You may remember that last summer SEAT set a new record for the fastest lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife by a production-spec front-wheel drive car. However, it didn’t take long before the claims of ‘production-spec’ were starting to look a bit thin.
For a start the Leon Cupra 280 had a set of lightweight multi-spoke 19-inch alloys fitted to it. Behind those wheels were brake discs that were 30mm larger and gripped by Brembo callipers. Those lighter wheels were also shod in semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. None of these features were available to order from a SEAT dealer so many people started to cry ‘foul’. There were even rumours that the air-con had been removed …
SEAT Leon CUPRA 280 Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack
Well, it’s taken SEAT some time but they’ve finally made these features available as part of the ‘Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack’. By forking out £4,200 you can make your Leon Cupra 280 match the official specification of the car that ran around the ‘Ring in under eight minutes.
Not only do you get the extra bits mentioned above but you also lose a few bits in the quest to save a bit of weight. The climate control is swapped for a simpler setup, the armrest from the centre console has been ditched along with the rear vents, four of the sound system’s eight speakers have disappeared and even the storage boxes under the front seat have been binned.
The 19-inch wheels can be ordered in black or orange but if you want those sticky semi-slick Michelins you’ll need to spend an extra £460. The only other option is whether you want six-speed manual or automatic DSG gearbox. All other options are out of reach. And before you ask, no, you can’t specify the Sub8 pack on the Cupra 265.
Despite the lack of options, and the loss of the climate control, you still get four seats (unlike the Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy-R), DAB radio, cruise control, rear parking sensors and touchscreen satellite navigation.
Residuals could be strong too as each car is built to order and, assuming there isn’t massive demand, this could make the Sub8 Performance Pack-equipped Leon a rare beast indeed. Prices will start at £31,410 for a manual Cupra 280 fitted with the upgrade kit, and you can pester your local SEAT dealer now.
