In theory, the Nurburgring comparison delivered by the video below belongs to the apple-to-orange category, since it pits a factory car (VW Golf GTI Clubsport S) against a tuned one (340 HP SEAT Leon Cupra), with the two even racing in different traffic and weather conditions.
Nevertheless, this slightly-imaginary battle makes full sense in our book and there's more than one reason for that.
For one thing, the S incarnation of the Clubsport VW GTI, which recently broke its own Nurburgring FWD record, might be a stock vehicle, but since it packs track-savvy moves such as a rollcage replacing the rear seats, we can't exactly call the aftermarket bits on the SEAT unfair.
Speaking of which, we'll go over the tuning bits and bobs that allow the SEAT to stand out from the platform-sharing Golf even more.
The two-liter turbo has been gifted with an ABT ECU remap that takes things to the output mentioned above, while the DSG also uses custom software.
In the road-hugging department, we find a KW Clubsport 3-way adjustable suspension with a bespoke setup handled by Raeder Motorsport. The Cupra talks to the track via 18-inch ATS GTR wheels, which are shod in Dunlop Direzza tires that come in a size of 235/40 (make that 245/18 for the rear axle).
Since the Green Hell has a fetish for devouring braking hardware, the Leon has recieved MTM discs working with PFC Performance pads.
Factor in the Wiechers rollcage, which we hope will never be put to use, and you have the complete setup of the manic compact.
While the GTI was manhandled by German racing driver Benjamin Leuchter, the Cupra's driver seat was occupied by Ring Wolf xthilox. And if you're wondering what a Ring Wolf is, you should check out our other stories on the topic after watching the Bridge to Gantry battle below.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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