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Seat Unveils Leon Cup Racer at Wörthersee GTI Treffen 2013


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By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel

THE HAGUE, May 6, 2013. Seat, the Spanish brand of the Volkswagen Group shows its commitment to motorsport again at the well-known Wörthersee GTI Treffen in Austria. The new Seat Leon Cup Racer is undoubtedly the model that will turn heads at the annual gathering. The model gives a clear indication of how the race car is going to be.

Dr. Matthias Rabe, “Executive Vice-President for Research and Development, says that the 330 hp Leon Cup Racer explicitly is no show model, but the first test car for development of the race car that will be built for races worldwide. Tests drives will take place in the coming months. “With this race version, we build further on the already celebrated large successes of recent years.


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The metallic matte grey painted Cup Racer is based on the five-door model of the Leon and stands out with its orange accents.

The car has a 15-inch wider track than the standard model and sits on 18-inch racing wheels. The body underwent aerodynamic treatment for optimal efficiency and maximum air flow to the engine and the four-piston brake system.

The 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has 243 kW/33- hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. The power drives the front wheels through a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, that can be shifted with the paddles on the steering wheel. The electronically controlled differential is standard.


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For endurance racing it will be possible to equip the car with a sequential racing transmission with a gear lever on the central console, as well as with a mechanical differential.

It speaks for itself that also the interior is prepared for track use. The cockpit marks weight saving and is protected by an FIA-approved roll cage. The bucket seat with HANS head protection provides maximum safety.

Jaime Puig, head of Seat Sport and responsible for motorsport activities of the brand says to expect to be able to offer the Leon Cup Racer at the beginning of the 2014 season to Seat’s customer teams. “The car will be ideal for a wide range of races, from the European Touring Car Championship to the VLN Endurance Cup at the Nürburgring. We also support the continued development of a Cup Racer with a 1.6-liter power plant for the World Touring Car Championship. In this field we have a huge tradition and an excellent name.

The 2013 Wörthersee GTI Treffen will be held from May 8 – May 11.