New Leon Flagship speeds onto SEAT range, the Cupra an Cupra 280.

• Two versions of the new Leon flagship: Cupra and Cupra 280
• New Leon Cupra 280 is SEAT’s most powerful series production car ever
• New 2.0-litre engine combines razor-sharp responsiveness with surprising efficiency, in 265 PS and 280 PS guises
• Cupra 280 DSG completes 0-62 mph sprint in just 5.7 seconds, yet returns 42.2 mpg; every Cupra hits 62 mph in less than six seconds
• Order books open today (8 January) with prices from just £25,690
• First deliveries expected early March 2014

SEAT today unveils the quickest and most powerful series production car it has ever made: the SEAT Leon Cupra 280.

The Cupra 280 sits at the top of a five-strong family of brand new Cupra models that begins with the 265 PS Leon SC Cupra and ends with the five-door Cupra 280 DSG. Here’s the range at a glance:  

Every Leon Cupra completes the benchmark 0-62 mph sprint in less than six seconds, while all manual versions return exceptional 44.1 mpg average fuel consumption.

But the Leon Cupra is a car whose development was led by the pursuit of dynamic excellence. To that end, every Leon Cupra comes as standard with a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system that sharpens the turn-in for improved agility, DCC dynamic chassis control to alter the suspension settings between sportier or more comfort-oriented, and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC) – including the ability to turn it off entirely.

These are on top of fundamental changes compared to the previous Leon Cupra: the new Leon is built on an all-new chassis, with a wider front track and fully independent suspension front and rear.

“The new Leon Cupra is pure SEAT: emotion and performance, design and dynamics combine to deliver driving fun mile after mile. State-of-the-art technology is evident in its enormous precision, but also in its compelling efficiency,” stresses Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice President of SEAT S.A. for Research and Development. “The new Cupra is a sports car for every day; it feels just as much at home on the race track as it does on the long haul.”

The Leon Cupra models embody the SEAT brand values in the best possible way. They combine exhilarating dynamics, state-of-the-art technology, stunning design, premium quality, outstanding efficiency and excellent everyday usability.

“With the new Leon Cupra, the SEAT brand is once more taking a major leap forward. The Cupra is a refined, high-performance car that combines its expressive dynamics with relaxed long-distance comfort and a compelling, high-quality feel,” says Jürgen Stackmann, CEO of SEAT S.A. “Driving fun and great design comes with every Leon, but the new Cupra displays SEAT expertise in a whole new dimension. We are proud of this new brand icon and certain of its success.”

The drive: stunning performance as standard

Cupra stands for power, performance and dynamics – and the new Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 have all those qualities in abundance. The Cupra 280, with optional DSG transmission, catapults from zero to 62 mph in just 5.7 seconds, or 5.8 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox equipped; every Cupra model has a 155 mph limited top speed.

The 350 Nm maximum torque of both versions spreads from just 1,750 rpm all the way up to 5,300 rpm, guaranteeing impressive pulling power and overtaking flexibility.

Against this, the new Leon Cupra is astonishingly efficient. The average fuel consumption for both power variants is just 44.1 mpg with a manual gearbox equipped, and 42.2 mpg with DSG. This equates to CO2 figures of just 149 g/km and 155 g/km; by comparison the second generation Leon Cupra R with 265 PS emitted 190 g/km CO2.

The engine: cutting edge technology

As a true sports engine, the 2.0 TSI turbo petrol unit of the Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 reacts spontaneously to every movement of the accelerator pedal and is wonderfully high revving. This is paired with a rich and refined sound that is aided and modulated by a standard sound actuator.

The all-new power unit, with its exceptionally responsive turbocharger, is packed with hi-tech and ground-breaking features. The dual-injection system, for example, combines direct injection with manifold injection under partial load, which optimises fuel economy and reduces particulate emissions. Cylinder fill is always in the optimum range: the camshafts are adjustable, with the valve lift system regulating opening on the exhaust side. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head and is part of the intelligent thermal management system. In addition, a new kind of coating on the aluminium pistons and the bearings keeps friction to a minimum.

And like every other Leon in the range, the Cupra efficiency package also includes Start/Stop and Energy Recovery systems.

The chassis: dynamic precision

The key fundamentals of the dynamics are low weight and a stiff structure. The systematic lightweight design of the new Leon family is evident in the Cupra: despite considerably improved equipment, the new generation weighs 55 kg less than its comparable predecessor.

The Cupra name has always been synonymous with outstanding dynamics, precise agility and amazing sporting character. In every way, the new Leon Cupra manages to set the bar a good deal higher than any of its predecessors. With DCC dynamic chassis control, a front-axle differential lock and progressive steering all fitted as standard, the new Leon Cupra achieves considerably faster laps on the track than its already impressive predecessor.

At the same time, it is significantly more comfortable, with surprising refinement on long motorway journeys. Safe, strong and consistent stopping power comes courtesy of the Cupra-specific, high-performance brake system, recognisable by its red callipers.

DCC dynamic chassis control

The new generation of the DCC dynamic chassis control developed specifically for the Cupra is even more sensitive than that available with the Leon FR, adapting the chassis characteristics to the prevailing conditions in a matter of milliseconds.

Front-axle differential lock

The new front-axle differential lock significantly improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car. The system uses a multi-plate package that is hydraulically actuated and electronically controlled. The maximum locking force is 1,600 Nm and, in extreme cases, 100% of the drive can be sent to one wheel. The differential lock is integrated into all the handling systems, like ESC and EDS. It improves not only the traction, but also eliminates torque steer. Furthermore, its sensitive control has no negative impact on steering feel.

Progressive steering

Also included as standard equipment, the progressive steering system improves the agile handling of the new Leon Cupra. The driver experiences a precise and relaxed steering feel because less steering movement is required, which reduces the number of grip changes, especially in cornering or parking manoeuvres. The system works using a progressive ratio through variable toothing on the rack.

The ESC handling system has been further developed specifically for the Cupra and enables a very sporty driving style with full retention of safety functionality. For extremely dynamic use, such as on a race track, it can also be deactivated in two stages – the first stage deactivates the traction control and puts the ESC into sport mode, permitting greater yaw angles. The second stage deactivates the ESC completely.

Cupra Drive Profile

The Cupra Drive Profile enables the characteristics of the new Leon Cupra to be adapted across a very wide range to meet the individual preferences of the driver. Alongside the Comfort and Sport modes, the Cupra mode was a focal point for the engineers in Martorell. Throttle response is particularly sensitive in this setting, while the DSG operates in its sportiest shifting mode and the sound actuator accentuates the full tone of the turbocharged engine. DCC dynamic chassis control, progressive steering and the front-axle differential lock also operate at their sportiest settings.

The design: emotional and powerful

Emotional design is a great strength of the Leon family. For the new Cupra, this has been developed one step further. The new front end, with its large air intakes and full-LED headlamps, ensures a powerful look, as does the rear skirt with its diffuser effect and the two oval end pipes. The alloy wheels are exclusive to the Cupra, while the red brake callipers and tinted side and rear windows underscore its individuality.

The focus of the interior is on the Cupra sports steering wheel in its own unique design, complete with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission. The sports seats, in dark grey Alcantara finished with white stitching, are another interior highlight. Black full-leather upholstery, likewise with white stitching, is also available. The pedals and entry sills are made from aluminium.

The Cupra 280 is visually differentiated by its unique 19-inch wheels with a titanium paint finish, plus the Aerodynamic Pack, which comprises a spoiler on the rear roof edge, Cupra lettering on the brake callipers and black exterior mirror housings. The trim elements in the cockpit of this top sporty variant are a deep glossy black.

Key equipment

In the UK, additional standard equipment for the Leon Cupra over and above the FR model (and the aforementioned styling details) includes 18-inch alloy wheels, full-LED headlights, DAB digital radio, SEAT Media System Plus, aluminium front door sill trims with Cupra logo, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

The Cupra 280 is distinguishable by its standard 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, black exterior mouldings and frames, black rear roof spoiler, red brake callipers with Cupra logo, and black interior inserts. Satellite navigation comes as standard with the Cupra 280, too.

576bhp Vauxhall to première at performance car show

• 576bhp super-saloon to be revealed at Europe’s biggest motorsport show
• The most power available for any car under £60k in the UK
• All-new chassis tech enhances driving experience
• First cars to reach owners in first quarter of 2014

With an extra 150bhp from its new supercharged engine, class-leading chassis technology and a price that will make its closest rivals wince, Vauxhall’s new VXR8 GTS is set to make a surprise debut at the Performance Car Show alongside Autosport International next month.

Based on Vauxhall’s sister company HSV’s new GEN-F GTS, the VXR8 GTS is the most powerful production car ever to emerge from Australia. And costing just £54,999 in the UK it allows owners the least expensive membership into the 500bhp+ club.

‘The Performance Car Show and Autosport International is an ideal location for us to take the wraps off the UK’s first new VXR8 GTS,’ said Stuart Harris, Head of Carline Brand. ‘While this is unashamedly one of the most powerful road cars you can buy in the UK, the GTS was developed by people who have a wealth of experience in motorsport, so putting it in front of thousands of car racing enthusiasts is a no-brainer for Vauxhall.’

In its new GTS form the VXR8 offers colossal power and torque in a package that is more technology-led than ever before, yet still retains a ‘loud and proud’ character that no BMW or Mercedes can match. It also enters the UK market with more power than key rivals, such as the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

At the heart of the VXR8 GTS is a new supercharged LSA V8 delivering 576bhp and 545lb ft of torque, an increase of 150bhp and 140lb ft respectively over the outgoing, LS3-engined VXR8. The mighty powerplant will allow the GTS to sprint from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds and up to a limited top speed of 155mph.

To cater for the extra performance, the GTS is fitted with an all-new Brake-Torque Vectoring system that applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel to reduce understeer during high-speed manoeuvres.

The GTS also receives the latest generation Magnetic Ride Control with three independent settings. Hardware and software improvements deliver greater body control, sharper handling and a significantly more pliant ride quality, compared with the outgoing model.

‘In an Ashes year, it’s quite rare to see England and Australia working together, but the result of this collaboration in the new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is amazing,’ said Ian France, Performance Car Show Director. ‘With almost 600bhp of raw power and imposing styling, it’s sure to create a lot of interest as part of Vauxhall’s Performance Car Show presence.’

Strongest residual value prediction in the UK SUV sector for first ever Audi RS ‘Q’ model

• Leading trade guide CAP Monitor predicts segment-leading 52% residual value  for latest Audi RS model based on three-year/60,000-mile usage
• Overall the Porsche Cayman is the only car currently on UK sale which holds its value more effectively according to CAP Monitor  

‘Slow’ is not a word that will often be associated with the new 310PS Audi RS Q3, but it certainly applies to the pace at which it depreciates according to leading trade guide CAP Monitor. The first ever Audi RS SUV is notable for achieving a higher percentage of estimated value retention after three years than all-bar-one of the thousands of new cars currently available on the UK market.

Experts at CAP Monitor expect the new departure for Audi high performance division quattro GmbH, which is now available to order priced at £43,000 OTR, to retain 52% of its original value after three years/60,000 miles. This outstanding prediction positions the RS Q3 ahead of not only every other SUV currently available on the UK market, but every car currently rated by CAP Monitor with the exception of the Cayman sports car produced by Volkswagen Group sister company Porsche.

Commenting on the very positive forecast for the latest addition to the Q3 family, Head of Sales Paul Sansom said: “All Audi models are characterised by strong residual values, but the RS Q3 sets a particularly high benchmark. This prediction not only reflects the perceived quality, reliability and desirability of the Q3 range, but also the respect the RS badge commands, particularly among UK buyers. These factors, combined with the inherent strength of the Audi brand, make the Q3 flagship one of the most compelling propositions not only in SUV terms but in the UK performance car market as a whole.”

At the heart of the new RS Q3 is a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI engine linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Producing 310PS and maximum torque of 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft), it gives a gloriously distinctive five-cylinder rasp as it powers this unique RS Q model from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. Despite its ability to thrill, fuel economy sets a new precedent for an RS model – up to 32.1mpg is possible according to the combined cycle test, equating to CO2 output of 206 g/km.

RS-specific sports suspension and quattro drive

True to Audi RS tradition, quattro permanent all-wheel drive system underpins the RS Q3, and in conjunction with lowered, RS-specific sports suspension helps to deliver composed, flat cornering without forsaking equally important everyday ride comfort. Electromechanical rack and pinion steering offers quick and accurate turn-in, and ventilated disc brakes with a weight-saving wave contour design provide progressive and steadfast stopping power.

The exceptional performance and incisive handling are channeled through striking 20-inch Twin-spoke V-design alloy wheels, and the very special status of the RS Q3 is also underscored by RS-specific body detailing.

Inside, the RS theme is continued by the instrument cluster with its grey gauges overlaid with white scales and red needles, heated and Fine Nappa leather-upholstered front sports seats embossed with RS Q3 logos, a flat-bottomed RS multi-function sports steering wheel complemented by aluminium race inlays and bright aluminium pedals. The Driver’s Information System also includes additional boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer modes.

In addition to the RS-specific touches, standard equipment also includes the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, the Audi sound system with ten loudspeakers incorporating Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, a Bluetooth phone interface, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps and LED tail lights which have a dark red tint when they are not lit.