Leon Cupra R: SEAT's hottest ever hot hatch

The influential German show, opening to the public on 17 September, will see the official debut of the SEAT Leon fleet's stunning new flagship which boasts a brutally powerful 261 HP 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine.

Instantly becoming the most muscular production model ever to wear the trademark SEAT ‘S', the forthcoming Leon Cupra R matches the power output of the title-winning SEAT Leon TDI World Touring Car.

Naturally, the new Leon's 261 HP direct injection 2.0 TSI engine is the star of the show boasting not only tremendous power, but also easy torque transmission and remarkable flexibility.

Among the four cylinder 16V unit's key features is a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to satisfy its greater performance demands while also allowing it to fully comply with strict EU5 emissions standards.

Transmitting that urge to its driven front wheels, the Cupra R is capable of prodigious performance. The zero to 100 km/h time, for instance, is a formidable 6.1 seconds, while the top speed of 250 km/h is comfortably adequate. All this, and yet the new SEAT's combined fuel consumption figure is put at just a shade under 6.7 liters/100 km.

Inside and out, the exclusive nature of the Spanish maker's new model is obvious to the enthusiast thanks to the distinctive letter ‘R' on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch. The all-important initial also appears inside, on the right instrument dial and the remote control key.

Meanwhile, the exclusive Cupra logo graces the front bumper, the centre of the hatch and, inside, the steering wheel and seat backrests.

Further distinctive detailing which underlines the Cupra R's extreme nature includes arch-filling 19-inch, five double-spoke alloys shod with ultra-low profile 235/35 tyres.

The wheel assembly also enables a set of generous 17-inch 345 x 30 mm front disc brakes with 16-inch 286 x 12 mm at the rear, uprated to deliver the greater braking capacity obviously required to keep that 261 HP safely in check.

The interior features eye-catching competition-styled bucket seats in grey alcantara upholstery, white LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather-clad multi-functional steering wheel and sporty aluminium-trimmed pedals.

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Credits: JRC