Seat Leon Cupra R

Seat Ibiza SC Trophy revealed in Wörthersee - homologated for new race series

SEAT has introduced a new racer at the Wörthersee GTI meet based on the Ibiza Cupra fthat will be homologated into a new race series.

The Ibiza SC Trophy (supercopa or super cup) will be used in a new single-brand championship starting next year in Italy and Spain, just as the Leon Supercopa is an opening race series in the DTM program.

The Ibiza SC Trophy comes with a 1.4 TSI unit producing 180 PS (132 kW / 178 bhp), same as in the Cupra model, coupled to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

But the SC Trophy features some modifications for this new racing series which include a modified oil sump to combat the high lateral forces it must endure under racing conditions. Dimensions have also been changed as SEAT has lowered the car by 40 mm and extended the wheelbase of this cup racer by 13 mm. It's track has been widened too by 170 mm at the front and 29 mm at the rear axle.

Weight is just over 1 metric tonne at 1,063 kg (2,330 lbs) and wheels are 17-inch racers.

SEAT is putting on an extensive program at the legendary GTI Treffen in the Austrian state of Kärnten. From 1-4 June, fans of the Spanish brand will be presenting their most spectacular pieces of tuning on the roads and town squares around the Wörthersee. The centre of activity is in Reifnitz on the lake's southern bank. This is where SEAT will be displaying six particularly fiery versions of the Ibiza and Leon on its own open-air stand - including two cup cars built for motorsport. This is also where the hottest SEAT tuning cars will once again be selected. At this year's GTI Treffen - already in its 30th year -organizers are expecting around 120,000 visitors spread over its four show days.

Centre stage on the SEAT stand, which has been increased to 450 m2, is dedicated to the sportiest models in the Ibiza and Leon ranges in the shape of the FR and Cupra/Cupra R variants. The most powerful Ibiza generates 132 kW (180 hp), while the sportiest Leon packs no less than 195 kW (265 hp). Each of the two Ibiza and Leon models, painted respectively in Candy white and Emotion red, represent not only the dynamic side of the SEAT brand, but also showcase the extensive range of accessories from the SEAT equipment line-up.

One white Ibiza SC Cupra comes equipped with an aerodynamic kit and a matching white interior kit. The Leon FR in Candy White, on the other hand, is shown with discreet piano black interior trim. Its sporty credentials are clearly stated by a sports exhaust system with two separate tailpipes, 18-inch wheels and a sports suspension with shorter springs. The expressive body kit places it firmly on the road in a cat-like crouch.

2011 SEAT Leon Cupra R Review - Official photos, features, specs ...

A comparatively priced BMW 120i M Sport Coupe, meanwhile, can muster just 210 Nm of pulling power.

Engineers at SEAT’s state-of-the-art Technical Centre in Martorell have worked to modify the existing 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine’s electronic management system as well as boost maximum turbo pressure to generate the Cupra R’s extra power and torque.

A beguiling mix of Latin passion and practicality, this new ‘super SEAT’ remains, of course, the rational choice for ultra-hot hatch buyers who want sporty coupé looks allied to five-door functionality.

Official CO2 emissions from the SEAT’s EU5-compliant engine stand at just 190 g/km - an exceptionally low figure for a car with such exceptional performance - while official figures show combined economy to be just a whisker off 35 mpg, similarly compelling for such a spirited hot hatch.

Beyond the raw performance and economy statistics is the new Leon’s unique styling which has been calculated to underscore its exclusive nature. Bespoke styling changes, inside and out, elevate the new Cupra R’s kerbside appeal.

The addition of sporty twin central exit exhaust pipes within a customised rear diffuser, discreet extended high level rear spoiler, subtle ‘R’ badging and the careful application of gloss black highlighting inside and out give the forthcoming Leon its exclusive appeal.

Mighty 19-inch Potenza alloys, prominent ‘R’ badging on the back of the quilted leather bucket-style front sports seats and a specially created SEAT Sport engine cover continue the exclusive styling.

Offered in a typically sunny selection of eye-catching colours, the Catalan creation arrives with the option of new Custom Palette shades including a stunning new metallic yellow called Tribu.

UK pricing for the new Leon Cupra R is confirmed at £25,205, with orders books opening at dealers nationwide on Thursday 1 April.

Welcoming the UK arrival of the brand’s most extreme model to date, SEAT UK Product Marketing Manager Andy Medcraft said: ‘The engineering and styling revisions that have gone into the new Leon Cupra R underline our determination to make this exceptional new car a true class leader.

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