The new 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 DSG managed to smash the Nurburgring lap record for a FWD (front wheel drive) car. The hot hatchback managed to do a lap in under 8 minutes, which makes it the first FWD production model below that barrier.
The current record was held by Renault Megane RS Trophy, which stopped the clock at 8 minutes and 8 seconds, but the new Cupra 280 needed just 7 minutes and 58.4 seconds.
2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI engine with 280HP (206 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. It is able to return 44.1 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 155 g/km.
Other highlights include a DSG double clutch gearbox and an optional Performance Pack that includes Brembo high-performance brakes, specially designed 19” alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
There is also a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system, DCC dynamic chassis control and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC).
Today the Vienna Autoshow kicked off for a 3-day run. To be honest, there isn’t much hype around it. Seat, however, are taking the opportunity to debut and showcase their up-and-coming Leon ST 4Drive. That last bit means permanent four-wheel drive.
Seat’s 4Drive setup is pretty much identical to VW’s 4MOTION system which we discussed last week: the same Haldex 5 coupling, EDS dynamic control, and an extended differential lock (XDS without the ‘+’). It’s only natural, really. Afterall, Volkswagen is the parent company, and the Leon and Golf do share the same platform.
There are two TDI engines (and nothing else) available with the AWD ST Leons. One is a 105 PS 1.6-liter unit, while the other – a 2.0-liter – boasts 150 PS. Both are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. With start/stop systems and braking-energy regeneration both engines sip the diesel rather than guzzle it. Yet, the 2.0 has a 0 to 60 mph time of 8,7 seconds. That’s pretty impressive if we don’t forget that we are talking about a 4.5 meter long station wagon with 587-liters of luggage space (put the rear seats down and that number becomes 1,470 liters).
Standard equipment on both engine choices will include Seat’s Media System Touch, air conditioning, and power windows and power wing mirrors. The Style trim (available again with both engines) adds things like 16-inch alloy wheels, Media System Touch Colour, a leather steering wheel and cruise control. The FR trim (2.0-liter only) reinforces the sporty character of the Leon ST 4Drive with a particularly powerful front and rear design, 17-inch alloy wheels and a sporty suspension.
No picture material available yet, but the 4Drive shouldn’t look any different from the standard ST.
The quickest and most powerful series production car in Seat’s range is finally here. Seat Leon Cupra 280 is the top car of a five-strong family. It is capable of achieving less than 6 seconds acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, while at the same time managing to deliver 44.1 mpg fuel consumption on average.
Leon Cupra comes as standard with a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system, DCC dynamic chassis control and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC). The new Leon is built on a new chassis and has a wider front track and entirely independent front and rear suspension.
In other words Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 offer power, performance and dynamics. For example the Cupra 280, with optional DSG transmission, accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, or 5.8 seconds when equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox. The top speed is 155 mph.
The maximum torque of both models is 350 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 5,300 rpm. At the same time, the cars manage to deliver average fuel consumption of only 44.1 mpg and CO2 figures of just 149 g/km and 155 g/km.
Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 are equipped with 2.0 TSI turbo petrol engine which delivers 265 hp (195 kW) and 280 hp (205 kW), respectively. The unit is packed with dual-injection system which combines direct injection with manifold injection under partial load. This serves in terms of fuel economy optimization and reduces particulate emissions. In addition, the efficiency package of the Cupra also features Start/Stop and Energy Recovery systems.
The impressive dynamics of the model rely on the low weight and a stiff structure. With DCC dynamic chassis control, a front-axle differential lock and progressive steering, the vehicles can deliver now faster acceleration and dynamism.
Furthermore, the new front-axle differential lock improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car. In addition, this system also eliminates torque steer. Progressive steering system is also included as a standard here. It enhances agile handling of the car.
Seat Leon Cupra also features new design. Precisely, its front end now features large air intakes and full-LED headlamps, while at the rear one can see rear diffuser and two oval end pipes. The car runs on exclusive 19-inch wheels alloy wheels with a titanium paint finish, while the red brake callipers and tinted side and rear windows highlight additionally its individuality.
Inside, the Cupra features unique sports steering wheel with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission. There can also be seen the sports seats, in dark grey Alcantara finished with white stitching. As an option, Seat offers black full-leather upholstery with white stitching. The pedals and entry sills are made from aluminium.
The Aerodynamic Pack offered for the model comprises of a spoiler on the rear roof edge, Cupra lettering on the brake callipers and black exterior mirror housings. The trim elements in the cockpit of this top sporty variant are decided in deep glossy black.
Seat Leon Cup Racer is a high-performance race car and it contributes to brand’s motorsport tradition. The car will enter a total of six race events in six European countries, where the car will be renamed as Seat Leon Eurocup.
The Eurocup vehicle will offer customer teams a great driving experience for the 2014 season. It runs on 18-inch wheels and sports a new front end which has been specifically designed for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and maximum airflow to the engine and brakes.
At the rear, the wheel arches with their vents improve the cooling effect on the four-piston brake system. The flared sills work in combination with the front spoiler, thus smoothening the under body, rear diffuser and two-stage roof spoiler mounted on a single support in order to provide optimal down force for high cornering speeds.
In addition, the car is equipped with full-LED headlamps that include daytime-running-light signature as well as with LED rear lights. What is more, the interior has undergone a substantial reduction in weight and for the motorsport purposes is equipped with a high-strength roll cage.
The latter works in terms of safety which is further improved by the bucket seat with HANS system for head and neck protection. Driver’s information and operating controls in this sports-vehicle are located in the multi-function steering wheel, while the high-resolution TFT display -behind it.
Leon Eurocup is powered by a two-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine which has a maximum power output is 330 hp (243 kW) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The power transmission to the front axle is courtesy of a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox and is operated from the steering wheel and an electronically controlled locking differential.
SEAT Leon is now going to be equipped with new Technology Pack, which will add to the standard specifications ground-breaking full-LED headlights. They will be added to the new model (its SE or FR specifications) at absolutely no price if it is ordered until the end of September.
The Navigation System option also includes an upgraded high-resolution colour touchscreen. The latter features a clever proximity sensor which detects when a hand is moving towards it. Then it activates additional onscreen options.
The full-LED headlamps on the other hand add to the exterior presence of the car, providing a light beam that’s closer to natural daylight. In addition, they also utilize less power, thus contributing in an enhanced fuel economy.
In fact, the light is measured using colour temperature in kelvins (K). The natural daylight for instance is estimated around 5500 K. The new LED headlights featured in the SEAT measure around 5300 K. In comparison, the xenon headlamps emit light which is registered at around 4200 K, while the halogen bulbs – at 3000 K.
This basically means that the featured LED headlamps will radiate purer light which is much closer to the natural light thus resulting in no colour distortion perceived by the eye. This decreases eye strain and enables the eyes to more effectively distinguish contrast between objects.
These headlights function on low beam and operate utilizing around half the power of a xenon bulb. In addition, they’re extremely durable, offering a life of at least 10000 hours.
SEAT has unveiled the Leon Cup Racer that embodies the manufacturer’s commitment to motorsport.
The hot hatchback has been turned into a real racing car. It is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 330HP and 340Nm of torque. The power is put on the road through 6-speed DSG automatic or a sequential racing transmission powering the front wheels. The Leon Cup Racer is an uncompromising track machine.
The Leon Cup Racer gives a very clear indication of what a SEAT cup car racer might look like, and has been prepared for a wide range of racing series worldwide. Racing teams are already able to register interest in purchasing the car, with prices starting at €70,000 plus local taxes.
Seat UK has announced the pricing of the powerful and economical 2013 Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184HP. The hot hatchback is now available to order from just £22,075, making it a true performance bargain – especially considering the standard equipment included with the FR specification level.
2013 Seat Leon FR 2.0 TDI has a four-cylinder turbodiesel with 184HP (135 kW) and 380Nm (281 lb-ft) of torque. The fuel consumption is great – 67.3 mpg UK – 4.2 litres / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.
The 184 PS engine comes with Ecomotive Technology as standard, which means it has Start/Stop engine shut-off to preserve fuel when the car is at a standstill and in neutral.
The standard equipment includes LED tail lights, 17” alloy wheels, FR-specific front- and rear bumpers, dark tinted windows, twin chrome exhaust pipes, sports suspension (lowered by 15 mm from standard), dual-zone climate control, front sports seats, SEAT Easy Connect media system including full colour touch screen interface, Bluetooth audio streaming and eight speakers, and SEAT Drive Profile. By altering the throttle management, steering feel and gearbox settings (in DSG-equipped cars) between three modes, SEAT Drive Profile allows significant alteration of the feel of the driving experience.
SEAT Leon Verde Hybrid Electric Prototype has just been unveiled. The environmental-friendly vehicle is based on the new Leon and is a culmination of a four-year research project called Cenit Verde, which translates as Green Zenith.
The project was headed by SEAT’s Technical Centre in Martorell and in addition was supported by the Spain’s Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Next to the presented car today, the Cenit Verde project also includes the development of an innovative smart car charging system.
The latter aims to charge the car during those times, when the electricity grid is experiencing low demand. This saves the both money and reduces the strain on the energy grid. In this sense, the SEAT Leon Verde is an embodiment of the Cenit Verde project. The vehicle is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with 122 hp (90 kW) which is connected to a 102 hp (75 kW) electric motor.
The electric-only driving range of this SEAT on a full charge is 31 miles. When the battery is full battery and the 40-litre petrol tank is also full, the total range is estimated around 507 miles. The combined fuel consumption figure here is 176.6 mpg and the CO2 emissions are just 36 g/km.
Furthermore, the Leon Verde is equipped with advanced technologies. An instance is the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) which has been integrated into a smartphone app. This allows the driver to connect to the car via a wireless network with his or her smartphone and in turn this enables managing of the functions such as energy consumption, battery status, recharge management and estimated CO2 savings in electric mode.
What is more, the Driving Cycle Predictor analyses and memorizes the routines and driving style of the driver. This serves in terms of optimizing energy consumption and decreasing the CO2 emissions.
In the project as mentioned was also developed the ground-breaking system of tariff negotiation and smart energy management. It effectively allows the car to ‘interact’ with the electricity grid and this reduces the pressure on the grid and saves driver’s money.
The system operates by detecting when the overall energy consumption is low on the grid and points to charging during these times. In addition, if the car is left plugged into a power source between 7 pm and 7 am, the same system will only charge the car at times when it detects the overall demand has dropped, using a recharge manager.
The Leon Verde is charged via Lear 20 kW on-board charger, which allows two-way connection to the grid.
SEAT Leon Verde prototype is only in a research and development form. Unfortunately, there are no current plans to put the car into series production.
Seat has announced the 3-door Leon SC, which will make its official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March. Without compromising everyday usability, it becomes the most sporting model in the SEAT range, blending stunning looks with a functional interior – a compelling mix of excellent workmanship and premium materials, with plenty of room for all occupants.
The 2013 Leon SC comes with a wide range of engines from 1.2-liter to 2.0 liter TSI and TDI – from 105HP (77 kW) to 180HP (132 kW). Every one combines power with cost effectiveness, with the cleanest 1.6-litre TDI emitting less than 100 g/km CO2 with an average fuel consumption of 74.3 mpg. The top of range 1.8TSI boats 180HP and 250Nm of torque.
Depending on the engine variant, power transmission is handled by a manual five- or six-speed gearbox, or by the compact and lightweight DSG dual-clutch automatic. It changes its six or seven gears at astonishing speeds and is exceptionally efficient. A freewheeling function is integrated into some versions to reduce fuel consumption even further.
Just like the five-door Leon, the Leon SC is offered in S, SE and FR specifications in the UK.
The Leon line-up will be boosted later this year by the ST Estate model.
SEAT has announced the full price list for the all-new five-door 2013 Leon. The car starts from £15,670 RRP OTR for the entry level. It will hit the UK market from 1 October 2012 and the first deliveries will be in March 2013.
“The new Leon requires no compromise for the customer. For the first time ever, the Leon range will expand to include a three-door and sports tourer versions. They will expand the Leon’s appeal as well as its reach within the segment.”, commented SEAT S.A. President James Muir.
The new Leon arrives during the busiest period of new product activity in the company’s history. SEAT’s recent product offensive has seen the introduction of its new city car, the Mii, as well as an extensively refreshed Ibiza and the launch of the fourth generation Toledo hatchback.
And while the updated range will provide a platform for sales growth, James Muir underlined that the future success of SEAT will also be built on product expansion: “Coupled with our strategy of market expansion, which saw SEAT launch in China earlier this year, SEAT’s future success will be built on new products, in more segments, in more markets,” he said.
Three trim levels will be available from launch: S, SE and FR.
In addition to the standard S specification, SE trim adds luxuries such as ambient interior spot lighting, a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, chrome dashboard detailing, front fog lights w/cornering, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, SEAT’s XDS electronic differential lock system, and hill hold control.
SEAT’s iconic FR badge will adorn range topping versions from launch, adding a host of visually striking and performance-enhancing kit. Only the most powerful engines in the Leon line-up will sit under the bonnet of FR cars, whose standard equipment roster includes 17-inch alloy wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers, twin chrome exhaust pipes, dark tinted windows, front sports seats, a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, LED tail lights, sports suspension and SEAT Drive Profile.
The engine range includes 1.6 TDI 105 PS with Ecomotive Technology returns 74.3 mpg and 99 g/km*, while even the most powerful version at launch, the 2.0 TDI 184 PS FR, boasts a startling average consumption figure of 65.7 mpg, with 112 g/km CO2* – and that’s despite having more torque than a Porsche Cayman R, helping it to complete the 0-62 mph benchmark in a rapid 7.5 seconds.
Available with five- and six-speed manual gearboxes, as well as the highly efficient and quick-shifting 7-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic, no Leon from launch will exceed 140g/km* CO2emissions. In fact, every engine bar the high-performance 1.8 TSI 180 PS puts out less than 120g/km*.
2013 Seat Leon is in fact the third generation of brand’s range icon, which was revealed to the general public this summer. The model was developed on the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB platform.
However, the new Leon was designed and developed by Seat engineers. As an important part of the comprehensive development process, the new Leon was taken to the extremes of the Arctic Circle, as well as the heat of the Spanish desert to test the limits of the car. The brand just revealed a footage showing this grand test.
At theses extreme conditions, the engineers tested everything from the fit and finish of the car’s interior on extreme surfaces, to the engine’s resistance to dust. And this video definitely shows why Seat is famous with its benchmark engineering. Take a look!
2013 Seat Leon has just been introduced officially, combining beauty and practicality. The Seat vehicle was entirely redesigned, packed with high-end technology, having a new chassis, advanced infotainment systems and sophisticated driving aids.
In addition the new Seat Leon comes equipped with new full-LED headlamps, which are made in striking design and have exceptional illumination. Full-LED lights are available for the first time in the compact class.
What is more the new Leon is more practical now. Although the exterior is more compact, the interior offers more spaciousness. At 4.26 metres long, the new Leon is around five centimetres shorter than its predecessor. However the wheelbase is up by almost six centimetres.
2013 Seat Leon
The rear end of the new SEAT Leon has redesigned as well. You can see the large logo, which now serves as an opener for the rear hatch.
On the other hand the interior has a clear and uncluttered look, which adds even more elegance to the vehicle. The dashboard is unconventional and elegant, with a two-tone design that makes. A lot of attention has been put on the details: for instance, the large air vents, the controls for the air conditioning and the three-dimensional form of the trim elements. The luggage compartment now has bigger volume of 380 litres.
In addition, the new Seat model has a longer wheelbase because of the new architectured implemented. This contributes also to a more balanced distribution of axle load – factors that bring about more comfort and sporty handling.
httpv://youtu.be/_SI7oK4fNso
More importantly, the car is powered by a series of fuel-efficient TDI and TSI engines, ranging from 1.2- to 2.0 litres. All engines include direct injection and turbocharging, and have been engineered for low internal friction and fast warm-up.
The 1.6 TDI generates 104 hp (76 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb.ft) of torque. In the Ecomotive version with start/stop system and brake energy recuperation, it returns an astonishing 74.3 mpg on average, equating to just 99 g/km CO2.
The 2.0 TDI has the impressive 70.6 mpg in the Ecomotive version, however it still generates 150 hp (110 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb.ft) of torque.
In the early 2013, Seat will launch the 1.2 TSI engine in two versions with 86 hp (63 kW) and 105 hp (77 kW); a 1.4 TSI with 122 hp (90 kW); and at the top of the petrol range, a 1.8 TSI with 180 hp (132 kW) and a combination of direct and manifold injection.
The diesel line-up will be enhanced by the 1.6 TDI with 90 hp (66 kW) and the powerful, range-topping 2.0 TDI with 184 hp (135 kW), which delivers a maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.ft).
In the new Leon, the customers will find up-to-date infotainment solutions. Seat has included the Easy Connect operating system, which controls the Sound System entertainment and communication functions via a touch-sensitive screen in the cockpit.
The new Leon also features driver assistance systems such as the drowsiness detection feature, an advanced camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror, Full Beam Assistant, Heading Control lane-keeping assistant.
The refreshed badge of the company will be included in this model, which makes it the first one to carry it. It can be seen on the grille, rear and steering wheel of the car. The logo is now with cleaner design and now represents the precision and elegance of the brand’s design language, while also reflecting the company’s engineering and quality leadership.
Today the Vienna Autoshow kicked off for a 3-day run. To be honest, there isn’t much hype around it. 
The quickest and most powerful series production car in 
SEAT Leon Verde Hybrid Electric Prototype has just been unveiled. The environmental-friendly vehicle is based on the new 
2013 Seat Leon is in fact the 
2013 Seat Leon has just been introduced officially, combining beauty and practicality. The 