Autoblog

Seat reportedly planning new halo coupe to go with all those hatchbacks and minivans

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Hatchback, SEAT

Seat Leon Cupra R - Click above for ginormous high-res image gallery

Considering that Seat is supposed to be Volkswagen's sporty cousin, the Spanish motor division's range is conspicuously bereft of two-door models. Oh, they've got plenty of hatchbacks and MPVs, but the company only has two models with less than five doors. One's a rebadged previous-gen Audi A4, and the other's a Volkswagen Polo with a black mouth.

Building on the strength of their hot-hatch reputation, Seat unveiled the new Leon Cupra R in Frankfurt, packing the VW Scirocco R's 265-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four to make it the most powerful road-going Seat ever made, and even matching the world-beating, competition-spec Leon touring car for output. Not too shabby, but still five doors, even if it looks more like two or three. But the latest reports from across the pond indicate that the company is planning a new coupe based on the Leon to serve as something of a halo car for the brand in the same way the Scirocco (also based on the same platform) does for its sister brand.

Of course Seat isn't about to abandon its core market, and is planning a new Alhambra to challenge the Ford Galaxy in the European MPV market. A crossover/hatch based on the Tribu concept to rival the Nissan Qashqai is also in the works, as is a Seat version of the Volkswagen Up! But despite Spain's famously sunny weather, the company isn't planning any convertibles, citing the conspicuously poor market performance drop-tops carry in its domestic market.

In the meantime, Seat's released a huge batch of images of the new Cupra R, which we've posted for your Euro-hot-hatch-loving enjoyment in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Seat Leon Cupra R

[Source: Autocar]

Seat reportedly planning new halo coupe to go with all those hatchbacks and minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: SEAT Leon Cupra R makes a fine Green Goblin

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Hatchback, SEAT

2010 Seat Leon Cupra R - Click above for high-res image gallery

What you have here is one of the coolest little 4-door hot hatches that looks like a 2-door hatch. The 2010 SEAT Leon Cupra R gets 265 hp from its VW-battle-tested 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, making it the most powerful SEAT... ever. The front wheels can pull the car to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, and if you're not beating it up you'll get something like 29 mpg (35 mpg imperial).

Outside, along with R badges everywhere, the sizzling Cupra gets 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires, bigger brakes, and special trim for the instrument dials and alcantara-lined interior. Read up on the details in the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Seat Leon Cupra R

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: SEAT Leon Cupra R makes a fine Green Goblin

Frankfurt 2009: SEAT Leon Cupra R makes a fine Green Goblin originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seat to launch 265hp Leon Cupra R in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, SEAT

2009 Seat Leon Cupra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Buyers overseas aren't left wanting for sport models from Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary, including the sporty FR line and the powerful Cupra range. But if the latest reports from our Iberian counterparts prove accurate, Seat could be preparing to launch an even more powerful version of its Golf-based Leon at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

Packing the same 265hp engine from the Volkswagen Scirocco R, the rumored Seat Leon Cupra R would also feature a dual-clutch gearbox, AP Racing brakes, a specially-tuned suspension and competition-style bucket seats inside, and the possible inclusion of Seat's trick new XDS electronic differential. With the current range-topping, 240hp Leon Cupra sprinting to sixty in just 6.4 seconds and undercutting the Golf GTI by a good few hundred on the sticker, the 265hp Cupra R could prove to be a real barn-stormer.

Gallery: 2009 Seat Leon Cupra

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Seat to launch 265hp Leon Cupra R in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�Ay Mamacita! SEAT Leon Linea R

Noah Joseph — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, SEAT

Click either image for hi-res gallery of the SEAT Leon Linea R

Volkswagen makes some pretty enticing hot hatches, but as we discovered when driving the Leon Cupra, sister-brand SEAT is where it's at. The Spanish subsidiary's hot hatches typically offer more power for less money in a more exciting package than their German counterparts. Now SEAT has widened the gap - on that last category, at least - with a new package for the Golf-based Leon.

Called the Linea R, this newest variant draws inspiration from SEAT's championship-winning touring cars, and you can plainly see the association with the gaping air intakes cut into the body like an 80's slasher flick. The package also includes up-rated brakes, 225/40 R18 rubber and revised aero trim, plus a unique central grille, chrome mirror casings and the requisite boxful of badges. The interior is treated to some sporty touches as well, and the Linea R package is available with a range of powerful engines, including a 170hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel and 1.8-liter 160hp and 2.0-liter 200hp gas-burning turbo fours. The GTI's hot Spanish cousin just got that much hotter, evident in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: SEAT Leon Linea R

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading �Ay Mamacita! SEAT Leon Linea R

�Ay Mamacita! SEAT Leon Linea R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: SEAT Leon Cupra

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, First Drive, SEAT

Click above for more high-res shots of the SEAT Leon Cupra

Draw up a list of the top hot-hatches in the world. The SEAT Leon Cupra may not be on it - although it might be - but the Volkswagen GTI will most definitely. At least it should, because the GTI is a performance icon, forged over decades of performance tempered with versatility and accessibility. And the current-generation GTI certainly lives up to the legend, burning rubber with the best Germany has to offer. But if this article is about the SEAT Leon Cupra, then why are we talking about the Volkswagen GTI? What do they have in common? Well, almost everything. Almost.

Gallery: First Drive: SEAT Leon Cupra

Continue reading First Drive: SEAT Leon Cupra

First Drive: SEAT Leon Cupra originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shakira goes barefootin' with SEAT

Alex Nunez — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback

Click image for additional photos

SEAT and Shakira have teamed up to raise funds for the singer's charity, the Fundación Pies Descalzos (Bare Feet Foundation), which raises money for Colombian children in need. SEAT is the primary sponsor of the European tour in support of her Oral Fixation record, and the automaker worked with Shakira to produce a one-off edition of the Leon Cupra hatchback called the Leon Pies Descalzos. Throughout the tour, there will be a concerted effort in several European markets to get fans and supporters to donate to the charity via SMS messaging or with a credit card through a dedicated website. On May 15th, one of the donors will win the Leon Pies Descalzos, which is customized with a purple finish and interior trim, black chrome wheels, two tone seating, and Pies Descalzos badging. At the unveiling of the car in Berlin, SEAT presented Shakira with a check for the retail value of the car to kick off the campaign.

As you'll see in the attached photo gallery, Shakira was probably the most casually-dressed person at the presser, but we'll let it slide. The sheer Abbey Road t-shirt she sported didn't seem to have anyone at the event -- including SEAT prez Erich Schmitt -- complaining...

Press release after the jump.

[Source: SEAT]

Gallery: SEAT Leon Pies Descalzos

Continue reading Shakira goes barefootin' with SEAT

Shakira goes barefootin' with SEAT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEAT officially unveils the new Leon Cupra

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 20:44:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows

We brought you initial pics and details last week, and today, SEAT made it all official in London where factory Touring Car drivers James Thompson (WTCC) and Jason Plato (BTCC) pulled the checkered cover off the all-new Leon Cupra.

To refresh your memories, the Cupra is the latest tasty morsel from the Spanish automaker. The stylish hatch has VW's 2.0T FSI four-banger lurking underhood, tuned to produce 240 horsepower. So equipped, it makes the run from 0-62 in 6.4 seconds, topping out at an impressive 153 mph. Somehow through all this the Cupra (if you resist the urge to drop the hammer all the time) can average over 30mpg in fuel consumption along the way.

Distinguishable by its curvy body, tough aero kit, and 18" wheels, the Cupra also creates an inviting driving environment for it's pilot and passengers, with sport seats, contrast stitching, and a slick variation on the already-excellent VW-sourced dash and instrument cluster.

We wish we could get it here!

(Additional info and photos after the jump)

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading SEAT officially unveils the new Leon Cupra

SEAT officially unveils the new Leon Cupra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jul 2006 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEAT Leon Cupra uncovered!

Alex Nunez — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows

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)]

Continue reading SEAT Leon Cupra uncovered!

SEAT Leon Cupra uncovered! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jul 2006 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New SEAT Leon Cupra headed to British Motor Show

Alex Nunez — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows

On July 18 at the British International Motor Show, VW-owned Spanish automaker SEAT will unveil the new Leon Cupra for the very first time. The company's smartly-styled hatchbacks are always a visual treat, and this one should be no exception.

For now, we have to settle for a teaser photo that gives us a small peek at the car. While we have a couple of weeks to go before we get an official look, spy photos of an undisguised Cupra during cold-weather testing show that it's quite a head-turner. We look forward to the unveiling with great interest.

Similarly, the company is being secretive (for now) about the car's specs, but did offer up one nugget: Cupra will be powered by the VW Group's 2.0T FSI four-cylinder, which will produce over 225 horsepower. Hot hatch, indeed!

Joining the Cupra at the SEAT display will be the Leon FR, Altea FR, Ibiza, Toledo and the Alhambra minivan, as well as two of its race cars.

(Press release and photos of the other Seats mentioned after the jump.)

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading New SEAT Leon Cupra headed to British Motor Show

New SEAT Leon Cupra headed to British Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jun 2006 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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