Cup models and the history of the brand

The difference between seat and cupra has never been more evident than 2025, when Cupra delivered 170,000 cars, marking a spectacular growth of almost 100% compared to the previous year.

Currently, the brand that was born from the sports division in 2018, produces over 15,000 cars, of which about a quarter are electric models. In addition, the average price of a cup model, of about 30,000 euros, positions it well above the 23,000 euros of a place.

Formant Cup, the first exclusive model of the brand, demonstrates the success of this transformation, with over 97,000 units sold in 2025. The Martorell factory, where this car is produced, evolved from 14,400 units in 2018 to the impressive 125,700 in 2025.

In this article, we will explore in detail how Cupra has turned from a simple sports division into a self -producer, what technologies currently use and what experience it offers its owners.

How was the Cupra brand born in the seat

The history of Cupra begins in 1970, when Seat launched its division of competition, Seat Sport. The name Cupra, consisting of the combination of words «cup» and «racing», appeared for the first time in 1996, with the launch of the Ibiza GTI 2.0 16v Cupra Sport seat.

From the sports division to the independent brand

The initial success of the brand was outlined in rally competitions, in which Seat won three consecutive titles of the manufacturer in the 2 -liter rally world cup between 1996 and 1998. This performance transformed Ibiza from a regular sedan into a respected competition car.

In the following two decades, the seat continued to develop sporting models under the Badge Cupra. An extraordinary moment was the launch of the Leon Cupra 1.8 20v seat in 1999, followed by the Leon Cupra 4 seat, the first cupra model with full traction and the only one equipped with a six -cylinder engine.

The decisive transformation took place in February 2018, when the place officially announced that Cupra becomes an independent brand. This strategic decision has marked the beginning of a new era, with a new logo and brand values ​​based on the passion for breeds, fashion and culture.

The role of Luca De Meo in the transformation

Luca De Meo, president of the polling station in November 2015, played a crucial role in this transformation. Under his leadership, the seat has started the largest offensive of the product in the history of the company, significantly improving financial and commercial results.

Meo’s strategy for Cupra was inspired by his previous experience with the Fiat’s Abarth brand. It identified significant potential in the ultra -length vehicle segment, estimating a European market of over 12 billion euros.

His vision for Cupra included the development of distinct variants of the existing models, but also the creation of exclusive models for the new brand. This approach has made it possible to attract customers who normally do not consider a seat model, thus contributing to increasing the profitability of the company.

The first model launched under the new independent brand was Cupra Ateca in October 2018, marking the beginning of a new era in which she develops its identity, separated from the seat, with an emphasis on innovation and performance.

Who produces the gloomy models at the moment

The Cupra models are produced in different factories all over the world, but the main production center remains the Martorell factory in Barcelona, ​​Spain.

Factories where cup cars are produced

Seat Sa manages three main production centers in Spain – Martorell, El Prat de Llobregat and Barcelona, ​​where the formant is created. In addition, Cupra Born is produced in Germany, Tavascan Cupra in China and Terramar Cupra in Hungary.

The Martorell factory, the most important production unit, covers an area of ​​2.8 million m² and has produced over 12 million vehicles from 45 different models. Currently it is the third largest factory as a production volume in the Volkswagen group in Europe.

Quality production and control process

In Martorell, a new cupra car leaves the assembly line every 69 seconds. The process provides over 4,000 employees who work in three shifts. For quality control, the factory uses the Prüfer digital system, an automatic station equipped with an artificial vision system that simultaneously monitors over 60 control points.

Smart Plug, another technological innovation, manages the assembly of over 90 electronic control units, being able to program up to 45 cars at the same time.

Technologies used in production

Seats to invest over 3 billion euros in the electrification of the Martorell factory. Recently, the company has installed the first 100% electric drying oven in the Volkswagen group, which reduces energy consumption by 25% and occupies 42% less space.

The technical center of the company, which deals with research and development, covers an area of ​​200,000 m², of which 43,000 m² are dedicated exclusively to research and development activities. Here, about 1,200 specialists use advanced technologies for the development of new models.

The production process also benefits from advanced digital tools such as numerical simulations and virtual reality, which have allowed the significant reduction in physical tests and prototypes, while maintaining high standards.

Popular models

The current wallet of the gloomy brand includes two emblematic models that have redefined the standards in their segments. These models demonstrate the manufacturer’s commitment to innovation and performance.

Formants cup: the first exclusive model

Formant Cup, launched as the first model developed exclusively for the brand, has set new standards in the SUV coupe segment. With impressive dimensions of 4,451 mm in length, 1,839 mm wide and 1,537 mm in height, this model offers a generous passenger space and a boot with a capacity between 345 and 450 liters.

The range of engines includes petrol and plug-in hybrid versions, with powers between 150 and 333 HP. The plug-in version Hybrid Vze combines a 1.4-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, generating a pair of 180 kW and 400 nm. In addition, the model offers an electric autonomy of up to 54 km.

As for safety, the formantor obtained 5 stars at the NCAP euro tests in 2025, equipped with 10 airbags, including side airbags for the rear seats and a central front airbag.

Cupra born: the first electric model

Cupra Born marks the brand’s entry into the electric era, being the first 100% electric model of the brand. Built on the Meb platform of the Volkswagen group, Born Note itself from its impressive autonomy of up to 548 km.

The model is available with three battery options: 45 kWh, 55 kWh and 77 kWh. The upper version develops 231 HP and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. In fast loading stations, Born can receive up to 170 kW, allowing 5% to 80% loading in about 30 minutes.

The interior affects with the 12.9-inch tactile screen, the integrated test seats and the head-up display. The assistance systems include adaptive control of cruises, the assistance system for travel for semi-autonomous guide and the recognition of road signals.

The experience of keeping a cup of car

The purchase of a cupra car brings with it a series of exclusive advantages and services, which significantly enrich the owner’s experience.

Post-Van and guarantee services

Each new cup is five years or 90,000 miles. For electric models and plug-in hybrids, the battery is also covered if the capacity drops below 70% in the first eight years or 100,000 miles. In addition, the Cupra authorized service network offers a 24 -month guarantee for parts and processing, without kilometer limit.

The owners can program the online service at any time, using the carlog app. This digital system allows you to save the vehicle data, selecting a specific consultant and receiving notifications for the following service visits. In addition, the first three years of service are free through the Cupra plan.

The Cupa Masters program

Cun Masters represents the pillars of experience with the brand, being dedicated specialists who guide customers during the relationship with the brand. They are selected through a rigorous process that includes specific video and test interviews.

Cupra Masters experts receive intensive training, participating in training programs that last four weeks and include over 70 multimedia modules. They provide support for all aspects relating to the vehicle, from information on news and events to after-sales assistance. In 2025, the program reached a new level, with over 1,000 participants from 43 countries.

Conclusion

The transformation of the cup from a sports division into an independent brand is undoubtedly one of the most impressive success stories in the recent automotive sector. The figures speak for themselves: the growth of almost 100% of sales only in 2025 shows that the decision to separate the seats was inspired.

In addition, enormous technological investments and production structures, such as Martorell Factory, have allowed the brand to develop distinctive models such as the formant and NATO. These cars are not only simple sports vehicles, but represent the view of the Cup of the future of mobility, combining performance with sustainability.

However, the most important aspect of the Cupa brand remains the complete experience offered to the owners. The Cupa Masters program, the extended after-sales services and the branded brand of the brand creates a unique property experience, which exceeds the simple possession of a car.

Looking to the future, I am convinced that Cupra will continue to redefine the standards in the Premium automotive sector, maintaining their sporting DNA in the era of electrification. The current success of the brand and the ambitious plans for the future suggest that the most interesting chapter in the history of the cup is just at the beginning.