With so many brands under its hood these days, the Volkswagen Group has to constantly hone its products to find new niches to position them. Such is the case with the upcoming Seat Leon Cupra SC (for Sports Coupe, but in reality, three-door hatch), which will be the first of two performance variants in the range, the other one rumored to be the 300hp+ Cupra R model with AWD.
The group currently covers the entry-level grounds in the hot hatch segment with the 217hp (220PS) and 227hp (230PS) editions of the VW Golf GTI, and part of the upper section with the new Golf R and Audi S3, both of which feature a 296hp (300PS) 2.0L turbo.
Obviously, there’s space for products above the Golf GTI as well as the Golf R and S3, so where does the Leon Cupra fit in? Well, it will squeeze between the two Golfs offering a pumped up version of the German automaker’s 2.0-liter unit delivering around 270-horsepower, which would give it the power edge over the 247hp (250PS) Ford Focus ST and bring it on par with the 265-horsepower Renault Megane RS.
The Leon Cupra’s turbocharged mill will transfer power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch transmission and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Aside from the changes under the hood, the Cupra will benefit from a revised chassis with appropriate suspension bits, steering system and brakes, as well as a mild aero package with revised bumpers and spoilers, plus bigger wheels.
We hear that the new model is scheduled for an introduction next year.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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