These are the first official photos of the eagerly anticipated Seat Leon Cupra R, a 265bhp hot hatch that will be revealed at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Using the increasingly common 2.0TSI from the VW parts bin, the Leon Cupra R will be dishing out 265bhp when it hits the streets. That beats the standard Cupra by 25bhp and is achieved through the use of a new high-pressure fuel injection system, yet despite the hike in power Seat claim the Cupra R will still meet the strict EU5 emissions regulations.
The Leon CUPRA R will use SEAT’s XDS system, the same electronic differential system added to the facelifted Cupra that works alongside the ESP system to reduce wheelspin and improve traction. Seat are claiming a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 156mph.
Spotting the Leon Cupra R should be easy, particularly in this shade of green metallic paint. As well as ‘R’ logos at the front and rear it will come with white 19-inch wheels as standard, behind which you’ll be able to see a set of beefed-up brakes (345x30mm discs at the front and 286x12mm at the rear). Inside you’ll find Alcantara-trimmed bucket seats and a new instrument panel that uses white LEDs to give a crisp display.
No news yet on how much the Leon Cupra R will cost or when it will go on sale.
Source: Seat Press Release (see below)
SEAT is exhibiting the León CUPRA R – the apex of sportiness
* 265 hp 2.0 TSI engine, the most powerful in the history of SEAT * Impressive looks of a feisty, sporty competition vehicle * Effortless control provided by the electronic self-blocking XDS mechanism
SEAT is beginning the second half of the year with the same punch as it ended the first half, keeping up with the launch of new products that are making the Spanish brand’s range the freshest and youngest on the market.
This year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, being held from 17-27 September, is the backdrop for the unveiling of SEAT’s new León CUPRA R, the sportiest, most powerful model in the company’s history thanks to its awesome 265 hp 2.0 TSI engine and a long list of exclusive interior and exterior detailing that redefine its stunning new looks and personality.
The CUPRA R crowns the León’s sportiest range, providing a tempting offer of both equipment and engine line-ups.
High-tech, high-speed performance
The new CUPRA R has earned a special chapter in SEAT’s history book. Equipped with a 265 hp engine, it is the brand’s most powerful car, and matches the output of the champion SEAT León TDI raced at the WTCC. These credentials are revealing of SEAT’s new model’s excellent performance output and figures.
The focal point on the new León CUPRA R is its 265 hp direct injection 2.0 TSI engine. Its main characteristics are its tremendous power, easy torque transmission and elasticity. The car’s new engine also features a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to satisfy its greater performance demands, while fully complying with strict EU5 emissions standards.
The new León CUPRA R powerhouse delivers performance levels worthy of a WTCC car – a top speed of 250 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in barely 6.2 seconds. It also covers a standing kilometre in only 25.7 seconds. These competition-class figures are achieved with the fuel efficiency of only 8.1 litres on average to cover 100 km.
The high level of exclusivity of SEAT’s new model is easily identifiable on both the outside and inside by the distinctive letter ‘R’ readily visible on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch, the right instrument dial and the remote control key. The exclusive CUPRA logo graces the front bumper on the lower left, the centre of the hatch, the steering wheel and the seat backrests.
Further distinctive detailing on the CUPRA R that underlines its racing spirit are the spectacular 19 inch, five double-spoke wheels shod with 235/35 tyres. The wheel assembly also enables a set of generous 17 inch 345 x 30 mm front disc brakes with 16 inch 286 x 12 mm at the rear given the greater braking capacity needed by a car that harnesses 265 hp beneath the bonnet.
The interior features eye-catching competition styled bucket seats in grey alcantara upholstery, white LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather multi-functional steering wheel and an aluminium pedal arrangement. With its prevailing shades of black, the passenger compartment of SEAT’s new model is as comfortable as any higher segment car, and the view from the driver’s seat is as impressive as the cockpit of a race car.
The CUPRA R version displays an extensive line-up of standard equipment, including ABS + TCS, ESP + EBA, electronic self-blocking XDS, front airbags, 2 side airbags, 2 head airbags, passenger airbag disconnection, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points, low tyre pressure warning, automatic lights on, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensor, cruise control, tri computer, cornering foglights, dual zone climate control and CD radio + MP3 + 8 speakers + MDI, among others.