The Cupra Leon VZ TCR is the most powerful FWD Cupra EVER

Cupra has lifted the lid on its most powerful front-wheel-drive Leon EVER, the new Cupra Leon VZ TCR, inspired by the touring car of the same name.

At its heart lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol delivering 321bhp and 310lb ft of torque – the same powertrain that stars in the VW Golf GTI Edition 50 no less – mated to a seven-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.

The zero to 62mph sprint is seen off in 5.6 seconds, onto an (unspecified) unrestricted top speed that’ll likely only really come in useful if you’re on the autobahn.

Elsewhere there’s more racecar nods in the form of model exclusive front and rear splitters, carbon fibre side mirror covers, side skirts, a diffuser and roof spoiler, plus lightweight alloy wheels with wider 245mm performance tyres. All very tasty.

Open the door and you’ll find bucket seats – at least that’s what we’re told, because there are precisely zero pictures – with four-strap harnesses and removable rear seats, because racecar. Useful for any track duties, less so for popping down Tesco’s.

Just 499 of these special touring car tributes are being built, each with a laser-engraved serial number etched into the door panel to make sure you never forget.

But wait, because the eagle eyed may have spotted that there’s actually another car in the pictures above. That’s because prior to the touring car turned road car’s arrival, Cupra will introduce the slightly less radical Cupra Leon VZ.

Complete with same engine, it’ll offer a taster of its more hardcore sibling. Think of it as the starter to the mains, in other words.

It’ll also be limited to a more generous 1,500 units, with expected arrival early next year. Like it?