Friday 14th November

Cupra launches new 325hp Leon VZ TCR special

Just when cool Cupras seemed done, here's the most potent FWD one ever - with harnesses and removable seats

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Only yesterday Nic was bemoaning the lack of properly desirable Cupras in the current, sprawling line up. They’re selling lots of cars, but not really capturing the hearts and minds of those buying into the brand - like a SEAT Cupra may once have. The upcoming VZ5 Formentor definitely looks like a step in the right direction, as does this new Leon VZ TCR; Cupra says it ‘brings authentic racing spirit to the street’, celebrating the TCR tin top racers. 

Notably it’s the most powerful front-drive Leon ever, the 325hp maximum besting the 310hp of the old Cupra R.  That means 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds (the seven-speed DSG is standard, obvs), and a derestricted top speed. Which isn’t actually disclosed just yet, but will presumably be in the 165mph region if the Performance Pack Golf Rs are anything to go by. Cupra is promising a ‘visceral soundtrack’ from the four copper exhaust pipes. 

But it’s the changes elsewhere that make the VZ TCR really interesting, with Akebono six-piston front brakes, lightweight wheels, wider ‘performance’ tyres and four-point harnesses for the CUPBucket seats. The rear chairs can even be removed entirely, which is quite a significant alteration, with a rear strut bar and integrated net there to prevent any shopping launching at your head. Why Cupra has done all this and chosen not to take any pictures for the moment isn’t clear, but we’ll have to take their word for it for now. The track-ready Leon, just like the old Sub8s, would appear to be back with a vengeance. 

The cosmetic overhaul includes a new aerokit (front and rear splitters, side skirts, spoiler and so on) plus dark chrome Cupra badges and carbon flourishes. Don’t get too used to seeing it, however - Cupra will make just 499 of these Leons, because it has made 499 examples of the actual racing cars. All hope is not lost, however, because 1,500 non-TCR VZs will also be offered. They’re coming first, in fact, on sale in the first quarter of next year and with the same 325hp. Given only two images of the TCR have been released so far, it’ll come as no surprise to find there’s just a solitary rear pic of the VZ. But we’re told to expect ‘Cupra Racing’s DNA in a car designed for everyday thrill.’ 

VP of R&D at Cupra, Dr Werner Tietz, added: "The Cupra Leon VZ TCR is a bold expression of what happens when racing meets road-going precision. Born from the track and crafted for the street, this limited edition captures Cupra’s drive for performance, individuality, and the thrill of pushing limits.” It’s not clear yet whether either VZ or VZ TCR will be offered in the UK, but let’s hope so - they sound like the most interesting Leons in yonks. Or the classifieds are on hand for a proper taste of the classic Cupra charm - including orange…

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• 2025 Cupra Leon TCR | PH Review
• Five-cylinder Formentor VZ5 confirmed for UK

[Chestrockwell]

So if the rear seats are removable, does that mean they are light enough to be removed by one man? If so, surely there's not a lot of difference in terms of the weight of the car

[GTRene]

I stopped reading after FWD...

the racer looks very good though.

[theicemario]

VZ TCR looks interesting enough. Awful paintwork aside, that is.

[CMTMB]

That much power through the front wheels must be verging on completely useless on anything other than perfectly dry and smooth roads (which don't exist near me).

[Spidersleg]

I bet the price will be Very Zingy too. £48k ?

[GTRene]

not bad by looks.

[griffdude]

I always wanted a TCR as a kid but ended up getting Scalextric.

[fantheman80]

CMTMB said:

That much power through the front wheels must be verging on completely useless on anything other than perfectly dry and smooth roads (which don't exist near me).

Nope, diff & geo tech has come along way from the days of the early VXRs or the Alfa 146 GTA. My current civics 330 is fine, and loads of headroom to get to my old civics 400. In the wet or slippery can be a handful but that's same of RWD too

[Wills2]

fantheman80 said:

CMTMB said:

That much power through the front wheels must be verging on completely useless on anything other than perfectly dry and smooth roads (which don't exist near me).

Nope, diff & geo tech has come along way from the days of the early VXRs or the Alfa 146 GTA. My current civics 330 is fine, and loads of headroom to get to my old civics 400. In the wet or slippery can be a handful but that's same of RWD too

My Golf GTi TCR 7.5 was dreadful unless it was warm and dry, it would spin up/axle tramp nipping out of a junction very frustrating and that a fancy system but you cannot cheat physics.

[alex_2015]

Kind of late to the party. Some hot-hatches had this power level 9 years ago. And were prob lighter (1380kg).
Too little too late Seat.

[martin12345]

Wills2 said:

fantheman80 said:

CMTMB said:

That much power through the front wheels must be verging on completely useless on anything other than perfectly dry and smooth roads (which don't exist near me).

Nope, diff & geo tech has come along way from the days of the early VXRs or the Alfa 146 GTA. My current civics 330 is fine, and loads of headroom to get to my old civics 400. In the wet or slippery can be a handful but that's same of RWD too

My Golf GTi TCR 7.5 was dreadful unless it was warm and dry, it would spin up/axle tramp nipping out of a junction very frustrating and that a fancy system but you cannot cheat physics.

My 2017 Cupra 300 (same engine and chassis fundamentally as mk7.5 golf) was dreadful when i got it. Changed to michelin PS4 tyres (from mis-matched Pzeros as purchased) and it transformed it to reasonable. Others change the dog-bone mount but after changing the tyres i didn't feel the need. You do need to be sensible with your right foot as the e-diff electronics couldn't cope if you just floored it. There is a limit to what Front Wheel drive can put down but it is a lot, lot higher than in the past

[NGK210]

IMHO, more fun ‘n’ frisky than a Mk8 GTI, better looking and has more rear legroom too, so yes please to 325bhp.

As for torque steer and axle tramp, same as it ever was (from the Mk1 LCR onwards) – upgrade the dogbone

[Pioneer]

0-62mph in 5.6 seconds seems very slow nowadays. How times have changed

[nismo48]

fantheman80 said:

CMTMB said:

That much power through the front wheels must be verging on completely useless on anything other than perfectly dry and smooth roads (which don't exist near me).

Nope, diff & geo tech has come along way from the days of the early VXRs or the Alfa 146 GTA. My current civics 330 is fine, and loads of headroom to get to my old civics 400. In the wet or slippery can be a handful but that's same of RWD too

True

[GTRene]

Pioneer said:

0-62mph in 5.6 seconds seems very slow nowadays. How times have changed

indeed, that is Ferrari Testarossa time

[MyV10BarksAndBites]

CMTMB said:

That much power through the front wheels must be verging on completely useless on anything other than perfectly dry and smooth roads (which don't exist near me).

You do know that we are 2025 right!!!!.... Even a Mk2 on just lowering springs could put that amount of power down relatively easily once on the the move.... (I had one running around 380 hp).... I think a Golf R would need at least 400hp to be as fun and lairy.

Just speaking from experience...