The new Leon Cupra R is the latest, most powerful
and exclusive version of Seat’s hot hatch. It’s also the first sign of Seat’s
future plans for the Cupra performance sub-brand, with the new Cupra R being
not just the most powerful, but also the most hardcore version yet.
The production run will be limited to 799 units,
divided into 499 manual and 300 DSG-fitted Cupra Rs. Only the manual cars get
the full 310 PS from the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine as those fitted with the
six-speed DSG are stuck with the 300 PS of the regular model. On both cases
though, 0-100 km/h is dealt with in 5.8 seconds, and there top speed is, as
usually, limited electronically at 250 km/h.
Both of them are front-wheel drive only and come
fitted with specifically tuned adaptive suspension and an electronically
limited slip differential. Other technical differences include wider tracks
front and rear (1,593 and 1,530mm, respectively) with modified camber angles,
bigger 370mm Brembo brakes, a reprogrammed adaptive steering rack and a retuned
exhaust system.
Aside from the obvious fender extensions, the Leon
Cupra R can be distinguished by its copper details and the new aero kit, which
is made from carbon fiber and includes new front splitter, rear wing, side
skirts and the rear diffuser. Seat claims an improvement in aerodynamic
efficiency by 12.5 percent compared to the standard Cupra. The interior has
also been upgraded with copper details on the dashboard, the console and the air
condition trim pieces, Alcantara on the steering wheel and gear lever, as well
as copper stitching on the bucket seats.
The first examples of the Leon Cupra R are expected
to be delivered at the end of the year.
