The Cupra R is powered by a VW Group-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot delivering a maximum output of 265HP and a peak torque of 350 Nm at 2,500 rpm that drive the front-wheels through a revised six-speed manual gearbox.
The Spaniards claim that their five-door GTI sprints from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h (155mph), whilst returning 35mpg UK (equal to 29.2 mpg US and 8.7lt/100km) on the combined European cycle with 190 g/km of CO2.
Special features of the Cupra R model include the central exit exhaust pipes within a customized rear diffuser, a larger roof spoiler, gloss black trim, unique 19-inch alloy wheels shod in 235/35 tires, body-hugging bucket-style front sports seats and an exclusive engine cover.
This year's Frankfurt Motor Show, being held from 17-27 September, will see Seat unveiling its most potent series production model to date, the new Leon Cupra R. Based on the 2009MY Leon Cupra facelift that was revealed at the Barcelona Show in April, the R replaces the standard model's 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot with a 265-horsepower direct injection 2.0 TSI.It's not clear if the 2.0 TSI is the same engine found in the Audi S3, but Seat claims that the new four-banger features a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to "satisfy its greater performance demands, while fully complying with strict EU5 emissions standards."S
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he extra grunt allows the front-wheel drive only Leon Cupra R to slash the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint from 6.4 seconds (standard Cupra) to 6.1 seconds and top speed climbs from 247 km/h (154mph) to 250 km/h (155mph). The standing kilometer takes 25.7 seconds while Seat announces a combined fuel economy of 8.1 lt / 100km or 29mpg US / 34.9mpg UK.
Aside from the 'R' logos on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch, the right instrument dial and the remote control key, the range-topping Leon also gets 19 inch, five double-spoke wheels shod with 235/35 tyres. The larger wheel assembly allowed Seat's engineers to upgrade the braking system with 17 inch 345 x 30 mm discs at the front and 16 inch 286 x 12 mm at the rear.
Inside the Leon Cupra R gets a pair of racing-style bucket seats in grey alcantara upholstery, LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather multi-functional steering wheel and an aluminum pedal arrangement.
Seat is expected to reveal further details including prices and the official launch of the Leon Cupra R date closer to the Frankfurt Show.
At next month's Geneva Motor Show SEAT will showcase the facelifted Leon hatchback featuring minor cosmetic revisions and an updated engine range. On the outside the most identifiable traits of the 2009 model concern the newly shaped grille with the smaller SEAT logo, larger headlights and new door mirrors while at the rear, there's a larger window that now covers the whole length of the hatch and restyled tail light clusters which bring to mind the word "Alfa Romeo"... Inside, SEAT's designer have made modifications to the instrument panel, central console and door panel trim and materials.
The Spanish automaker claims that all available engines on the Leon have all been tweaked for better performance and reduced fuel consumption figures and emissions levels. These include the more powerful 2.0 TSI engine that now delivers 211 HP and the arrival of common rail technology to the 170 HP 2.0 TDI engine. Furthermore, all the versions equipped with the DSG automatic sequential gearbox, now also available on the seven-speed 160 hp 1.8 TSI, feature shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Other improvements for the Leon facelift concern the addition of the XDS electronic system that works in conjunction with the ESP as a self-blocking differential, the Hill Hold Control, dual xenon headlights with AFS and daytime driving lights, a new climatiser and new audio equipment, cornering foglights, front and rear parking sensors and an optical parking system displayed on the new navigation system.
Despite the gloomy outlook on the automotive sector, this year's Geneva Salon looks like it is going to be packed with new cars that will be making their world premiere at the Swiss show. The latest piece of information to come by our hands is that VW Group's Spanish brand SEAT will take the veil off the facelifted Leon and Altea range that includes the Altea XL and Altea Freetrack crossover, as well as the station-wagon variant of the Exeo that as you already know, is in essence a re-skinned previous-gen Audi A4. We'll have more details on all the new SEATs closer to the opening of the Geneva Show in March.
Seat has revealed a new prototype version of the Leon hatchback conceived to run on electric power or a conventional petrol engine. As its name suggests, the Leon "Twin Drive" Ecomotive sports a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 35 kW electric motor fed by a group of lithium-ion batteries located at the rear of the vehicle, and a conventional petrol engine. The initial aim is for the Leon to run on electricity in urban areas, switching to conventional petrol power for longer trips out of town.
In all-electric mode, the prototype Leon has a range of 50 km (31 miles) and a self-imposed top speed of 100 km/h (62mph).
Aside from the hybrid powertrain, the Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive features extensive modifications of the gearbox, brakes, heating and cooling systems, while major changes to the vehicle's electronics have also been carried out.
While the specific Leon is not intended to enter production, Seat plans to introduce a hybrid-electric model by 2014. The prototype Leon will offer Seat's engineers valuable information on advanced electrical propulsion techniques, battery recharging and vehicle range.
It seems like SEAT's marketing team is on rampage lately. After the Cupra, FR, Cupra R, FR550, FR1 and who knows how many other versions, the Spanish firm is launching yet another trim level for the Leon hatchback called the 'Linea R'. It is available with the 170HP 2.0-liter TDI diesel and the 160HP 1.8-liter TSI and the 200HP 2.0-liter TSI petrol units. Compared to the FR, the Linea R stands out thanks to the more aggressively styled front and rear bumpers that feature oversized faux air-vents, new tailpipes and 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with 225 /40 R18 tires.
The Linea R's interior is distinguished by a new leather steering wheel, a round leather gearknob embossed with the "SEAT Sport" logo, a chrome surround joining it to the console and a cross-stitched gaiter in SEAT red.
All variants of the Leon Linea R get an extensive list of standard equipment including ABS and TCS, ESP, low tire pressure warning, double front airbag, side and front airbags, foglights, dual zone climate control, cruise control, CD MP3 radio and aux-in, and 8 speakers, among others.
