The new SEAT León Cupra R is one of the highlights at the SEAT stand at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. Developed by SEAT Sport in collaboration with SEAT’s Technical Centre, this model has become the brand’s highest expression of sportiness. With its 225 hp (165 kW) 1.8 20VT engine, the new León Cupra R is the fastest, most powerful vehicle in the history of SEAT. The new León Cupra R replaces the 210 hp version that was launched in early 2002, which exceeded even the most optimistic sales forecasts. SEAT had scheduled a total production output of 3,000 units, but the actual figures to early July of this year showed that over 3,300 vehicles had been manufactured.
The SEAT challenge has been taken further with a new production forecast of 5,000 units, of which 2,000 will be the new, 225 hp León Cupra R.
With the SEAT Sport trademark
Activity at SEAT Sport has been especially intense in 2003, both in terms of increased competition involvement and of developing and manufacturing the brand’s high performance production vehicles. At the Geneva Motor Show last March, SEAT’s sports division showcased the prototype of the forthcoming Ibiza Cupra, and the new León Cupra R at the Barcelona Show in April.
The new León Cupra R benefits from SEAT Sport’s experience at the highest category of the World Rally Championship with the Córdoba WRC, the current circuit participation at the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), the León Supercopa in Spain and the UK, and by supporting private teams that race with the brand’s vehicles. Such is the case of the Toledo GT at the Spanish GT Championship, which currently leads in the general classification.
The new León Cupra R further underlines the sporting character that sets the brand apart, and which is captured in the brand claim ‘SEAT auto emoción’. It is the fourth high performance model presented by SEAT Sport following the Ibiza Cupra R (Birmingham 2000), the new Ibiza Cupra (Geneva 2003) and the original León Cupra R (Barcelona 2001).
León Cupra R, more than 240 km/h
With its 225 hp output, the new León Cupra R replaces the previous 210 hp version. The new engine pushes it over 240 km/h, giving a top speed of 242 km/h (compared to 237 km/h for the original León Cupra R),
The new León Cupra R accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds (210 hp León Cupra R: 7.2 seconds), and covers a standing kilometre in 26.8 seconds (faster than the 27.4 seconds of the previous model). The new León Cupra R is thus an improvement over its predecessor in every aspect.
But despite the improved performance figures, fuel consumption is virtually the same as the 210 hp Cupra R. The new 225 hp 1.8 20VT engine consumes 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres of city driving, 6.7 l/100 km over the extra urban cycle and has a combined fuel consumption of 8.9 l/100 km. Comparative figures for the original León Cupra R are 12.5, 6.6 and 8.7 l/100 km.
Powerful agility
At the heart of the new León Cupra R is a turbocharged 1,781 cc in-line ‘four’ with 20 valves and twin intercoolers. It delivers 225 hp (165 kW) at 5,900 rpm and is mated to a six speed manual transmission.
Thanks to its high torque figure of 280 Nm developed at a low 2,200 rpm, the new version is blessed with swift responses to the accelerator, and has excellent in-gear acceleration for increased enjoyment no matter what the driving conditions.
It even sounds better. Specially engineered for the new Cupra R, ‘Engine SEAT Sound’ strengthens its sporting image without being overbearing. It has been tuned to enhance the aural quality of the engine while at a standstill, during low speed manoeuvres and under hard acceleration, but filters noise in the mid and high rev ranges to ensure it doesn’t become tiring on a long drive.
Like its predecessor, the new SEAT León Cupra R features SEAT’s ‘Agile Chassis’ with Dynamic Steering Response (DSR). Central to the chassis’s success is the modification of a number of mechanical features designed to make the model react even more quickly to direction changes.
Changes include completely revised settings for the coil springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars and the concept features newly designed silent block mountings, which sharpen reactions to the rear of the car. At the front, revised suspension geometry combines with a quicker steering rack for improved response.
The León Cupra R is equipped with a dynamic Brembo brake system with red painted four-pot callipers (36/40 mm) and 323 x 28 mm ventilated discs, 18 inch alloy rims and 225/40 Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres. Also standard is ESP and EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance), a latest generation braking aid that operates automatically in an emergency, greatly enhancing braking ability.
Sporting inside and out
Like the previous León Cupra R, the new model’s potential is immediately obvious. Among the standout styling features are the front bumper/spoiler with its wide air intakes which increase airflow, allowing the twin intercoolers to ‘breathe’ better.
Another highlight at the front is the contrasting radiator grille, which features slats on the upper part and a honeycomb arrangement below, all set off by SEAT’s familiar chromed ‘S’ badge in the centre.
The profile view shows off the 225/40 tyres on five-double-spoke 18 inch alloy rims, through which the red Brembo brake callipers can clearly be seen.
At the rear, a muscular bumper sits above a chromed, oval tailpipe. The ‘LEON’ name can be found in the centre of the rear hatch beneath the SEAT. Further identification is provided by the Cupra logo and the letter ‘R’ on the rear hatch and beneath the side indicator repeaters.
The cabin of the new León Cupra R captures the atmosphere of a competition vehicle with the dashboard, carpeting, headlining, rear parcel shelf, seat upholstery, seatbelts, door panels, mouldings and grab handles all coloured black. Even the central console, which houses the climate control and CD player, is black. The only contrast on the dashboard is provided by the white-faced instrument dials.
The León Cupra R has, as standard, comfortable and attractive sport seats. The front seats have the letter ‘R’ stitched in red onto the backrests, setting them apart from other SEAT production models. Exclusive front Recaros are optional.
Another exclusive feature on the new León Cupra R is the three-spoke black leather steering wheel with an ergonomic grip on both sides for more positive handling. These areas are covered in perforated black leather through which a red background can be seen. Another neat touch is the strip of red leather sewn onto the wheel at 12 o’clock, imitating the ’straight ahead’ marker found on a racing car steering wheel.
The new León Cupra R features standard equipment which is undoubtedly ‘racing’ in nature. This includes climate control, ABS, TCS, ESP and EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance), a CD-based sound system plus driver and passenger front and side airbags.
For buyers wanting to personalise their vehicle even more, options include Recaro sport seats, a glove box-mounted CD auto changer, dynamic navigation system, volumetric alarm and telephone pre-installation.
Ibiza Cupra, high performance petrol and Diesel engines
Frankfurt will also play host to the prototype of the next generation Ibiza Cupra, the first SEAT Cupra model available with a choice of 1.8 20VT petrol or 1.9 TDi Diesel engines, with a power output from 150 hp.
The bold and sporting Ibiza Cupra leaves no-one in any doubt as to its performance potential. Among the unique features is a newly designed front end with larger air intakes to help increase airflow into the engine bay.
The eye-catching ‘face’ features intake slats at the top with a honeycomb grille underneath into which are housed the foglamps. Sitting proudly in the centre is the SEAT symbol in a chrome surround.
The rear bumper is also completely new and features a large chromed oval tailpipe emerging from the bottom of its redesigned silhouette. This exhaust system, as on the León Cupra R, produces the aurally evocative ‘Engine SEAT sound’.
In profile, the Ibiza Cupra can be identified by the striking design of its titanium coloured alloy rims. The five double-spoke 7J x 17 inch rims are shod with 205/40 tyres.
As is traditional with products developed by SEAT Sport, the sporting image of the exterior is mirrored on the inside. Interior trim is all black with the only contrast coming from the white-faced dials on the instrument panel.
As with the León Cupra R, SEAT Sport has developed a special steering wheel for the Ibiza Cupra. The three-spoke wheel is wrapped in black leather and has an ergonomic grip on both sides for more positive handling. These areas are covered in perforated black leather through which a red background can be seen. Another neat touch is the strip of red leather, which has been sewn onto the wheel at 12 o’clock, imitating the ’straight ahead’ marker found on the steering wheel of a racing car.
The new Ibiza Cupra will be the first SEAT Cupra model available with the choice between petrol and Diesel engines.
The petrol version will be powered by a potent, turbocharged 1.8 litre 20V unit, making the Ibiza one of the fastest and most powerful front-wheel drive vehicles in its segment. The first Diesel Cupra from SEAT will be powered by a version of the efficient 1.9 TDi engine, making it the benchmark within its segment.
The new Ibiza Cupra will be equipped with SEAT’s ‘Agile Chassis’ concept incorporating Dynamic Steering Response (DSR). This sophisticated system combines carefully tuned suspension settings with a computer controlled ‘intelligent’ programme that varies the assistance given to the steering according to how the car is being driven, resulting in precise handling and sharper responses to driver input.
Complementing the excellent level of active safety provided by DSR, the new model will offer other safety features such as driver and passenger airbag, side airbags, ABS and TCS traction control. ESP will be available as an option.
As befits its competition breeding, the Ibiza Cupra will be equipped with a brake system developed directly from motor sport, featuring 312 mm ventilated discs at the front and 232 mm solid discs behind.
Put all these elements together and the result on the Ibiza Cupra is an agile performer with sharp reactions and a sporting heart.
Related articles:
- NEW SEAT IBIZA CUPRA: High performance exclusivity
- SEAT Ibiza FR - the sportiest and most powerful Ibiza
- World premiere at the Barcelona Motor Show: The new SEAT León Cupra R - now with 225 hp
- The new Seat Ibiza Cupra R
- SEAT at 2003 Barcelona Motor Show: The New Cupra GT, the brand’s sportiest image
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