2010 Seat Leon Cupra R details released
Following a very successful debut at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, the new León CUPRA R is about to go on sale. Equipped with a new 265 hp engine, it instantly becomes the brand’s most powerful production car to date, earning a special chapter in SEAT’s history in the process.
Boasting a thoroughbred sporty engine, the new León CUPRA R features exclusive interior and exterior styling touches which reflect its unique character. The León CUPRA R is, simply, an attention-grabber. Its feisty exterior design is mirrored on the inside, too, with a motorsport-inspired look and feel that lets you know this is not just another car.
The extensive, generous equipment list features SEAT’s impressive new electronic self-blocking XDS system for excellent handling, as well as a broad array of standard features that provide both top notch safety and exceptional on-board comfort.
Undeniably, the focal point of the new León CUPRA R is its 265 hp direct injection 2.0 TSI engine. Its main characteristics are its tremendous power, easy torque transmission and fabulous flexibility.
The SEAT Technical Centre poured significant effort into modifying the engine’s electronic management system and increasing the maximum turbo pressure. The result is an added 25 hp compared to the tried and tested 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine found in today’s León CUPRA.
The intercooler fitted to the new engine delivers its superior performance through greater turbo pressure. As on the 240 hp version, the engine set-up includes a new, high-pressure fuel injection pump to satisfy its greater performance demands, and the ratios on the six-speed gearbox have been specifically adapted.
The new León CUPRA R delivers a top speed of 155 mph (self-limited) and a blistering 0-60 mph acceleration time of barely 6.0 seconds.
The new León CUPRA R is based on the spectacular design of the existing CUPRA, with subtle additions both inside and out.
The exclusive nature of SEAT’s new model is most easily identified via the distinctive letter ‘R’ that’s subtly placed on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch, the right instrument dial and the remote control key. The exclusive CUPRA logo graces the front bumper on the lower left, the centre of the hatch, the steering wheel and the seat backrests.
Further distinctive detailing on the CUPRA R that underlines its racing spirit, besides the spectacular 19-inch wheels are the trademark glossy black door mirrors. The wheel assembly also enables a set of exceptionally generous disc brakes, vital given the need for greater braking capacity in a car that harnesses 265 hp.
The interior features eye-catching competition styled bucket seats in a combination of grey cloth and alcantara upholstery, white LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather multi-functional steering wheel and aluminium-clad pedals. Black prevails in the sporty passenger compartment, and the view from the driver’s seat is designed to minimise distractions with the roof lining, sun visors, door handles and ‘A’ pillars all clad exclusively in black.
The addition of the electronic self-blocking XDS system to the standard equipment on the new CUPRA R means this SEAT offers much greater driving comfort and safety. The clever new electronic system works together with ESP and functions as a self-blocking mechanism. It improves the car’s performance when traction is lost by applying braking power to the wheel that loses grip.
This system provides a similar feeling as driving a car with a conventional self-blocking mechanism, and considerably improves the ability to transmit power to the driven front wheels. Proving its worth, in particular, through bends, XDS stops the inside wheel from slipping and reduces understeer, providing the León CUPRA R with unbeatable handling.
The XDS system is the perfect complement to SEAT’s efficient Agile Chassis, which has been modified on this version to make it one of the most dynamically impressive cars in its segment.
The SEAT León CUPRA R offers a particularly generous line-up of standard equipment. Naturally, of course, there are the usual electronic safety devices, such as XDS, ABS, ESP stability control and TCS traction control + EBA emergency braking.
Other standard-fit safety features on the León CUPRA R are front airbags, two side airbags, two head airbags, passenger airbag disconnection, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points and low tyre pressure warning, as well as automatic lights on, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, cornering fog lights, dual zone climate control and CD radio + MP3 + eight speakers + MDI, among others.