SEAT welcomed the new century with the first CUPRA version of the Leon, which marked a milestone in the brand’s history. With a naturally aspirated V6 engine, it was the first SEAT to exceed 200 HP. Mated with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed gearbox, it was the brand’s sportiest model… (read more)
Launch: November 2000
End of production: 2003
Price: 4.500.000 Ptas.
Number built: 534.797 (total León I to end 2005)
Petrol, V6
Position: At front, transversal
Bore x stroke: 81 mm x 90.3 mm
Capacity: 2792 cc
Valve gear: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Multipoint injection, variable intake system
Power output: 204 HP at 6200 rpm
Max. torque: 270 Nm at 3200 rpm
Top speed: 235 km/h
Drive: 4WD
Gearbox: 6-speed manual, plus reverse
Clutch: Multidisc Haldex
Front suspension:
Independent, McPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Trailing arms, coil springs
Steering: Rack and pinion, power-assisted
Front/rear: Ventilated discs 312/256 mm
225/45 R17
Body: 5-door hatchback, 5 seats
Length/width/height: 4184/1742/1457 mm
Wheelbase: 2513 mm
Weight: 1483 kg
SEAT welcomed the new century with the first CUPRA version of the Leon, which marked a milestone in the brand’s history. With a naturally aspirated V6 engine, it was the first SEAT to exceed 200 HP. Mated with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed gearbox, it was the brand’s sportiest model.
The launch of SEAT’s Leon CUPRA 4 V6 culminated the 50th anniversary celebrations of SEAT, founded in 1950. On 13 November 2000, Prince Felipe de Borbón drove the first Leon CUPRA off the assembly line. The date was no coincidence, because it was also on 13 November, but in 1953, when the first registered SEAT, a 1400, had left the factory.
The SEAT Leon CUPRA 4 V6 was the first CUPRA version of SEAT's new compact model, the Leon, launched in 1999. Designed by Giugiaro, the first Leon introduced all-wheel drive and a 6-speed gearbox to the SEAT family in the top-of-the-range 1.8 20V 4 version. The Leon CUPRA 4 V6 took these elements and mated them with a 204 HP naturally aspirated V6 engine, making it the most powerful production SEAT yet. However, this V6 engine was not a first for SEAT, as it had also been available in the Alhambra MPV for a few months.
The Leon CUPRA 4 V6 was thus a worthy heir to the image of sportiness and technology that SEAT had built up with its success in the World Rally Championship in the second half of the ’90s. The equipment was in line with its image, with Recaro sports seats, aluminium pedals, white dials on the dashboard, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, etc.
On the safety aspect, front and side airbags, ABS and ESP were fitted. A SEAT Dynamic Navigation System was available as an option, which at the time was an unusual gadget.
On the outside, the Leon CUPRA 4 V6 was also easily recognisable. It had side skirts and more voluminous and aggressive front and rear bumpers, with specific air intakes at the front. In addition, it was fitted with 17-inch wheels. The result was an impressive, yet elegant and uncluttered look.
The transmission is all-wheel drive with a Haldex-type electro-hydraulic centre differential, which can deliver up to 40 per cent of torque to the rear wheels. It was the same system already used in the 180 HP Leon 1.8 20V 4, from which the CUPRA 4 V6 also inherited the suspension and brake settings, with thicker anti-roll bars.
Despite its undoubted qualities, the Leon CUPRA 4 V6 was only on the market for two full years. In April 2002, the Leon CUPRA R was launched, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, delivering 210 HP and taking the place as the most powerful SEAT from the V6. Both cars cost about the same, but the V6 was more discreet and refined, while the R (developed and produced by SEAT Sport) was a furious sports car.
The CUPRA 4 V6 was discontinued in early 2003. The SEAT HISTÓRICOS Collection unit was registered in November 2002. It is therefore one of the last units produced of the first Leon CUPRA.