New Seat Leon Cupra R gets 265HP 2.0 TSI: First Official Photos

This year's Frankfurt Motor Show, being held from 17-27 September, will see Seat unveiling its most potent series production model to date, the new Leon Cupra R. Based on the 2009MY Leon Cupra facelift that was revealed at the Barcelona Show in April, the R replaces the standard model's 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot with a 265-horsepower direct injection 2.0 TSI.

It's not clear if the 2.0 TSI is the same engine found in the Audi S3, but Seat claims that the new four-banger features a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to "satisfy its greater performance demands, while fully complying with strict EU5 emissions standards."S

The extra grunt allows the front-wheel drive only Leon Cupra R to slash the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint from 6.4 seconds (standard Cupra) to 6.1 seconds and top speed climbs from 247 km/h (154mph) to 250 km/h (155mph). The standing kilometer takes 25.7 seconds while Seat announces a combined fuel economy of 8.1 lt / 100km or 29mpg US / 34.9mpg UK.

Aside from the 'R' logos on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch, the right instrument dial and the remote control key, the range-topping Leon also gets 19 inch, five double-spoke wheels shod with 235/35 tyres. The larger wheel assembly allowed Seat's engineers to upgrade the braking system with 17 inch 345 x 30 mm discs at the front and 16 inch 286 x 12 mm at the rear.

Inside the Leon Cupra R gets a pair of racing-style bucket seats in grey alcantara upholstery, LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather multi-functional steering wheel and an aluminum pedal arrangement.

Seat is expected to reveal further details including prices and the official launch of the Leon Cupra R date closer to the Frankfurt Show.

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