Why Cupra Turned To Race Car Drivers To Develop The All-Electric Born

When Cupra was developing the Born, its version of the VW ID.3 all-electric hatchback, it turned to race car drivers Mattias Ekström and Jordi Gené to help it ensure that the car was ideal for every driver, from the most timid to the most excitable.

Ekström, a two-time DTM champion and FIA World Rallycross champion, and Gené, a class winner at Le Mans, say that they were tasked with driving the car to its limits on track to ensure that it handles well in all conditions.

“We want Cupra cars to be precise, dynamic, and to optimally convey the feeling of the road,” said Marta Almuni, technical director of development for the Born. “This is something that these professional drivers know how to identify very well, so we harness their experience and advice on the points we need to work on to deliver this sensation.”

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The drivers were taken to a frozen lake in Lapland that was turned into a racetrack to ensure that even in low grip situations, the car can really handle. But the testing wasn’t limited to just icy conditions.

“Dry, wet, and icy asphalt, gravel, snow, dirt road, and slick surfaces… we made sure that the car works everywhere,” said Ekström. “The Cupra Born is so versatile that it’s suitable for anyone, from the most cautious driver to a person looking for maximum driving fun.”

Like other cars in the Volkswagen Group, the Born gets Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). That allows it to react to driving conditions and deliver the best performance. It also gets e-Boost. As the name suggests, the function gives the driver an additional 27 hp (27 PS/20 kW) for a brief moment. It works at speeds between 80 and 120 km/h (50-75 mph) and pumps the output of the Born’s electric motor from 201 hp (204 PS/150 kW) to 228 hp (231 PS/170 kW).

Another development that came as a result of Ekström’s and Gené’s work is the improved steering feel. Since this is the brand’s first rear-wheel-drive model, they relied on the race car drivers to ensure that the steering feel of the Born felt right. They also worked on improving the brakes and even smaller stuff like the size of the pedals.