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.
