RE: The Leon Cupra R is back!
Tuesday 12th September 2017
Perhaps it's a sad reflection on the current car market that, when an email from SEAT arrives announcing "the brand main highlights for Frankfurt motor show", a Leon Cupra R isn't the first thought. Or the second. Or, indeed, the third.
Where's the three-door SEAT?But here we are, a week from the show opening, with Cupra R back on the rump of a Leon for the first time this decade (yes, the previous version was available until 2012, but the last Cupra R was launched in 2009). Disappointingly it still isn't yellow, but it does boast some interesting upgrades over the regular Leon Cupra.
It's grey, grey or black for the colour choice...As if just to rub in the fact that SEAT resolutely will not do any interesting colours at all now, the Cupra R will be offered in black or two shades of grey: Pyrenees or Matte. Inspiring.
SEAT Leon Cupra R - Frankfurt 2017
SEAT revives its iconic badge for a 310hp Leon, limited to 799 units...
Where's the three-door SEAT?
Power is up to a Golf R-equalling 310hp, or 300hp if you opt for the DSG. It keeps the front-wheel drive and VAQ 'diff' of the standard car. However, unlike the regular car, the Cupra R receives revised DCC dampers, more negative camber at the front, Brembo brakes and a new exhaust. The carbon trinkets are just that though, with no claimed aero or weight benefits.
It's grey, grey or black for the colour choice...
SEAT says that 799 Leon Cupra Rs will be made, though there is no word yet on UK availability or pricing - that should follow soon. Do you think this car warrants the return of the Cupra R badge? Would you have one over a Civic Type R? What kind of Nurburgring lap time will be claimed for this Leon? Over to you!
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Discussion
chris285 said:
All modern hatches look alike model wise i find, people want a sportier look so they all look very similar same with golf and audi and BMW and Merc etc
Yep, everything now comes with 18's and a sporty trim so it really is very difficult for manufacturers to make their 'hot' models stand outWill 310 be the highest bhp fwd car on sale? even if its eclipsed slightly by some other hot hatch isnt it about time SEAT gave this car the same AWD system from the Golf? Saying it would step on the toes of the Golf R seems a woolly argument.You can buy a Leon with AWD and 300ps already in estate form so why they havent carried it over yet to the hatch is a mystery to me.
Id like to see how well you get these mega FWD hatches off the line with so much power against a middling junior hot hatch as a comparison benchmark ie the ford fiesta ST with circa 100bhp less.
Id like to see how well you get these mega FWD hatches off the line with so much power against a middling junior hot hatch as a comparison benchmark ie the ford fiesta ST with circa 100bhp less.
ToothbrushMan said:
Will 310 be the highest bhp fwd car on sale? even if its eclipsed slightly by some other hot hatch isnt it about time SEAT gave this car the same AWD system from the Golf? Saying it would step on the toes of the Golf R seems a woolly argument.You can buy a Leon with AWD and 300ps already in estate form so why they havent carried it over yet to the hatch is a mystery to me.
Id like to see how well you get these mega FWD hatches off the line with so much power against a middling junior hot hatch as a comparison benchmark ie the ford fiesta ST with circa 100bhp less.
Added weight from the Haldex would compromise handling. It's the sporty model, hence the diff, so there'd be no point adding a load of weight to it when the Golf R already exists. 310hp doesn't need AWD...Id like to see how well you get these mega FWD hatches off the line with so much power against a middling junior hot hatch as a comparison benchmark ie the ford fiesta ST with circa 100bhp less.
David87 said:
What is with the DSG having less power? None of the other clone-a-Golf MQBs seem to have the same handicap?
Wasn't the A3 the first MQB platformed car in the UK?http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/35333/new-...
In reality, MQB exists to allow sharing of components, it's a very versatile platform with many different sizes / shapes of car built on it (from Polo up to Arteon).
ToothbrushMan said:
Will 310 be the highest bhp fwd car on sale? even if its eclipsed slightly by some other hot hatch isnt it about time SEAT gave this car the same AWD system from the Golf? Saying it would step on the toes of the Golf R seems a woolly argument.You can buy a Leon with AWD and 300ps already in estate form so why they havent carried it over yet to the hatch is a mystery to me.
Id like to see how well you get these mega FWD hatches off the line with so much power against a middling junior hot hatch as a comparison benchmark ie the ford fiesta ST with circa 100bhp less.
The current Civic Type R FK8 has 316bhpId like to see how well you get these mega FWD hatches off the line with so much power against a middling junior hot hatch as a comparison benchmark ie the ford fiesta ST with circa 100bhp less.
Not special enough in my opinion ... There needs to be a better hierarchy for SEAT, like there used to be around the MK1 / MK2. Admittedly they screwed up slightly with the MK2 ... Pretty much mechanically identical albeit with a different map.
Ideally this should have 320bhp+ or the Cupra should have had less power to begin with - regardless of the nice Motorsport inspired parts there's just not enough clear space between the Cupra and R. No doubt it will be horrendously expensive too.
My eyes will be on Renault for Frankfurt.
Ideally this should have 320bhp+ or the Cupra should have had less power to begin with - regardless of the nice Motorsport inspired parts there's just not enough clear space between the Cupra and R. No doubt it will be horrendously expensive too.
My eyes will be on Renault for Frankfurt.
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