Fascinating dynamics, state-of-the-art technology , amazing design combined with unbeatable economy and perfect usability in everyday use – the new Leon Cupra embodies the values of the Seat brand in the best possible way .
The new Cupra, offering up to 280 horsepower , is not only clearly the top model of the very successful Leon family, but also the most powerful mass-produced car of the Spanish automaker. And the fastest – the drive and chassis of the Leon Cupra model guarantee the highest level of pleasure from precise driving . Thanks to its extensive equipment and excellent quality, the new Cupra provides an exceptionally good price/performance ratio . The Leon Cupra will be offered from the start with a five-door body or as a three-door Leon SC Cupra sports coupe.
A concentrated set of technically advanced components in the new Cupra model guarantees enormous performance. The most important of these is the all-new 2.0 TSI engine with dual injection and variable valve timing. Depending on the version, it provides a maximum output of 265 hp or 280 hp . Adaptive chassis control DCC ( Dynamic Chassis Control ), front axle differential lock , progressive steering, Cupra Drive Profile drive mode selector, high-performance braking system and 18" wheels (Cupra 280: 19" wheels) and standard LED headlights are other examples of state-of-the-art technology. With the new Leon Cupra model, the success story continues at an even higher level. The first generation was launched in 1996 with the Ibiza , and since then the dynamic Cupra models have become icons of the brand .
Design – Emotional and impressive
Emotional design is one of the strengths of the Leon model range. It was further improved for the new Leon Cupra. A new nose with large air intakes and LED headlights adds to the impressive look, as does the rear bumper with a hint of a diffuser and twin oval tailpipes . The light-alloy wheels have an exclusive design, while the red brake calipers and dark-tinted side and rear window glasses enhance the individuality of this model.
The Leon Cupra 280 is visually distinguished by its unique 19" wheels, painted in a titanium shade, as well as an aerodynamic package with a rear roof spoiler , Cupra lettering on the brake calipers and black exterior mirror covers. The decorative elements in the interior of this top sports variant are black with a deep gloss (alternatively classic chrome).
Equipment – Exclusive and individual
Standard equipment also includes front and rear LED headlights . In addition to their distinctive design, LED headlights offer many other advantages – they illuminate the road in front of the car with light with a color temperature of 5300 kelvin , which is very close to daylight. The result is very little eye strain when driving in the dark. In terms of economy, LEDs consume a minimal amount of energy – for example, dimmed lights consume only 20 W per side .
In the interior, attention is drawn to the sports steering wheel with a unique design and paddles for manual shifting in combination with the optional DSG transmission . Not to be overlooked are the excellent sports seats upholstered in dark gray Alcantara and decorated with white stitching. Black full leather upholstery is also available, again complemented by white stitching. Very good guidance is offered by the optional shell seats . The pedals and decorative moldings on the side sills are made of aluminum.
In addition to the extensive basic equipment of the Leon FR , the standard interior of the Leon Cupra includes high-end sports seats upholstered in Alcantara, a Cupra steering wheel and a Media System Plus with a 5.8" color touchscreen. An exceptional element in the interior of the Leon Cupra model is the decorative lighting . LEDs in the door panels emphasize the contours of the interior design and give the passenger compartment a premium atmosphere. At the same time, decorative lighting enables passengers to better orient themselves and enhances the feeling of spaciousness. Through the Cupra Drive Profile driving mode selector, the color of the LEDs can be customized – in Cupra mode they glow red , in the standard setting they glow white.
Drive – The highest level of performance is a given
The Cupra is a symbol of power, performance, dynamism – and the new Leon Cupra perfectly fulfills all these promises. The Leon Cupra 280 with the optional DSG transmission " shoots " as the top model of the brand from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds , or in 5.8 seconds with a manual transmission (Leon SC). An electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h is a matter of course. The maximum torque of 350 Nm in a wide range of revolutions from 1750 to 5300 min -1 guarantees remarkable driving power in every situation. And the Cupra, with 265 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, is only a fraction of a second slower. Acceleration in this case requires 5.9 seconds with a mechanical transmission, or 5.8 seconds with DSG (Leon SC).
Despite the above, the new Leon Cupra is surprisingly economical . The average fuel consumption of both performance variants is only 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers with DSG (five-door Leon: 6.6 l/100 km ), respectively. 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers with a manual transmission. This corresponds to CO 2 emission values of only 149 g/km, or 154 g/km. And compared to its predecessor, this means a reduction in CO 2 emissions by 41 grams per kilometer .
The 2.0 TSI unit reacts spontaneously, like a true sports engine, to every movement of the gas pedal and hungers for high revs – all this with a distinctive and refined soundtrack, which is amplified and modulated by the sound generator . The all-new power unit with an exceptionally fast-reacting turbocharger overflows with elements from the world of high-tech and advanced technologies – for example, in the dual injection system, direct injection of gasoline into the cylinders is supplemented under partial load by indirect injection into the intake manifold. Its optimal setting reduces fuel consumption and emissions of solid particles.
The most favorable filling of the cylinders is ensured under all circumstances – the camshafts are adjustable, the opening of the exhaust valves is also regulated by the variable valve lift system. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head and is part of the intelligent cooling system management. Friction is minimized by a new kind of surface treatment of aluminum pistons and bearings. A set of measures to increase the efficiency of the Cupra model also includes a start/stop system and kinetic energy recovery.
Chassis and technology – High-tech for precision and dynamics
The Cupra has always been synonymous with excellent dynamics, precise agility and an amazing sporting character. Nevertheless, the new Leon Cupra raises the bar another big step higher – in every respect. With adaptive chassis control DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), front axle differential lock and progressive steering as standard equipment, the new Leon Cupra achieves significantly faster lap times on the race track than its already remarkable predecessor. At the same time, the ride is much more comfortable with a surprisingly high level of refinement even during long highway journeys . The specific high-performance brake system for the Cupra model with red brake calipers guarantees safe and reliable deceleration .
The key prerequisites for a high level of driving dynamics are low weight and a rigid body structure . The systematically light construction of the new Leon model range is also evident in the Cupra version. Despite the significantly expanded equipment , the new generation weighs 55 kilograms less than its comparable predecessor. The new generation of adaptive chassis control DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), developed especially for the Leon Cupra model , is even more sensitive and responsive. Within milliseconds , it adapts the characteristics of the chassis to the prevailing conditions. The car is also capable of adapting to the different preferences of the driver – the Cupra Drive Profile drive mode selector enables extensive individualization of the driving characteristics.
A new front axle differential lock improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car. The system uses an electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated set of slats. The maximum clamping effect is 1600 Nm and in an extreme case 100% of the driving force can be transmitted to one wheel . Differential lock is integrated into all chassis systems, including ESP and EDS . It not only improves traction, but also eliminates the unwanted effect of driving force on steering. The sensitive steering of the system has no negative impact on steering sensitivity and feedback.
Standard equipment also includes progressive steering , which improves the agile behavior of the new Leon Cupra model. The driver can experience precise and at the same time calm driving , with minimal requirements for turning the steering wheel and fumbling, especially when turning or parking. The steering in the new Leon Cupra model works with a progressive transmission based on variable toothing on a rack and pinion .
The ESP stabilization system has been further improved for the Leon Cupra model and enables a very sporty driving style while fully maintaining safety functions. For extremely dynamic use, for example on a race track, the ESP can be deactivated in two stages – the first stage deactivates the anti-skid system and puts the ESP into sports mode , which allows a greater degree of rotation of the car around the vertical axis. The second level deactivates ESP completely .
Cupra Drive Profile
The Cupra Drive Profile drive mode selector allows you to adapt the characteristics of the new Leon Cupra model to the individual preferences of the driver in a very wide range. Of course, the engineers at Martorello focused not only on the Comfort and Sport modes , but also on the Cupra mode. In this setting, the engine's response to the movements of the gas pedal is extremely sensitive , while the DSG works in the sportiest shift mode and the sound generator supports the full sound expression of the turbocharged engine. The adaptive chassis control DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), progressive steering and front axle differential lock also work in a very sporty setting .
Source: Seat
