Hot made hotter
SEAT is taking the Leon Cupra hot hatch one step further with the new "R" variant that debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Described as SEAT's "most powerful and exclusive car," the Leon Cupra R is a limited-run model of which only 799 units will be made. Based on the Leon Cupra 300, the R adds ten hp for a total of 310 metric horsepower when fitted with a six-speed manual transmission (DSG-equipped models have 300 hp). SEAT will built 300 units with the six-speed automatic transmission and 499 examples with the manual.
The front-wheel-drive model stands out from lesser Leon models thanks to exclusive carbon fiber details on the bumpers, side skirts, and rear diffuser, as well as copper-painted mirror caps, alloy wheels, front bumper trim and badging.
Furthermore, the wheel arches grow bigger and extend into the bumpers for a more convincing look. Customers will be able to choose from three colors: Midnight Black, Pyrenees Grey, and the exclusive Matte Grey. While there are no photos of the interior yet, SEAT promises carbon fiber and copper trim, as well as Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and gearstick.
Content-wise, the SEAT Leon Cupra R features a modified camber on the front axle, the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, progressive steering, a new exhaust system, and a VAQ self-locking differential as standard.
The SEAT Leon Cupra R will arrive in European markets at the end of 2017, with production scheduled to begin in the second week of November.
If you're in the market for a powerful front-wheel-drive hot hatch, you may want to check out the all-new Renault Mégane RS before sending SEAT a deposit.