2003 Seat Cupra GT

Seat has revealed one of its most exciting sporting projects to date at the Barcelona Motor Show (24 April 2003), the Seat Cupra GT racer prototype. The stunning Cupra GT is the result of joint design and development work by Seat Sport and the Seat Design Centre and features all the innovative technology and dynamic potential of a high performance GT coupled with the distinctive Seat design and 'auto emoción'.

The Cupra GT is powered by a 3-litre V6 twin turbo engine of Audi origin with an ouput of over 500 PS. The V6 engine not only delivers exceptional performance but has great elasticity through its range from the lowest revs up to the maximum 600 Nm at 5250 rpm, making it adaptable to the most demanding conditions. It has a refined chassis and powerful braking system with 378 mm / 355 mm front and rear ventilated discs. Independent double wishbones with Ohlins coil shock absorbers ensure the precise handling and agility expected of a race car.

The Cupra GT's power is harnessed in a striking and seductive body, built for speed, handling and visual impact. The famous Walter de'Silva curved 'Dynamic Line', first seen on the Salsa concept, runs from front, over the wheel arch gradually descending to the rear pillar. The gull wing doors with handles flush to the panels, widened rear wings, integrated bumper and a large spoiler trailing from the curved roof all add to the look, aerodynamics and road holding. The front view has a purity of line which draws attention to the unusual headlight arrangement and is reminiscent of the Tango roadster concept car. Six double spoke 18' alloy wheels, secured with a single bolt for speed of change, expose dark titanium coloured AP brake callipers. The front wheels are shod with 265/650 tyres and the rear, 285/680. To complete the sporting picture, the whole carbon fibre chassis is painted a vivid metallic orange with titanium coloured wheels, headlamp casings, grille surround, twin tailpipes and spoiler brackets.

Seat designers and engineers have ensured the Cupra GT maintains the high levels of rigidity and safety that high speed competition driving demands. The tubular shell has a central structure with intertwining anti-roll bars. At the front, the sub-chassis is reinforced by the arch formed by the dashboard beam and windscreen frame. The reinforced rear lends rigidity to the central section and the tubular structure, reinforced with a series of buttresses distributes stress in several directions. The solid sub-chassis is the anchorage point for the rear suspension system. The torsional rigidity achieved by the combination of the above, the stiff coil and shock absorbers and low centre of gravity allow the Cupra GT to move swiftly and sharply over the asphalt on the most demanding track. The final version of the Seat Cupra GT is expected to race in this year's Spanish GT series and Seat Sport will commence building GTs to customer order later this year.

Source - SEAT