Autoblog

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt 2009: Seat IBZ concept makes us say "Hazlo, por favor!"

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, SEAT

Seat IBZ concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Seat loves to present its concepts in a lapis-like blue with deep cream interior coloring. It's usually a very good start, and the IBZ concept adds an Alfa-worthy beauty to what might otherwise be an ordinary wagon. Number three in the Ibiza lineup, the concept takes the Ibiza hatch platform and adds more interior room while keeping the virtually the same exterior dimensions.

The IBZ will be put into production as soon as January of next year. Of course the more wily elements, like the headlights, will go the way of the moa. Yet based on the preview and Seat's impressive record of translating concepts to reality, we say it's too bad we won't see it...

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Seat IBZ concept

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Seat IBZ concept makes us say "Hazlo, por favor!"

Frankfurt 2009: Seat IBZ concept makes us say "Hazlo, por favor!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ad aims to put butts in seats Ad puts naked butts in Seat Altea

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, SEAT, UK

The NSFW Seat Altea print ad campaign -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Seat wants to make sure that people in the U.K. don't equate a family car with being boring, and what ~~better~~ more Latin way to do it than by using happy naked people? The print campaign for the Seat Altea features two "parents" hopping out of their Seat and frolicking on their way to a skinny dipping session. This kind of behavior is apparently called "Seattitude," and you'll be brimming with it if you own an Altea (Spanish models not included).

You can read the press release after the jump and have a gander at the high-res gallery below. Keep in mind that the ads are probably Not Safe For Work... unless looking at naked Spaniards is an acceptable thing to do at your workplace.

Gallery: Racy Seat Altea Print Ad

[Source: Seat]

Continue reading ~~Ad aims to put butts in seats~~ Ad puts naked butts in Seat Altea

~~Ad aims to put butts in seats~~ Ad puts naked butts in Seat Altea originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEAT starts construction of new Spanish plant to build Audi Q3

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Audi, SEAT

When the Audi Q3 compact CUV hits the streets in 2011, its assembly will be handled by the workers at VW's Spanish division, SEAT. In preparation for the crossover's arrival SEAT is building an all-new body shop at its Martorell factory. Like other modern body shops, the 322,000 square-foot facility will be heavily automated with over 300 robots handling most of the welding and stamp manipulation.

A ceremony was held at the site this week to lay the cornerstone for the new building, and as is typical for these types of events, all the usual politicians and dignitaries turned out for their photo op. The €300 million euro factory is the largest investment made by SEAT in 15 years, and signals that the Volkswagen group tends to keep it around for a while. An estimated 1,500 people will be employed building the Q3 when it launches in two years.

Continue reading SEAT starts construction of new Spanish plant to build Audi Q3

SEAT starts construction of new Spanish plant to build Audi Q3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Volkswagen BlueSport roadster production plans halted

Chris Paukert — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

In a new (and very brief) report, UK's Channel4 reports that a production version of Volkswagen's comely BlueSport concept has been delayed.

While details are slim, Channel4 says that a company insider came clean to journalists about the diesel roadster's demise at a recent Australian press event, and according to said source, the reason for the model's mothballing is that the company believes that the dire global economy won't support niche products like the BlueSport.

The report stops short of saying that the company has axed the program altogether, but presumably, if the BlueSport is delayed or dead, so are rumored versions from Audi and Seat. There is no word on when the model might get a second chance at life, so for now, the BlueSport faces an uncertain future.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

Gallery: Detroit Preview: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

[Source: Channel4]

Rumormill: Volkswagen BlueSport roadster production plans halted originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Seat Ibiza Bocanegra unveiled in Barcelona

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, SEAT

The SEAT Bocanegra - Click above for a high-res gallery

SEAT has morphed the Bocanegra Concept into a production-ready car and stayed largely true to the concept. The car isn't something completely new - it's more of an option package fitted to the Cupra. As such, the aesthetic differences don't serve any additional purpose - the flanking front grille vents are closed, for instance -- but that's not necessarily a crime when the car still looks pretty good.

Outside, in addition to that new grille and 17-inch Sira alloys (which have nothing on the concept's rims), a pair of fog lights graces the front bumper and AP brake calipers brace the front rotors. The engine is the Cupra's 1.4 TSI in 150-hp or 180-hp flavors. Inside the Blackmouth, the rhomboid-stitched seat centers remain from the Geneva show car's, with much milder (and probably more comfortable) bolsters. Gloss black trim, aluminum pedals, and lots of letter "B"s grace the cabin. The car will be offered in a red called "Dakota" and a white called "Candy" and be available later this year.

Gallery: Barcelona 2009: Seat Ibiza Bocanegra

Gallery: SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Seat Ibiza Bocanegra unveiled in Barcelona originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi confirms Q3 production - in Spain - but decision on U.S. production "postponed"

Chris Paukert — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Audi

2007 Audi Cross Coupe Quattro Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The first shipments of Audi's new Q5 crossover have barely hit the docks here in North America, and already the kid brother to the Q7 is set to get a sidekick of its own. In an official announcement released today, the VW Group luxury arm has confirmed that it will build a Q3 crossover in Martorell, Spain in 2011.

The company plans to build around 80,000 units at the SEAT plant, but while production has been confirmed for Spain, the fortunes of a possible U.S. assembly facility have been put on ice. According to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler:

"We will systematically explore our options in the context of the current market crisis. Audi is in a good position. There is currently no urgent need to select additional sites.

Described by Audi as "A coupé-like five-door SUV with seat positions, wheel size, and ground clearance characteristic of a typical SUV," the Q3 is likely to look a lot like 2007's Cross Coupe Quattro Concept, and it is expected to come to the North American market - even if it won't end up being built here. Complete press release after the jump.

Gallery: Audi Cross Coupe Quattro

Gallery: 2007 Audi Cross Coupe quattro concept

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi confirms Q3 production - in Spain - but decision on U.S. production "postponed"

Audi confirms Q3 production - in Spain - but decision on U.S. production "postponed" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEAT sketches out Ibiza ST concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:39:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, SEAT, UK

The Ibiza ST is going to be the third body style in the Ibiza line, a tiny wagon -- or "supermini estate" in UK parlance -- that will go on sale next year. SEAT has been in the segment before with its Cordoba Vario from 1998. Currently, the segment is dominated by capable-but-not-exactly-exciting models like the Renault Clio Sport Tourer, Nissan Note Accenta, and Peugeot 207 SW. SEAT wants the ST to earn looks for its compelling design, the leadership of which is being headed by Murcielago stylist Luc Donckerwolke. In addition to being the next refinement of SEAT's Arrow Design language, the car is expected to have new engines not currently seen in the Ibiza line.

[Source: SEAT]

SEAT sketches out Ibiza ST concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Heavy Breathing: SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra reportedly gets the go-ahead

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hatchback, SEAT

Seat Bocanegra Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

A production version of the Seat Bocanegra has reportedly been cleared for landing. The black-mouthed concept was an Ibiza Cupra with futuristic lights, a super-black grille treatment front and rear, and a concept car interior, so you can probably expect the production version to keep the special front end and perhaps an interior touch like diamond stitching. Potentially sold as a style pack to go on the Ibiza Cupra options list, Autocar is reporting that Bocanegra will get the same 178 horsepower 1.4-liter engine and appear some time after July of this year.

Gallery: SEAT SportCoupé Bocanegra

[Source: Autocar]

Heavy Breathing: SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra reportedly gets the go-ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Seat Exeo Sport Tourer to debut in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Videos, SEAT

Click above to watch the video after the jump

What do you do with an old model when you've already replaced it with a newer one? Well, most automakers would simply trash it and move on. Not Volkswagen though. Instead of discarding the previous Audi A4, the bean-counters at VW Group corporate headquarters in Wolfsburg simply passed it on to another division: SEAT. In this case, the Spanish subsidiary that was lacking a flagship model.

Called the Exeo, the sedan variant already took its curtain call (we wouldn't quite call it a debut) at last year's Paris Salon, but since the A4 came in both four-door and Avant wagon forms, SEAT is now preparing to relaunch the Exeo wagon in Geneva. Called the Exeo Sport Tourer, it's pretty much exactly like the Exeo sedan, only with an extended roof. Engine options - including a 198 horsepower turbo four and common-rail turbodiesels in 141 and 168 hp flavors - will carry over. SEAT hasn't released photos just yet, but has given us a video, which we've placed after the jump - just in case you've forgotten what a badge-engineered, last-generation Audi A4 Avant looked like.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading VIDEO: Seat Exeo Sport Tourer to debut in Geneva

VIDEO: Seat Exeo Sport Tourer to debut in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: SEAT to get its own BlueSport roadster?

Noah Joseph — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:08:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Volkswagen, SEAT, Rendered Speculation

Volkswagen has been toying with mid-engined concepts and compact roadsters for years now, but we're told that the BlueSport concept that the automaker revealed in Detroit is close to the finished product. But after years of gestation, Volkswagen isn't about to let the BlueSport go it alone. Not when the cost of developing a new mid-engined platform could be shared across its various brands.

An Audi derivative, like a little brother to the R8 and TT is in the cards. A Porsche version is reportedly not. But VW's Spanish subsidiary SEAT could get its own version. Supposedly Volkswagen's sportiest division, SEAT is lacking a halo car to embody what the brand is supposed to stand for. And considering all of its other products share their underpinnings with existing Volkswagens (or Audi, in the case of the Exeo), chances are good that the bigwigs in Stuttgart will give their Spanish subordinates the green light. Check out the BlueSport gallery below and then hit the link to see Paul Tan's SEAT renderings.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

[Source: paultan.org]

Rendered Speculation: SEAT to get its own BlueSport roadster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEAT prices the old Audi A4 new Exeo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Europe, SEAT, UK

Click above to view a high-resolution SEAT Exeo image gallery

When SEAT announced it was to launch a new flagship that was little more than an old Audi A4 with some new trim, we were puzzled. Everyone was puzzled. Was this Volkswagen's big plan to revive its Spanish subsidiary? Indeed it was, as we quickly discovered when we got to Paris to find it sitting there right in front of us. And now, the re-schnozzed A4 has a pricetag.

The Exeo will be offered in four trim levels and with three different engine options, including 141- and 168-horsepower versions of the group's common-rail turbo-diesel, as well as a 198 hp turbo four gasoline engine, each mated to a six-speed manual transmission. So, just how much will it cost overseas buyers to buy an old Audi with a less prestigious nameplate? Pricing in the UK starts at £17,740 (around $25,600 USD). That's a couple grand shy of what an A4 costs in the British market (or the list price what a then-new A4 ran a couple of years ago).

Gallery: Paris 2008: SEAT Exeo

Gallery: SEAT Exeo

[Source: Auto Express]

SEAT prices the ~~old Audi A4~~ new Exeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

�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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris 2008: Previous Gen Audi A4 Seat Exeo

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, SEAT

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the Seat Exeo

Our Spanish colleagues tell us that the Iberians are none too happy about SEAT grabbing a previous generation A4 out of the garbage bin to make a new sedan. Never mind the opportunity to make an easy(-ier) profit - something that would have any automaker quaking with giddyness right now - the word "Exeo" right now translates as "It just ain't right!" Those of you who have seen the previous A4 won't be surprised by anything here, except perhaps the richness and quality of the suede interior. We can assure you it was impressive. The mirror housings are neat, too, but standard fare for SEAT. Based on the approval ratings of the old A4 by the time it retired, our guess is that new customers the Exeo is meant to attract won't be disappointed that they found their way to SEAT through these four doors. Check out the press release that makes the old new again after the jump, and our gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: SEAT Exeo

Gallery: SEAT Exeo

Continue reading Paris 2008: ~~Previous Gen Audi A4~~ Seat Exeo

Paris 2008: ~~Previous Gen Audi A4~~ Seat Exeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments