- SEAT driver and ambassador Jordi Gené shares his first impressions at the wheel of the new Leon CUPRA R
- Equipped with 310 hp output, this is the brand’s most powerful production model and features outstanding agility, dynamism and safety
- New parts and carbon fibre detailing contribute to improving downforce by 12.5%
The roar of an engine pierces the morning calm. Down a winding road which has been closed to traffic speeds the new SEAT Leon CUPRA R, the brand’s most powerful model, driven by racer Jordi Gené, who relates how it feels to drive this vehicle for the first time:
– In CUPRA mode: With 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 5.7 seconds, some of the first impressions felt while sitting at the wheel are “agility, dynamism and safety”, says the SEAT driver and brand ambassador.
Before turning on the ignition, Gené selects the new CUPRA mode from the SEAT Drive Profile to increase and enhance the driving experience: “It provides you with a quicker engine response, goes from 800 to 1,000 rpm and lends greater stiffness to the steering”.
– Better grip when cornering: One of the aspects he highlights on this model is how easily it handles when entering curves, and once inside, “its ability to remain on course”. “This is thanks to its VAQ self-locking differential, which transmits 100% of available torque to a single wheel. In addition, it completely prevents negative effect on steering response when accelerating out of a sharp bend”, he explains.
– Blind trust: “You feel safe when driving it”, assures this racing expert. The SEAT Leon CUPRA R excels with its aerodynamic package featuring carbon fibre details on the body and new spoilers. In fact, its downforce has been improved by 12.5%, which in turn “enhances efficiency, dynamic performance and safety”.
– Decked out in all its finery: “In my opinion, this is a unique car, in both drive performance and design”, adds Gené. Only 799 units of this vehicle are going to be launched. This limited edition stands out for it exclusively designed 19 inch wheels and the personalised detailing in copper on the door mirrors, steering wheel, mirrors and front grille. In addition, and for the first time, it is available with ‘Matt Pyrenees Grey’ body paint. The interior of the vehicle also features a laser engraved inscription on the centre console as a further reminder that it is an exclusive limited edition.
SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting 81% of its vehicles, and is present in over 80 countries through a network of 1,700 dealerships. In 2016, SEAT obtained an operating profit of 143 million euros, the highest in the history of the brand, and achieved worldwide sales of nearly 410,000 vehicles.
SEAT Group employs more than 14,500 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza, Leon and Arona. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia.
The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitalisation process to promote the mobility of the
