autoevolution
 

SEAT Leon Cupra Gets 290 PS in German Configurator, Updated 2.0 TSI Is Not Yet Official

We have fresh news from Germany, where SEAT may have leaked a crucial new bit of information. The Leon Cupra model sold there was listed as having 290 PS instead of the usual 280 PS.
SEAT Leon Cupra Gets 290 PS in Germany, Updated 2.0 TSI Is Not Yet Official 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
This is clearly not a mistake on the company's behalf, as the PS number is accompanied by a correct kilowatt one.

Despite the ten extra horsepower, the Leon Cupra gets to 100 km/h in the exact same time of 5.7 seconds. We think this is more like a marketing strategy, meant to help Spain's fastest car compete with the Honda Civic Type R.

The slightly weird thing is that the configurator doesn't list the Cupra 280 or 290, just the basic 265 model. We've heard that a debut is scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but pre-orders can already be placed.

Many cars use the same EA888 Gen 3 2-liter turbo engine, including the 300 PS Golf R and the 310 PS Audi TTS. However, the Leon Cupra is the most powerful FWD model in the VW Group with this mill.

While the overall Nurburgring title has been lost to the Type R, SEAT still holds the record in the wagon department. Their Leon Cupra ST is currently the fastest production estate to lap the famous Green Hell, outrunning some pretty impressive cars, like the BMW M5 Touring. It too is the beneficiary of a 290 horsepower engine, which could only be considered good news.

The downside is that prices have been increased by €500 across the whole range. We can't figure out if this is because extra equipment has been added, but all should be revealed in coming days.

SEAT's upgrade places the Cupra within ten horsepower of the Golf R, which is an unusual situation considering that is equipped with AWD. In independent tests, the Spanish hot hatch has proven to be more responsive and faster around a track than its heavier German counterpart.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories