SEAT launches Leon Cup Racer at GTI Worthersee Treffen
SEAT is extending its commitment to motorsport with the launch of the new Leon Cup Racer at the celebrated GTI Worthersee event in Austria.
The 330 PS touring car racer will be used for a range of development work and test drives over the next few months as SEAT prepares for an array of racing series across the globe.
It is based on a five-door Leon and comes in a stylish metallic matte grey with orange features to ensure it looks the part on the starting grid. The front end is optimised for superb aerodynamics and utmost airflow keeping the engine and four-piston brake mechanism cool.
Maximum downforce is created through heavily flared sills, a front spoiler and two-phase roof spoiler, a smooth under body and a rear diffuser. This allows for cornering a high speed while still ensure the driver has excellent handling.
Despite the alterations for the racetrack, the Cup Racer clearly has the Leon at its core, with standout full-LED headlights and rear lights and the same roofline contour.
"Motorsport is deeply anchored in our brand; SEAT has more than 40 years of racing history and, with the Leon Cup Racer, we are now writing the next chapter for our highly motivated customer teams. The Cup Racer is not a show model, but the first test car for our development work," said Dr Matthias Rabe, SEAT's executive vice-president for research and development.
"The new generation of the SEAT Leon provides a compelling basis; its sporty qualities are highly acclaimed by customers and motoring journalists alike. With the racing version, we are building on from the great sporty success of recent years."
Under the bonnet, there is a powerful two-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that can produce maximum torque of 350 Nm. Meanwhile, the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox can be operated from the steering wheel.
Jaime Puig, head of SEAT Sport, explained that the Leon Cup Racer is likely to feature on racetracks from the start of the 2014 season. The manufacturer intends to have three versions available, with two for sprint and one for endurance racing.
"We can also envisage further developing the Cup Racer to create a World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) version with a 1.6-litre engine. After all, we have a great tradition to defend there," he added.