SEAT Leon CUPRA R revealed - Debut in Frankfurt
The León CUPRA R will come with VW Group's 2.0 liter TSI engine dialed up to 265 hp
By Alex Ricciuti
August 18, 2009 10:13 PM
Filed Under: European, Frankfurt Motor Show, Seat
SEAT has announced it will be introducing the new León CUPRA R at the Frankfurt motor show next month and the model will be the most powerful León available Europe-wide.
The León CUPRA R will come with VW Group's 2.0 liter TSI engine juiced up to a comfy 265 hp. That number is achieved partly through the use of a new high-pressure fuel injector and SEAT promises the model will still meeting EU5 emission norms. The only León models available that top that are the very limited León Cupra 310 Limited Edition with 306 bhp sold exclusively in the Netherlands, and the German market-only Leon Cupra Edition with 282 bhp. The standard Leon Cupra comes with the 2.0 liter TSI dialed to 240 hp.
The León CUPRA R will also feature SEAT's XDS system, a self-locking differential that works with the ESP system to improve traction. Seat promises the León CUPRA R will deliver an "easy torque transmission and elasticity" while clocking in its 0 to 100 km/h sprint at 6.2 seconds and maxing out speed at 250 km/h (probably electronically limited, although SEAT does not say).
Consumption is a reasonable 8.1 liters/100 km, considering all the dust-making capabilities of a 265 hp hot-hatch.
19-inch wheels with five double-spokes wrapped in 235/35 tires and a new set superior brakes have been added to compliment and match the performance being generated from under the hood.
On the inside are the bucket sport seats upholstered in gray Alcantara as well as white LED lights on the instrument panel to give the Cupra R a proper touch of sportiveness.
Pricing info and a release date have not yet been made available.
Press Release (Click to expand)
AT THE UPCOMING FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
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.
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Comments
Enough…
Because the people buying them don't care about the looks. They simply don't give a rat’s a55 about how the car will look in their driveway because there is no driveway to put it on. Cheap, and I mean cheap and not low priced cars will always have a demographic and since the times were tough in the last few years, more people decided to buy a 10'000 € car instead of a 25'000 € car. Point taken?
Whilst people shopping for a Skoda would not buy a SEAT they would buy a Dacia or a Kia. In the end they buy a Skoda spending a little more, because they know it's coming from VW and this can't be a bad thing. Don’t get me wrong, Skoda is great at what they are doing but we’re talking about a whole different target audience.
On the other hand, SEAT is faced with heavier competition like Mazda, Ford, Honda, VW... so people tend to buy different brands due to different likings. The market is saturated with similar cars and therefore the numbers will be splitted between the different offerers.
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