Seat Unveils Leon Racer Concept in Wörthersee

SeatSeatSpain, 1950 > present29 models
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revealed a new, sporty concept at the Wörthersee-Treffen 2013. The Leon Cup RacerSeat Leon Cup RacerSpain, 2014 > present imagines a racing version of one of the brand’s best selling cars. It is also showing its Ibiza SC TrophySeat Ibiza SC TrophySpain, 2014 > present that is already on sale for potential racers.

The Leon Cup Racer is meant to imagine a five-door Leon touring car, but Seat says that it is not just a concept. It plans to further develop the car for future racing. It will build two versions, one for racing in the European Touring Car Championship and VLN series at the Nürburgring, and a second version to race in the WTCC.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that packs 326hp and 258lb-ft of torque. Power to sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with an electronically controlled differential. It is also planning a version for endurance racing with a sequential gearbox.

The Racer is painted metallic matte gray with orange accents and rides on 40cm-wide (15.75in)18in wheels.

The exterior gets a major performance upgrade with a larger front splitter that sends more air to the engine and brakes. Seat also added full LED headlights with daytime running lights and LED taillights. The wheel arches get large extensions that also include brake cooling ducts.  The rear has a two-phase roof spoiler and rear diffuser.

Inside, the Racer gets a full roll cage and fully stripped interior. The racing seat is covered in suede. The center console stays the same as the production version but with new information displays and controls. Seat also added a multi-function steering wheel with an LED display mounted behind it.

With the Leon Cup Racer, we are now writing the next chapter for our highly motivated customer teams,” said Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT head of R&D.

Seat is hoping to sell the Leon Cup Racer for €70,000 with the DSG transmission and €95,000 for the endurance version with a sequential transmission and mechanical limited-slip differential.

The Ibiza SC Trophy already competes in single-make championships in Spain and Italy. A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 197hp and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a mechanical limited-slip differential powers the SC Trophy. Prices start at €31,500. Buyers must already have racing license.