MARTORELL, Spain — Seat plans to show off the new Leon Cupra R at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September. It's equipped with a 265-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI engine and is, the company says, the "most powerful model" in the marque's history.
Seat gave the Leon Cupra a face-lift for 2009, and the production model has the same Volkswagen Group 2.0-liter engine with 240 hp. A high-pressure fuel pump injector helps the direct-injection power plant on the R variant put out an extra 25 hp. The vehicle can sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 6.2 seconds, and it maxes out at 155 mph — all the while maintaining fuel economy numbers of 29 mpg.
The hot hatch also gets 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35 tires that make room for the new 17-inch front and 16-inch rear brake discs. To further differentiate it from the stock Leon Cupra, special "R" badges adorn the front grille and rear end. Other standard features include ABS, TCS, a self-locking differential, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a multimedia system with eight speakers and iPod capability.
The interior features a pair of special racing-style bucket seats in gray Alcantara, white LED lighting on the instrument dials, aluminum pedals and a leather multifunction steering wheel.
Inside Line says: Another hot hatch that will fail to make the trip across the pond to the States. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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