SEAT Leon Cupra - First Drive

Draw up a list of the top hot-hatches in the world. The SEAT Leon Cupra may not be on it – although it might be – but the Volkswagen GTI will most definitely. At least it should, because the GTI is a performance icon, forged over decades of performance tempered with versatility and accessibility.

And the current-generation GTI certainly lives up to the legend, burning rubber with the best Germany has to offer. But if this article is about the SEAT Leon Cupra, then why are we talking about the Volkswagen GTI? What do they have in common? Well, almost everything. Almost.

© Source: autoblog
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JE Design Seat Cupra

Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary Seat has all sorts of cool hardware that isn't sold on this side of the Atlantic. One of our favorites, the Golf-based Leon Cupra, is the latest subject of German tuner JE Design.

Under the hood, JE Design starts with VW's 2.0-liter T-FSI four-cylinder engine, boosting output on the turbocharged direct-injection gasoline unit from 240 to 285 horsepower, with torque climbing from 221 to 284 pound-feet. The improvement is due largely to modifications to the electronic engine management system. Top speed rises from 153 to 162 mph, while 0-60-mph acceleration is trimmed from about 6.4 seconds to less than 5.9 seconds.

JE Design also took a slightly different approach with the standard aero body kit, developing a special "downforce insert" for the center of the front apron, as well as a diffuser insert in the rear apron. The tuner also adds a new grille, headlamp covers, side sills and rear wing, as well as a matte black roof fin.

Additional dress-up pieces include quad tailpipes and multispoke "chrome look" alloy wheels in 18- and 19-inch sizes.

Other enhancements include a stainless-steel sport exhaust system and a replacement spring set that lowers ride height by up to 2.6 inches.

© Source: insideline
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