2011 Seat León CUPRA R news, pictures, and information

NEW SEAT LEÓN CUPRA R : Pure power and sporting excitement

Úndeniably, the focal point of the new León CÚPRA R is its 265 hp direct injection 2.0 TSI engine. Its main characteristics are its tremendous power, easy torque transmission and fabulous flexibility.

The SEAT Technical Centre poured significant effort into modifying the engine's electronic management system and increasing the maximum turbo pressure. The result is an added 25 hp compared to the tried and tested 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine found in today's León CÚPRA.

The intercooler fitted to the new engine delivers its superior performance through greater turbo pressure. As on the 240 hp version, the engine set-up includes a new, high-pressure fuel injection pump to satisfy its greater performance demands, and the ratios on the six-speed gearbox have been specifically adapted.

The new León CÚPRA R delivers a top speed of 250 km/h (self-limited) and a blistering 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of barely 6.2 seconds. It also covers a standing kilometre in only 25.7 seconds. These competition-class figures are achieved wîth exceptional fuel efficiency of only 8.1 litres on average to cover 100 km, making it the most efficient vehicle wîth the lowest level of emissions in its performance category, while fully complying wîth EÚ-5 emissions standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)

Imposing design

The new León CÚPRA R is based on the spectacular design of the existing CÚPRA, wîth subtle additions both inside and out.

The exclusive nature of SEAT's new model is most easily identified via the distinctive letter ‘R' that's subtly placed on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch, the right instrument dial and the remote control key. The exclusive CÚPRA logo graces the front bumper on the lower left, the centre of the hatch, the §teering wheel and the seat backrests.

Further distinctive detailing on the CÚPRA R that underlines its racing spirit, besides the spectacular 19 inch wheels are the trademark glossy black door mirrors. The wheel assembly also enables a set of exceptionally generous 345 x 30 mm front disc brakes wîth 286 x 12 mm at the rear; vital given the need for greater braking capacity in a car that harnesses 265 hp.

The interior features eye-catching competition styled bucket seats in a combination of grey cloth and alcantara upholstery, white LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather multi-functional §teering wheel and aluminium-clad pedals. Black prevails in the sporty passenger compartment, and the view from the driver's seat is designed to minimise distractions wîth the roof lining, sun visors, door handles and ‘A' pillars all clad exclusively in black.

Excellent dynamic performance

The addition of the electronic self-blocking XDS system to the standard equipment on the new CÚPRA R means this SEAT offers much greater driving comfort and safety. The clever new electronic system works together wîth ESP and functions as a self-blocking mechanism. It improves the car's performance when traction is lost by applying braking power to the wheel that loses grip.

This system provides a similar feeling as driving a car wîth a conventional self-blocking mechanism, and considerably improves the ability to transmit power to the driven front wheels. Proving its worth, in particular, through bends, XDS stops the inside wheel from slipping and reduces understeer, providing the León CÚPRA R wîth unbeatable handling.

The XDS system is the perfect complement to SEAT's efficient Agile Chassis, which has been modified on this version to make it one of the most dynamically impressive cars in its §egmènt.

Top-notch equipment

The SEAT León CÚPRA R offers a particularly generous line-up of standard equipment. Naturally, of course, there are the usual electronic safety devices, such as XDS, ABS, ESP stability control and TCS traction control + EBA emergency braking.

Other standard-fit safety features on the León CÚPRA R are front airbags, two side airbags, two head airbags, passenger airbag disconnection, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points and low tyre pressure warning, as well as automatic lights on, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, cornering fog lights, dual zone climate control and CD radio + MP3 + eight speakers + MDI, among others.

DESIGN
Pure sporting intent

• A more sporty, seductive design
• Imposing race car looks
• Passenger compartment wîth cockpit styling

The new León CÚPRA R is easily recognisable on the road. The new ‘R' version builds on the essentially sporty lines of today's León CÚPRA wîth a number of distinctive features that round off its upgraded image wîth a yet more ‘racy' look.

The front end grabs your attention. An exclusive honeycomb mesh central grille wîth a black surround and the letter ‘R' on the right are the car's most obvious trademarks. As on the CÚPRA versions, too, the sophisticated air vents beneath the grille enhance its sporty appeal.

Another tell-tale CÚPRA feature seldom found on other cars are the pronounced shoulders that house the headlights. A black character stripe runs the length of the front bumper and the word ‘CÚPRA' stands out on the left. Finally, there is a larger trapezoid-shaped cooling grille, wîth cornering fog lights built in at the sides.

From the side, the car's exclusive 19-inch Cosmos Silver ‘Potenza' wheel rims (optionally available in white) are shod wîth ultra-low profile 235/35 tyres, and the five double-spoke rims reveal enormous red brake callipers. The disc sizes and four-pot callipers provide the immediate braking response obviously required by a car in this class.

The side view includes gloss black door mirrors, which lend the car a personal touch and echoes the mirror treatment of the entire SEAT CÚPRA range.

The rear of the car also clearly identifies the SEAT León CÚPRA R. As at the front, a more blunt bumper wîth a prominent black moulding enhances the car's racy looks. A polished steel oval exhaust pipe, the model name in the centre of the hatch and the letter ‘R' at the lower right of the hatch (also seen on the key control and engine block) complete the check-list.

Sporty interior

Inside this extreme new SEAT, great pains have been taken to ensure that the passenger compartment detailing reflects the car's sporty exterior.

Extensive use of black and grey helps conjure up the sporty atmosphere of a race car cockpit.

The first thing you see when opening the doors of the new León CÚPRA R are the competition-styled bucket seats wîth a combination of grey cloth and alcantara upholstery, integrated headrests and the CÚPRA logo on the backrests. These comfortable seats provide great lateral support in tight bends and, as on the CÚPRA version, an attractive new option is available: black leather upholstery wîth white cross-stitching, highly reminiscent of ‘70s competition cars.

There is a three-spoke multi-functional leather §teering wheel wîth aluminium colour inserts and the CÚPRA logo at the bottom, plus a matching gearknob wîth a newly designed gear diagram. The competition-style wheel is flattened at the bottom, wîth ergonomic grips at either side.

The instrument panel is lit wîth self-regulating white LEDs, and the letter ‘R' can be found at the bottom right of the left-hand speedometer dial.

The centre console houses the warning switches, in black, the ESP disconnection and a new row of buttons which includes the parking sensor disconnection. Design modifications have also been made to the climate control and the new satellite navigation system, which blend in perfectly on the León CÚPRA R.

Finally, no self-respecting CÚPRA R vehicle would be complete without a set of racing aluminium pedals and footrest to round off a comfortable driving position.