Autoblog

Seat bringing boatload of hot hatches to Lake Worthersee

Noah Joseph — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, SEAT, Racing

GTI Treffen may have started out as a gathering for owners of Volkswagen pocket rockets, but by now it's blown into a full-on celebration of everything related to hot hatches and more. And though it remains a grassroots event by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, Volkswagen is wise not to ignore it. These days, it comes to the annual lakeside gathering in Austria with a handful of show cars in tow, and brings its sister-brands along for the ride, too.

Audi has already announced the Q3 Red Track concept destined for Wörthersee, and Skoda is coming with a pair of Citigo concepts - one made up as a DJ booth and the other as a rally car. Now their Spanish cousins at Seat have revealed the veritable motorcade of show cars it's bringing to the meet-up.

Seat will be showcasing the Ibiza Cupra Concept it unveiled in Beijing, but that's not all. It'll also display a customized Ibiza FR and Leon Cupra R, a Mii city car (that's the Spanish version of the Volkswagen Up!) imagined in sporty FR trim and, most enticing of all, a pair of racing models that are ready to hit the track.

The Ibiza SC Trophy packs a 180-horsepower turbo four with DSG, locking differential, upgraded brakes, modified oil sump and competition-spec suspension, available to aspiring racers for 31,500 euros (before taxes, or about $40K). The Leon Super Copa, meanwhile, is closely mirrored on the car that Seat ran in the World Touring Car Championship and packs a 300-horse 2.0-liter turbo four with all the trimmings, available for 63,000 euros (about $80K). Both can be fielded in spec-racing series across Europe and arrive at Wörthersee in grey with fluorescent orange accents.

Check out the full spread in the high-res image gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading Seat bringing boatload of hot hatches to Lake Worthersee

Seat bringing boatload of hot hatches to Lake Worthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seat expands Leon hot hatch family with new FR+

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:59:00 EST

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

Buyers looking for a hot hatch could do worse than a Volkswagen GTI. But European buyers also have the option of going with its Spanish version, the Seat Leon, which offers a touch of Latin flavor along with a little bit more power than its German sibling often at a more attractive price. Now, the Iberian auto marque is expanding the range of its Leon FR with a choice of new engines.

Where the Leon FR was previously available with either a 208-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI or a 168 hp turbo-diesel, these have now moved up a notch to the new FR+. Underneath them, Seat is offering the more accessible 123 hp 1.4-liter TSI and 138 hp 2.0-liter TDI, giving buyers the sportier treatment but with smaller engines.

Overseas buyers can also opt for either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG, but those looking for the more hardcore hot-hatch experience can still go for the Leon Cupra R, which also gets a subtle refresh to keep it current. Check out the whole family in the press release after the jump and the images in the high-res gallery for more.

Continue reading Seat expands Leon hot hatch family with new FR+

Seat expands Leon hot hatch family with new FR+ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, China, SEAT, Diesel

SEAT World Touring Car Championship Team with the Leon TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you would have told us ten or twenty years ago that diesel would come to dominate motor racing, we probably would have laughed in your face. But since Audi charted new territory by dominating Le Mans with its R10 TDI, the competition benefits of burning oil is beyond reproach. Not satisfied to let diesel power dominate endurance sportscar racing, however, sister company SEAT picked up the mantle last year in the World Touring Car Championship with the Leon TDI.

As it turns out, running on diesel came to be a liability for SEAT as the WTCC reformatted the rules to reduce diesel's advantage. But the Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo (Spanish Touring Car Company) pulled together, rallied its team and went on to dominate the World Touring Car Championship for the second year in the row, clinching all three of the series titles this past weekend in Macau - China's closest approximation of Monaco and the final round in the championship.

SEAT won the manufacturers' title, outpacing rivals BMW by three small points and outshining Chevrolet (with their new Cruze-based touring car) and Lada. SEAT's main shoe, Gabriele Tarquini, clinched the drivers' title ahead of his teammate (and defending champion) Yvan Muller. As if that wasn't enough, privateer Tom Coronel drove his gasoline-powered Leon to secure the Independents Trophy as well, making it a resounding triple victory for SEAT and its WTCC crew. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: SEAT Leon TDI at WTCC Macau

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship

SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Geneva Preview: SEAT prepares facelifted Leon, Altea

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, SEAT

Click on the images to view the 2009 SEAT Leon (below right) and Altea (above) in high resolution

For some time now, it has seemed like the badges on cars are getting bigger and bigger. SEAT has certainly played its part in this trend, but the automaker's S badge is getting downsized again on the latest Leon and Altea.

The badges are part of mild facelift packages being given to the two SEAT models, which also get revised grilles, lamps and a tailgate with full-width glass. Supposedly steered by SEAT's new "Arrow" design language, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference visually, although its easier to see changes inside where there is an updated cabin.

Thankfully, SEAT has also squeezed in some new tech. Ten different engines - five gas and five diesel - are on offer, including some common-rail diesels, and all are available with parent Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG hooked up to paddles on the back of the steering wheel. There's also a new differential called XDS, which works with the traction and stability control systems, a development that should help the hot versions of the Leon counteract the enormous torque steer we encountered when driving the outgoing Leon Cupra last year.

The new Leon and the Altea, a minivan/wagon derivative of a hatchback (itself with long-wheelbase and Freetrack softroader versions), will debut alongside the old-is-new-again Exeo ST at SEAT's Geneva Motor Show booth next month. In the meantime, if you're just itching to know more, details are in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 SEAT Leon & Altea

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: SEAT prepares facelifted Leon, Altea

Geneva Preview: SEAT prepares facelifted Leon, Altea originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEAT unveils new Twin Drive Leon prototype hybrid

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, SEAT

The SEAT Leon Ecomotive was a Leon that had been picked over and removed of many inefficiencies in order to deliver a frugal 3.7 liters/100 kilometers (63 miles-per-gallon) as well as lower CO2 emissions. The SEAT Twin Drive Leon Prototype takes that idea a giant leap further by making the car a plug-in hybrid, adding a 35kW electric engine to the car that handles all of the motivation on the urban cycle.

Almost all of the car's running gear was massaged in the drive to become a hybrid. A lithium-ion battery pack powers the electric motor, and it is said to propel the car to a range of 50 km and a maximum speed of 100 km (62 miles-per-hour). For the moment, the 1.9-liter TDI engine remains to handle extra-urban duties. However, SEAT is looking at completely phasing out the internal combustion engine on future Ecomotive models.

Spain's Minister of Industry wants one million hybrids on Spanish roads by 2014, which is when the Twin Drive could make its appearance in showrooms. You can read all about it in the press release after the jump, and see it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEAT Leon Twin Drive Prototype

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading SEAT unveils new Twin Drive Leon prototype hybrid

SEAT unveils new Twin Drive Leon prototype hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:58:00 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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SEAT reveals limited edition Leon Supercopa

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Hatchback, SEAT

Click image to enlarge

The SEAT Leon Supercopa series that visits tracks in seven European countries is, according to SEAT, "the most powerful single-brand competition in Europe." In celebration of the series, Seat is making a special edition SEAT Leon Copa Edition that arguably looks even hotter than the race car.

The 2007 race car had a turbocharged inline 4 with 301 horsepower. The special edition version for the street gets the 2.0-liter TFSI, putting out 285 hp and 265 lb-ft. That means you get sixteen fewer chevaux than the race car, but fourteen more pounds of churn. With Eibach springs, bigger brakes, a SEAT Sport bodykit and 18" wheels, the package is good for a 5.9-second run to 62-MPH. If you want one, you'll need to scrounge up €38,500, and you'll need to hurry: SEAT is only making 55 of them. Oh, and you'll need to live in Europe, too.

[Source: Zer Customs]

SEAT reveals limited edition Leon Supercopa originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:33:00 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 Drives, 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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Hot Oil: SEAT offers limited-edition Leon FR550 TDI

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, SEAT

While it sister company Audi continues to forge ahead in Le Mans-class racing under diesel power, the SEAT division is likewise launching an assault on the British Touring Car Championship with an oil-burning Leon TDI. The Spanish automaker is also launching a special edition Leon for the road to coincide with its competition counterpart's race debut.

Mechanically, the limited-edition Leon FR550 is largely the same as the standard FR - one rung down on the SEAT performance ladder from the top-of-the-line Cupra - powered by the same two-liter turbodiesel on the Leon FR TDI. The details are what set the FR550 apart, carrying such touches as racing-style buckets seats, special badging, USB connectivity, 18-inch "Draco" alloys and a range of special colors. The turbodiesel Leon FR will hit sixty in 8.2 and return 39.2 mpg city/47 mpg highway. If they act fast enough, British customers can pick up one of the 550 examples of the FR550 being offered at a £400 premium over the standard version.

[Source: CarScoop]

Hot Oil: SEAT offers limited-edition Leon FR550 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:41:00 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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Look Ma, no hands! SEAT develops world's first driverless touring car

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Technology

Click image to see high res gallery of this unbelievable car!

The Seat Leon is a holy terror on the European touring car circuit, but bad luck and driver error can often mean less than perfect results. So the team has been hard at work creating a virtual interface for the vehicle to take the human error out of the equation. By eliminating the driver, the car can be driven remotely and consistent fast laps are a virtual certainty. It's really unbelievable that nobody has been able to accomplish such a feat before now. And the way in which they've done it makes it look like child's play. In fact, it's as easy as driving a remote control car. No driver means less weight, so it's likely the team will have to carry ballast to make it more realistic competition -- a lot of it if it's supposed to simulate team manager and remote-control jockey Scott Dennis, according to driver Jason Plato). If they didn't, they'd be toying with the rest of the field.

Plato and fellow Seat Sport UK driver Darren Turner aren't too keen on the robotic car, but Scott Dennis says that they'd better get used to it. The advanced electronic system uses computers to replicate driver inputs while controlled from the comfort of the pits by Dennis. Dubbed the Telematics Remote-Information Control Kit, it is sure to surprise more than a few other drivers when it debuts April 1 at the season-opening race at Brands Hatch. The other teams would be foolish not to hop on board and try the TRICK system themselves.

Full release after the jump.

[Source: SEAT Sport UK]

Gallery: Driverless SEAT Leon touring car

Continue reading Look Ma, no hands! SEAT develops world's first driverless touring car

Look Ma, no hands! SEAT develops world's first driverless touring car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:01:00 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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SEAT debuts Leon FR, announces pricing

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 26 May 2006 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Autoblog Spanish has full coverage of the debut of SEAT's new competitor in the hot hatch wars, the Leon FR, courtesy of our man in Madrid, Alberto Ballestin. We're posting a few of his live shots here, the full set of pics is online here.

According to What Car? Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary is pricing its 197 hp FR at $31,910 USD, about $5,630 less than VW's GTI, which uses the same TFSI 2-liter engine.

SEAT announced that an even hotter 240 hp version of the Leon, the Cupra, will debut in July at the British Motor Show.

More photos after the jump!

[Sources: Autoblog Spanish, What Car?]

Continue reading SEAT debuts Leon FR, announces pricing

SEAT debuts Leon FR, announces pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 May 2006 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEAT debuts new Leon FR, intelligent lighting system

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 17 May 2006 18:36:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen subsidiary SEAT is showing off its latest and greatest at its hometown Madrid Motor Show this week. Highlighting the company's announcements is its new Leon FR model.

The sporty hatchback is powered by either a new 200 hp 2-liter TFSI gasoline engine or SEAT's 170 hp 2-liter TDI diesel. The top-line TFSI powerplant is good for 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in a respectable 7.3 seconds. Performance trim includes 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, and a very nice-looking set of sport seats.

SEAT's Advanced Front Lighting System is a pretty cool feature for a mid-market brand - the bi-xenon headlights are integrated with the vehicle's chassis dynamics system to adjust headlight beam direction, not only steering the headlights into a corner, but also adjusting the height of the beam as the car's load changes.

More pics available after the jump...

[Sources: SEAT; Channel 4 UK]

Continue reading SEAT debuts new Leon FR, intelligent lighting system

SEAT debuts new Leon FR, intelligent lighting system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 May 2006 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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