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Say hola to the most powerful Spaniard since, er, Franco: the Leon Cupra R.
It’s the most powerful car ever built by SEAT – and, in fact, is as powerful as the Leon touring car racer, putting out 261bhp from a two-litre turbo petrol engine, the same unit found in the Audi S3.
Unlike the four-wheel drive S3 – but like the upcoming Scirocco R, which will also be powered by the same engine – the Cupra R remains staunchly front wheel drive. SEAT has attempted to tame all that power through the use of an ‘XDS’ electronic system that mimics the function of a limited slip diff.
If you can keep it in a straight line, the Cupra R will hit 62mph in 6.1 seconds and top out at a limited 155mph. SEAT quotes combined fuel consumption of just under 35mpg.
Expect plenty of ‘Cupra’ and ‘R’ logos dotted over the interior and exterior, along with a liberal sprinkling of leather, aluminium and Alcantara in the cabin.
Prices should start at around £21,000 if and when it reaches the UK, meaning it should undercut the Scirocco R by several grand.
We’ll get a closer look at the Cupra R at the Frankfurt show next month.
SEAT of power
Spanish marque reveals its most powerful car ever, the 261bhp Leon Cupra R
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What do you think?
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Kirbdawg commented on this article
at 02:15 pm on 19 August 2009
Is it me, or does that thing look like it's riding on stilts?
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TennantsLager commented on this article
at 02:47 pm on 19 August 2009
Methinks the big question will be how well this 'XDS' system does in curing the torque steer associated with high powered front-wheelers. If it doesn't sort things out, it'll be another member of the 'pointlessly powerful' club. As far as the looks go, no real complaints but the cupra treatment always looks better on a 3-door rather than a 5 imo.
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Nakke commented on this article
at 03:42 pm on 19 August 2009
I have always loved these hot Leons, and i like this as well. Dont like the colour though, can i have it in yellow please? Actually i wouldn't buy one, since i could have a Focus ST, but this would be very near my second choise...
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Greyo commented on this article
at 03:58 pm on 19 August 2009
Minus the alloys, It looks no different to a diesel cupra.
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GR1M3Z commented on this article
at 07:09 pm on 19 August 2009
I dont know why but I alwayz hated the Leon Cupra R. I dont mind paying that bit extra for the scirocco though its well worth it and I reckon alot of people are in the same boat with me
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