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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Barcelona Preview: Seat reveals new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, SEAT

2009 Seat Ibiza FR and Cupra Leon - Click either image above for a hi-res gallery

Variety, so they say, is the spice of life. So while American fans of Volkswagen's hot hatches have nothing to complain about, none could be blamed for pining for the alternative options that the German auto group offers overseas. The company's Spanish subsidiary Seat doesn't sell stateside altogether, which is a bit of a shame, because Seats offer compelling packages with a bit more flavor than their VW counterparts, often with more power and at a lower cost, too. (Think Pontiac vs. Chevrolet with a bit more Mediterranean flavor and you're halfway there.) Case in point the revised Leon Cupra and new Ibiza FR which the company will be unveiling next month at its home-market Barcelona Motor Show (which, incidentally, was evidently not canceled).

Although the Leon Cupra is ostensibly the same model as the one it replaces, Seat has added a few extra touches. Fortunately, the engines - 2.0-liter turbo fours in either 208 horsepower TSI trim (VeeDub-speak for gasoline turbo) or 168 hp TDI (turbo diesel) guise - carry over, but both are now mated to Seat's new XDS electronic differential, and complimented by a series of adjustments to the exterior and interior styling. Outside, the front fascia is more aggressive, the rear bumper gets a faux-diffuser black insert, the side mirror housings are blacked out and the ride height has been dropped slightly. Inside everything's all black and brushed aluminum. We had a chance to drive the Leon Cupra last year and found it to be a slick ride, if suffering slightly from torque steer that the e-diff should help clear up.

Joining the revised Leon Cupra is the FR version of its little brother, the Ibiza. Slotting in below the new top-of-the-line Ibiza Cupra, the FR offers a compelling package with the VW Group's new 1.4-liter twincharger, packing both supercharger and turbocharger to deliver 148 hp, mated to a standard-equipment seven-speed DSG with paddle shifters. A host of electronic aids keeps everything in check, while the FR (Seat's second-tier sport trim) benefits from a variety of sporty touches which you can read about more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Seat Leon Cupra

Gallery: 2009 Seat Ibiza FR

[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Barcelona Preview: Seat reveals new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR

Barcelona Preview: Seat reveals new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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K� for UK: SEAT Leon Cupra K�

Alex Nunez — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, SEAT, UK

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the SEAT Leon Cupra K¹

Every so often, we wish that Volkswagen's SEAT brand was available here in the US. Sure, the Spanish automaker's vehicles are badge-engineering exercises that raid the corporate partsbin for powertrains, switchgear, and the like, but their styling is unique and some of the packages have definite appeal.

Take, for instance, the just-announced UK-market Leon Cupra K¹. With the stylish Leon Cupra as its base, the K¹ adds an appearance package that is, to put it plainly, pretty bitchin'. Intended to make the car look more like the Cupra BTCC racers, the kit includes new front and rear treatments, side skirts, and a sweet-looking center-exit exhaust. We think the K¹ kit is actually better-looking than the BTCC bodywork. Like its standard-bodied counterpart, the K¹ gets power from a 240 PS (236 HP) version of VW's 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder. That's good enough to give the Cupra a top speed of 153 mph. Hot hatch, indeed.

Press release with UK pricing after the jump.

Gallery: Seat Leon Cupra K1

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading K� for UK: SEAT Leon Cupra K�

K� for UK: SEAT Leon Cupra K� originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:02:00 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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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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