Seat Leon Cupra R Unveiled Before Frankfurt

More and more goodies to be unveiled at next month's Frankfurt Auto Show are being shown prior to the event by manufacturers who will be attending. Today, it's time to preview the Spanish Seat Leon Cupra R, "the apex of sportiness" as the manufacturer calls it.

And indeed, the vehicle is the most powerful and the sportiest model in the Seat range. It is powered by a 2.0l TSI engine, developing a never-reach-by-Seat 265 horsepower. It propels the car from naught to sixty in 6.2 seconds and tops at 250 km/h (155 mph). Fuel consumption stands at 8.1l/100 km (29 mpg).

Setting it apart from other Seats, besides the engine of course, is the "R" badge applied on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch, the right instrument dial and the remote control key.

Styling enhancements include 19-inch, five double-spoke wheels shoed with 235/35 tires. Hidden under the wheels, 17-inch 345x30 mm front disc brakes and 16-inch 286x12 mm in the rear help the driver harness the 265 hp troop.

Equipment wise, the Cupra R comes with BS+TCS, ESP+EBA, electronic self-blocking XDS, front airbags, side airbags, head airbags, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points, low tire pressure warning, automatic lights on, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensor, cruise control, trip computer, cornering fog lights, dual zone climate control and MP3 CD radio.

On the interior, the R is dressed in grey alcantara upholstery. The dashboard comes with LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather multi-functional steering wheel, while the pedals are made of aluminum.

Pricing and release date of the Leon Cupra R have not yet been announced.