Seat’s Leon Cupra 280 has become the quickest-ever front-wheel-drive production car to tackle the Nurburgring after lapping the Nordschleife in under eight minutes.
The landmark 280PS vehicle, a production-specification DSG model, was equipped with the optional Performance Pack which includes Brembo high-performance brakes, specially-designed 19inch alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
It raced around the track in just over 7minutes, 58seconds, becoming the first front-wheel-drive production car to dip below the eight-minute barrier.
“The Cupra is our new icon.”
Jurgen Stackmann, Seat
The vehicle, driven by Spaniard Jordi Gene, achieved an average speed of 96mph, with a top speed of 150mph on the Tiergarten section of the circuit.
Jurgen Stackmann, President of Seat, said: “Our ultimate expression of the successful Leon formula is the all-new Leon Cupra.
“It is the fastest and the most powerful car we have ever built and yet is a comfortable family car.
“The Cupra is our new icon.”
The Leon Cupra 280 will be offered from launch as a five-door and as the Leon three-door SC.
