SEAT Leon Cupra uncovered!
The new SEAT Leon Cupra has broken cover, and it's a looker. Powered by a 2.0T FSI making in excess of 240 horsepower, the new Cupra makes the run to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds. Visually, it's enough to make you wish SEAT was available here in the States -- something that will never happen because the brand would cannibalize VW and Audi sales in a big way.
An aggressive front apron with honeycomb grill inserts and integrated foglights communicate the Cupra's sporting nature. A downward-sloping character line accents the side view, and around back, the stylish taillights are complemented by an integrated roof spoiler and a black rear bumper insert. A polished oval exhaust tip pokes through on the left side. Stylish 18" wheels fill the wells nicely.
Bucket seats emblazoned with "Cupra" in red and a handsome instrument cluster and wheel set the tone inside. Overall, the SEAT has a more swoopy and organic look to it than the usual VW/Audi fare. It's definitely a hot item.
We'll know more about the car next week when it makes its official world debut in London at the British Motor Show.
(More photos after the jump)
[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Blake Currall 2:54PM (7/15/2006)
Nice addition to the Leon lineup, just a shame the rear end isnt as sporting as some spy shots suggested, I guess theres always the Cupra 'R' to wait for
Reply
Lucas 3:13PM (7/15/2006)
Far too tasteful for the US. Is there a R model in the works?
Reply
Pharmer 3:19PM (7/15/2006)
Sweet car...makes me wish that the rumored(?) 4-door GTI would come here with the 240 hp 2.0T FSI.
Reply
ernie 3:21PM (7/15/2006)
Thats a nice little car. I love the A3/golf dash ... its probably the same dash, but re-ordered. The info display is on the left, and the tach is in the center. But the tach itself is smaller, a little odd, it should be bigger, like the speedo, but maybe its a parts bin thing?
Reply
Alex Nunez 3:28PM (7/15/2006)
I'm guessing that this one is the R, guys:
http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/spyphotoid/6060123.002/country/vw/seat/the-new-seat-leon-cupra
If it is, that's a baaad little mofo.
Reply
Tiago do Vale 3:34PM (7/15/2006)
Alex:
That's just a body kit, available for any Leon.
Reply
Tiago do Vale 3:38PM (7/15/2006)
http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsID/2060120.003/country/gcf/seat/the-new-seat-leon-cupra
Reply
Alex Nunez 3:40PM (7/15/2006)
Ahh. Thanks, Tiago. That's a GREAT-looking kit. You European guys get some of the coolest toys...
Reply
ik 4:17PM (7/15/2006)
cupra..
almost sounds like a popular Toyota vehicle.
Reply
milu 4:20PM (7/15/2006)
It looks so cool and with 240hp it is one of the powerful car from its class.
Reply
Amit 4:48PM (7/15/2006)
Oh man! wish I hadn't seen this, the VW GTI looks so ordinary now.
Reply
Carlos 4:51PM (7/15/2006)
As a Spaniard I wish I could get one.
FYI, cupra = cobra. It's probably a ripoff of the Mustang Cobra... both names are stupid for using two animal names.
Reply
dakota 4:52PM (7/15/2006)
Looks like a Buick Lucerne from the front.
Reply
DKB_SATX 5:10PM (7/15/2006)
Carlos: According to SEAT, Cupra stands for "Cup Racing." I don't know if you think that's more or less stupid than naming it after a snake, but it's not named after a snake.
Reply
swe 5:31PM (7/15/2006)
looks like a pokemon to me
Reply
Howard Kerr 7:58PM (7/15/2006)
".....because the brand (SEAT)would cannibalize VW and Audi sales in a big way."
That idea is almost laughable. You mean there really isn't any model "overlap" between VW and Audi, already...it just looks that way when you compare prices? And VW's ATTEMPT to move upmarket in no way jeopardizes Audi sales?
Reply
Jimbo 12:35AM (7/16/2006)
front end is ugly.
back is much nicer.
Reply
friko 12:58AM (7/16/2006)
We get the VWTrio here in Mexico (VW, Audi, Seat) and their lineup is different enough to think of cannibalizing.
Reply
JGN 2:54AM (7/16/2006)
The way a car looks is all fine and dandy. Is it worth me spending money on?
Reply
Galley 8:03AM (7/16/2006)
Is it just me, or does it appear that it has horrible visibility all-around?
Reply