS3. The bad news: It’s not the long-rumored five-cylinder Golf R. Instead, the Cobra once again managed to reach the illustrious five-line in Ingolstadt. The Formentor VZ5 debuted in early 2021 as a special edition limited to 7,000 units. Now it’s back, and in even more exclusive form, with a production cap of just 4,000 vehicles.
Based on the facelifted Formentor, the new VZ5 doesn’t have access to the full power output of the Audi 2.5 TFSI. Instead of 394 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), it offers 385 hp and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm). If you want the whole shebang, Audi will happily direct you towards RS3 sedan And the RS3 Sportback is not intended for America.
Like her Audi Its cousins, the Formentor VZ5 uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, Cupra says it uses its own all-wheel drive system instead of the quattro system. The standard torque split rear differential will likely be similar, if not identical, to the RS Torque Splitter that debuted in the RS3 a few years ago.
Oddly enough, Cobra hasn’t released performance figures, however Original Formentor VZ5 It reached 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and topped out at 155 mph (250 km/h). These numbers should carry over since power output remains essentially unchanged. The stacked exhaust tips, reminiscent of the Lexus RC F, also return, finished in copper to match the striking accents on the 20-inch wheels and front badge.
Photo by: Cobra
Unlike the original, which was limited to left-hand drive, the facelifted version will also be offered with right-hand drive, making it suitable for the UK market. Pricing is still unknown, but a regular Formentor VZ with a Golf R engine already starts at around €60,000 in Spain. However, the VZ5 still has to be undercut RS3 models, which cost approximately 85,000 euros in Cupra’s domestic 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 a five-cylinder turbo engine. But the clock is ticking. Audi has confirmed this 2.5 TFSI will not be updated To meet Euro 7 regulations, which will come into effect in November 2026. Engineers could rework the powertrain, but limited demand for the RS3 makes it difficult to justify the investment.
With the TT RS gone and the five-cylinder RS Q3 not returning, the RS3 remains the only car still using this attractive engine. Well, apart from the occasional Cobra and track toys from a Dutch maker Donkerfurt.
Hopefully the VW Group will milk this engine for all it’s worth and finally deliver The ultimate Golf R Which fans have been waiting for since the Mk7 R400/R420 never materialised.
