You best strike quickly if you want the latest Seat Leon Cupra R because just 799 will be built, having publically debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Seat has unveiled a more dangerous version of the new Leon Cupra. Known as the Cupra R, it will be the most powerful Seat ever offered thanks to a more potent version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol.
Total power output is 306bhp (310PS) if you go for the six-speed manual gearbox or 296bhp with the six-speed DSG, meaning the latter is only as powerful as the standard Leon Cupra 300 and 8bhp more than the standard Cupra.
That could mean a faster 0-62mph time than the Cupra 300’s 5.8 seconds, but that will, of course, depend on the ability of the driver and conditions. We expect the automatic to be around 5.7 seconds, the same as before.
Besides the bang-on-trend matte grey and contrasting copper paintjob, the Seat Leon Cupra R features carbon fibre detailing on the front and rear spoilers, side skirts and rear diffusers for a race-inspired look as well as bespoke 19-inch alloys (with yet more copper).
The interior, meanwhile, gets in on the carbon fibre and copper action, while the steering wheel and gearstick are wrapped in fancy Alcantara. Because luxury and comfort.
For those who want something other than the matte grey exterior paintjob, you can also have a Midnight Black or Pyrenees Grey.
As for performance focussed extras (because a nice paintjob doesn’t make a car better to drive), the new Leon Cupra R has its own camber and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) settings in addition to a limited-slip differential.
You can also expect Brembo brakes for more stopping power and a new exhaust system, which means the new Leon Cupra R has the potential to sound even more lairy.
We see the Leon Cupra R as more of a special edition model than anything, but that is no bad thing. Those who want a hot hatchback and love the colour scheme will find it hard to resist plus the chance of seeing another one on the road will be very slim indeed.
The new Seat Leon Cupra R will go on sale at the end of 2017 for an undisclosed price. Expect it to cost more than a new Leon Cupra, obviously. Exactly how many of the 799 units are destined for the UK market is unclear.
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