Latest Leon-based racer could spawn a WTCC entry from Seat
Seat has unveiled a new 325bhp Leon Cup race car, which is set to make its debut at this week’s Wörthersee fan meet in Austria.
The new front-wheel drive hatchback runs a heavily tuned version of parent company Audi’s EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing a peaky 325bhp and 254lb ft of torque. In standard guise, drive is channeled through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Significant chassis modifications see the wheelbase extended by 31mm over the road going Seat Leon at 2666mm, with the tracks up by a considerable 400mm at front at 1950mm and 430mm at the rear to 1950mm.
The overall length of the new race car, which tips the scales at 1120kg in adherence to FIA regulations, has also been extended by 98mm over its production sibling to 4363mm.
The Leon Cup Racer will be offered to customers in ready-to-race form at a starting price of €70,000, rising to €95,000 in endurance guise, in which its standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is replaced by a sequential six-speed unit among other changes.
The styling cues are expected to influence the next-generation Leon Cupra R if Seat commits to the range-topping performance model in a few years' time.