DarkRebel offers hints of future design direction

CUPRA has this week presented a virtual concept model through its metaverse space hyper configurator, Metahype, that it says will allow users to influence the future design of the forthcoming physical version of its DarkRebel EV sports car.

Creating what Cupra says will become the “ultimate interpretation” of its brand vision, the DarkRebel aims to promote the process of designing a vehicle “without boundaries”, though it is not yet understood just how far from the brief user input will be allowed to stray.

The images revealed by the Spanish brand this week show a concept that is defined by sharp lines and athletic proportions with a shooting brake-style body. The long bonnet has an arrow shape that designers say provides a “feeling of speed”, while the rear-set cabin creates “attractive proportions”.

Capturing some of the brand’s existing design motifs, the DarkRebel virtual concept features a triangular light signature that is said to emerge from the body, while the central “spine” connects the front and rear of the all-electric model.

Inside, the cabin of the DarkRebel features what Cupra says are “progressive bucket seats” and a “gamified steering wheel and shifter”. The driver-oriented model is said to connect driver and machine as one, while simultaneously combining desire with emotion.

Within the virtual lab, users can explore these briefs within a realm that allows the vehicle to be interactively alerted within different environments, and in different colours, materials, and finishes. The end results may be shared online, and according to Cupra, may “influence the design of a physical model that will be presented in the near future”.

The three virtual environments in which the vehicle may be modified include:

• Exponential Square, where the vehicle is influenced by natural elements, raw textures and earthy colours
• Exponential Cube, where the vehicle is influenced by the racing world and sleek, vibrant designs, and
• Exponential Infinity, where a dream-like disconnection from reality is encouraged free from the constraints of the physical world.

“After five years of building the brand Cupra in a nowadays world, it is time to think about the next step. The Cupra DarkRebel is the ultimate interpretation of our vision,” explained Cupra CEO, Wayne Griffiths.

Mr Griffiths said the physical version of the model “will be coming soon, once all the user configurations have been gathered to influence the final design”.