What's the news?
Fresh on the heels of news that SEAT is planning to separate the Cupra name into a spinoff performance-based sub-brand, the Spanish car maker has announced plans for a limited edition Leon Cupra R. SEAT is claiming that it will be the company's most powerful road going car to date. It will also be one of the most exclusive, with just 799 examples being made.
Buyers will have a choice of either the six-speed manual or automatic DSG transmission, although it is only the manual that gets the 310hp output, as the DSG 'only' gets 300hp. Both models send all of their power to the front wheels. SEAT's engineers have tweaked the camber on the front axle to boost handling, and the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) gets an update to adaptive suspension. The car also receives a new exhaust system that is said to have an improved flow and sound.
Spotting one of the 799 Leon Cupra R models won't be too difficult thanks to the bespoke body styling it receives. Front and rear spoilers are finished in high gloss carbon fibre, while a distinctive copper finish highlights the door mirrors, wheels, badges and front intake surrounds. At the rear, there's a new bumper and diffuser that is more aggressively styled and has cues that serve as a hat tip to the previous generation of Leon Cupra R.
There will be a choice of three exterior colours to choose from; Midnight Black, Pyrenees Grey and a Matte Grey. On the interior, there is a similar blend of carbon fibre and copper trim pieces. The sports steering wheel and gearstick are both upholstered in Alcantara.
Anything else?
Unlike other limited run halo cars from the Volkswagen Group, such as the Volkswagen Golf Clubsport S, the Leon Cupra R will be available in the more popular five-door body style. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to carry a premium over the regular Leon Cupra 300, which sees pricing starting at €36,095.