Future Cupra sports-car could have Porsche Boxster DNA – and technology

Volkswagen's Spanish performance offshoot Cupra could introduce an electric sports car – based on its daring 'DarkRebel' concept vehicle unveiled this week – with the DNA of the upcoming electric versions of the Porsche Boxster convertible and Porsche Cayman coupe.

While Porsche has previously shared vehicle platforms with Audi and Volkswagen for its SUV range, its sports cars have for now been off limits to the broader Volkswagen group.

However, that could be about to change.

The low-slung Cupra DarkRebel concept car – unveiled at this week's Munich motor show – appeared to be based on a much sleeker architecture than other electric vehicles currently available within the Volkswagen Group.

When Cupra chief operating officer, Sven Schuwirth, was asked by Australian media if a production version of the Cupra 'DarkRebel' would need to be shared with a sports car such as the next-generation electric Porsche Boxster, the executive said: "It could be".

The senior Cupra executive also noted it would not make financial sense for the Spanish company to develop its own electric sports-car platform.

Another possibility is that the Cupra 'DarkRebel' could be a twin under the skin to an electric version of the Audi TT – if such a model was to be revived, as the current petrol model is nearing the end of the road with no immediate replacement in sight.

The executive said the Cupra 'DarkRebel' would need to more affordable than a Porsche Boxster or Porsche Cayman, noting it would need to cost less than the €100,000 threshold (about $150,000 in Australian currency).

However, the Cupra executive noted, a production version of the Cupra 'DarkRebel' was not yet locked in.

"We are just five months after the virtual model was revealed ... to see the (concept) car. The next step is simply to ensure whatever is feasible (for) production," Mr Schuwirth told the media gathering.