The New Seat Leon Cupra R: The Best One Isn’t Yet To Arrive, It’s Already Here

The New Seat Leon Cupra R: The Best One Isn’t Yet To Arrive, It’s Already Here

The New Seat Leon Cupra R: The Best One Isn’t Yet To Arrive, It’s Already Here

The New SEAT CUPRA R is making its public debut at the International Frankfurt Motorshow where SEAT is presenting a new definition of exclusiveness, performance and distinction within the CUPRA model. Only 799 lucky drivers will be driving the New SEAT Leon CUPRA R, the most powerful and exclusive road car ever manufactured by SEAT. This will be a limited edition destined for those CUPRA fans that are looking for an even exclusiveness car in the CUPRA world. If a SEAT CUPRA customer likes to drive powerful sports cars that are fun to drive, of course with that fine balance between dynamism, comfort, versatility, safety and technology, the New SEAT Leon CUPRA R is the peak of exclusivity, taking driving pleasure to another level, never seen before in a SEAT. More sports car qualities, yes, but above all a unique model that won’t be made again. A demonstration of the best technology, the best safety, the best connectivity, the best versatility, the best design and the best dynamism. In short, it represents the very best qualities of SEAT and what SEAT is capable of, hence why it will be available to only 799 lucky drivers.

There will be two versions of the new SEAT Leon CUPRA R, both with front wheel drive; 300 units will come with a six-speed DSG and the familiar 300 horsepower 2.0 TSI, while the other 499 will come with a manual gearbox, also with six speeds. This model come with the same engine but with a slight increase in power to 310 horsepower, a new record for the Spanish brand. The new Leon CUPRA R of course has the most advanced and efficient technology to satisfy the likes of even the most demanding driver. That’s why, in order to get the most out of such a brilliant engine, the Leon CUPRA R comes with adaptive suspension DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), a progressive steering system and a VAQ self-locking differential as standard. The drivers of the New Leon CUPRA R will be able to adjust the car’s driving mode to their preferences thanks to five Drive Profile modes; Comfort, Sport, Eco, Individual and of course, CUPRA. This new driving mode increases the emotion during the driving.

The bodywork of the New SEAT Leon CUPRA R has received some significant revisions. The wing mirrors come in copper, the 19-inch alloy wheels have been exclusively designed and the wheels are powerfully framed by the new wider wheel arches that really bring out the car’s character. Carbon fiber is one of the most visually striking features of the new Leon CUPRA R; easily seen on the front and rear spoilers, side decorative skirts and the rear diffuser, which frames the exclusive and powerful double exhaust. The front bumpers look impressive and are enhanced by newly designed lateral air intakes.

In the interior, an exclusive serial numbered engraved on the console just in front of the gearstick as a reminder that we are in a very limited edition. The bucket seats have copper stitching that also appears on the steering wheel and the gearstick is upholstered in Alcantara®. The seats are also upholstered with Alcantara. The copper colour also appears on the frames of the dashboard, while the door panels are covered in look carbon fiber. The instruments receive new aesthetic details, a new white cluster has been created, and when the start button is pressed, there is a welcome message exclusive to the CUPRA R that appears on the 8-inch colour screen.

The production of SEAT Leon CUPRA R will begin in the second week of November and will go on sale at the end of the year.

The New Seat Leon Cupra R: The Best One Isn’t Yet To Arrive, It’s Already Here

A little bit of history

The new Leon CUPRA R is SEAT’s fifth model with this exclusive name. The first model was the 180 horsepower Ibiza CUPRA R 1.8 20VT introduced at the end of 2000. It was the first road car developed by SEAT Sport on the second generation Ibiza chassis and only 200 units were made. It came with bigger Brembo brakes at the front, it was wider, had bigger wheels and tyres from OZ and firmer damping. ESP and air conditioning came as standard, its safety belts were red and the SEAT Sport badge was stitched onto the bucket seats.

At the Barcelona Motor Show in 2001 the first Leon CUPRA R, also created by SEAT Sport, was presented, going on sale a year later. It also had the 1.8 20VT engine but this time wth 210 horsepower. In contrast to the first Leon CUPRA, which came with a naturally aspirated engine and all-wheel drive, this CUPRA R had front-wheel drive and as such was lighter, plus more straightforward rear suspension. It could reach 237 km/h and went from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. SEAT Sport modified the front brakes (also Brembo) and damping, which was also firmer.

Not much time passed for SEAT to improve the CUPRA R, which went on to have 225 horsepower. This allowed it to get up to 242 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds. Recaro sports seats could also be ordered which limited the cockpit to four seats.

The fourth CUPRA R – although a third generation Ibiza prototype that was exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003 – arrived in 2009 with the second generation Leon. With its 265 horsepower engine, the SEAT Leon CUPRA R 2.0 TSI was at the time SEAT’s most powerful car in its history. It could go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reached a top speed of 250 km/h. Next to the normal Leon CUPRA which had 240 horsepower, the CUPRA R came with firmer springs, and sport steering feeling, modifications to its engine management and exhaust, as well as small changes to the gearbox. The electronic self-locking XDS differential stood out from a wide range of equipment that came as standard.

courtesy: seat-mediacenter.com

Seat Leon Cupra R

Seat Leon Cupra R

Seat Leon Cupra R

The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, being held from 17-27 September, is the backdrop for the unveiling of the new SEAT Leon 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 SEAT Leon Cupra R crowns the SEAT Leon’s sportiest range, providing a tempting offer of both equipment and engine line-ups.

High-tech, high-speed performance

The new SEAT Leon 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 SEAT Leon 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 SEAT Leon 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 SEAT Leon 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 SEAT Leon 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.