At the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, CUPRA unveiled its most radical creation yet—the Tindaya Showcar. More than just a concept vehicle, the Tindaya is a declaration of intent, a sculptural embodiment of CUPRA’s vision for the future of mobility. With its daring design, immersive technology, and unapologetic driver-centric philosophy, the Tindaya doesn’t just challenge conventions—it obliterates them.
A Tribute to Origins and Emotion
Named after the volcanic mountain Tindaya on Fuerteventura, the showcar draws inspiration from nature’s raw beauty and human anatomy. Its body color morphs from deep metallic grey to soft beige, echoing the tones of the Atlantic and the rugged terrain of its namesake. This isn’t just aesthetic flair—it’s a statement of transformation and fluidity.
CUPRA’s interim CEO Markus Haupt summed it up best: “Our focus will always be on the emotion of driving. We believe in our Tribe, in the drivers: our cars are designed for them to fully express themselves”. That ethos permeates every inch of the Tindaya, from its skeletal central spine to its saloon-style opposing doors that open up the cabin like a living organism.
Design That Breathes
The Tindaya is built around three core concepts: Origins, Alive, and Transformation.
- Origins: CUPRA’s mantra “No drivers, no CUPRA” is more than a slogan—it’s the foundation of the Tindaya’s architecture. Every element is oriented toward the driver, with a racing-inspired yoke steering wheel and a full-length center console that divides the 2+2 seating layout. The absence of a traditional infotainment screen emphasizes focus, while a massive 24-inch display handles instrumentation.
- Alive: At the heart of the interior lies “The Jewel”—a sensory glass prism that reacts to light and sound, awakening the vehicle and adjusting driving modes. Advanced 3D touch surfaces, illuminated bucket seats, and parametric textures create a living, breathing cockpit that responds to your presence.
- Transformation: Nothing in the Tindaya is static. Exterior colors shift depending on the angle, wheels change appearance with movement, and surfaces evolve as you interact with them. It’s a dynamic design language that feels more like wearable tech than automotive engineering.
Phygital Driving: Where Physical Meets Digital
CUPRA’s Tindaya introduces a new paradigm: phygital interaction. This fusion of physical and digital elements puts the driver at the center of a multi-sensory experience. The car offers three distinct driving modes:
- Immersive Experience: Minimalist graphics and responsive layouts create a deep emotional connection between driver and machine.
- Rider Experience: Designed for thrill-seekers, this mode amplifies performance feedback with dynamic digital surfaces that react to G-forces and speed.
- Tribe Experience: A showcase of smart connected mobility, this mode uses AI to curate personalized experiences and connect you with the CUPRA Tribe.
Each mode redefines what it means to drive—not just as a mechanical act, but as a form of self-expression.
A New Design Language
Visually, the Tindaya is a departure from CUPRA’s current lineup. While it retains echoes of the Formentor and Tavascan, its sculpted bodysides, aggressive rear wheel arches, and wedge-shaped lighting signature push the envelope. The gaping front fascia defies the trend of closed aerodynamic fronts, instead embracing a bold, open look that evokes rally-raid styling and futuristic fantasy.
Subtle details abound: a hidden display screen above the front intake, matte paint that shifts from grey to copper, and gloss inserts that frame the rear wheel arch. At 4720mm in length, the Tindaya is longer than any current CUPRA production model, riding on massive 23-inch alloy wheels that give it a towering stance.
Not Just a Dream—A Promise
Perhaps the most surprising revelation is that the Tindaya isn’t just a flight of fancy. CUPRA has confirmed that this showcar is destined for production. “The Cupra Tindaya showcar is not a dream, not even an ambition. This is our Cupra statement, and it’s going to be a reality,” Haupt declared.
That statement transforms the Tindaya from a concept into a manifesto. It’s a promise that CUPRA will continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and prioritize the emotional core of driving.
Final Thoughts
The CUPRA Tindaya Showcar is more than a vehicle—it’s a vision. It reimagines the relationship between driver and machine, blending art, technology, and emotion into a single, cohesive experience. As CUPRA steps boldly into the future, the Tindaya stands as a beacon of what’s possible when design is liberated from convention and driven by passion.
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