It’s prototype hunting season again at the Nürburgring, and we can now bring you the first spy shots of the next-generation Seat Leon Cupra — or the Cupra Leon, as it will most likely be officially named.
The hot hatch is expected to be sold under the umbrella of Seat’s newly-established Cupra performance brand. How do we know this prototype is indeed the Cupra Leon and not an ordinary Seat Leon? Well, there are a few clues hidden in plain sight.
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Those include the larger Brembo brakes, new front bumper with a lower splitter, grille with a honeycomb insert, and Cupra oval exhausts — one on each side of the sportier rear bumper. The large (possibly 19-inch) wheels in a multi-spoke design are also an indication that this is no ordinary Leon.
Under the skin, the 2020 Cupra Leon will adopt a rather different configuration than the current model. Last month, Seat CEO Luca de Meo said the Cupra Leon will feature plug-in hybrid power with up to 245 PS (241 hp) and less than 50 g/km CO2.
The powertrain will likely be similar to the one showcased on the Cupra Formentor and Skoda Vision RS concepts. In the Skoda, the plug-in hybrid system consists of a 150 PS (148hp) 1.5-liter TSI gasoline engine, a 101 HP (102PS/75kW) electric motor and a 13kWh battery. Expect the Cupra Leon to offer a similar all-electric range of up to 43 miles (70 km).
Performance should be similar, too, as the Skoda Vision RS needs 7.1 seconds to cover the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint. Too slow for you? Well, Cupra is rumored to cook a conventional, and more powerful, Leon hot hatch as well.
The all-new Cupra Leon will debut just before the end of 2020 and will be available both in five-door hatchback and ST wagon body styles. The regular Seat Leon will be revealed later this year, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
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