CONTROLE MOTEUR ESSENCE: SEAT at 2003 Barcelona Motor Show: The New Cupra GT, the brand’s sportiest image

As a world premiere today at the Barcelona Motor Show, SEAT presented a spectacular vehicle, the Cupra GT. It is a prototype developed exclusively for the race track, and its final version may even make its debut this season in the Spanish GT Series. This prototype reflects the styling characteristics of the Salsa and Tango Concept Cars, while projecting the image of the brand’s future models. In line with the company’s brand claim, ‘SEAT auto emoción’, future models will continue to be developed and built with an expressive design and an innovative, sporty character.

Developed by SEAT Sport and the new SEAT Design Center in Sitges, the Cupra GT is powered by a V6 twin turbo engine from Audi origin, producing more than 500 hp. The engine is in a central rear position and delivers power to the rear wheels via an efficient six-speed sequential gearbox.

The Cupra GT will be built to order. It is destined to SEAT Sport’s customers devoted to competition, racing teams and technical racing specialists and is to be driven on the race track.

The new León Cupra R, now with 225 hp

Another world premiere on the SEAT stand is the launch of the new León Cupra R, now equipped with a 225 hp (165 kW) 1.8 20VT engine. This model is SEAT’s most powerful and fastest production car, with a maximum speed of more than 240 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in less than 7 seconds.

Alongside the updated León Cupra R is the prototype of the future Ibiza Cupra R, which is being shown to a Spanish audience for the first time. The Ibiza Cupra R is SEAT’s first Cupra available with a choice of engines: there will be a petrol engine powered by a 1.8 20 VT engine and a 1.9 TDi Diesel, both with a power output starting at 150 hp.

Also new are the 130 hp TDi versions of the León and Toledo, and the 115 hp 2.0-litre petrol powered versions of the Ibiza and Córdoba.

Many new features throughout the range

Arosa. With the introduction of ABS on the 60 hp 1.4 Stella, every Arosa bar the 1.7 SDi offers this security feature as a standard feature.

Ibiza. Until the arrival of the Ibiza Cupra R, the new 115 hp (85 kW) 2.0 Ibiza is the most powerful petrol model in the range. This engine will be available exclusively with Sport equipment.

The Ibiza also introduces the option of a head airbag across the range while ABS is now standard on all models, including Stella versions on which it was previously available only as an option.

Córdoba. Like the Ibiza, this model introduces the new 115 hp (85 kW) 2.0 engine to the range and the head airbag option to its list of features. The new 2.0 Córdoba, available in Sport finish, will be the most powerful petrol-powered version with a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

León. There’s a new Diesel engine the now available on the León: 130 hp (96 kW) 1.9 TDi. Coupled to a six-speed gearbox, this version will be available in Sport and Signo finishes. The León Diesel range is now five strong, all powered by 1.9-litre engines: one 68 hp SDi and four TDi versions delivering 90, 110, 130 and 150 hp.

Other changes in the range see the Stella-based León ‘Spirit’ – available with either a 105 hp 1.6 or a 90 hp 1.9 TDi engine – now equipped with the following standard features: body colour bumpers and skirts, fog lights, exclusive 15″ alloy wheels, sport seats with specific upholstery, leather steering wheel with grey stitching, air conditioning, aluminium dashboard inserts and a radio/CD player. Also new across the range are redesigned door mirrors, that are both better looking and more aerodynamically efficient.

Toledo. Like León, the Toledo range now includes the 130 hp (96 kW) 1.9 TDi engine. The six-speed model will be sold in Sport and Signo finishes and increases the Toledo Diesel offering to three 1.9 TDi models, developing 110, 130 and 150 hp.

The Toledo also debuts the ‘Tech Design’ special edition that will be available with two engine options: a 105 hp 1.6 and a 110 hp 1.9 TDi. Building on the Stella finish, ‘Tech Design’ adds standard 15 inch alloy wheels, body colour bumpers, exclusive upholstery, grey-stiched steering wheel, leather gearshift and aluminium dashboard inserts.

And the SEAT Toledo, like the León, also features newly designed, aerodynamic door mirrors.

Alhambra. With the arrival of a new Stella version, the MPV’s 130 hp 1.9 TDi engine is now available in all finishes.

There’s a new special edition version of the Alhambra, too. Called ‘Kids’, it is available with a choice of 150 hp (110 kW) 1.8 20 VT or 115 hp (85 kW) 1.9 TDi engines. In addition to Stella equipment levels, the attractive Alhambra ‘Kids’ adds standard climate control, darkened glass, in-dash CD player, two child seats, front seat trays and cruise control.

More details about SEAT Cupra GT:

SEAT reveals Cupra GT Racer at the Barcelona Motor Show

SEAT has revealed one of its most exciting sporting projects to date at the Barcelona Motor Show (24 April 2003), the SEAT Cupra GT racer prototype. The stunning Cupra GT is the result of joint design and development work by SEAT Sport and the SEAT Design Centre and features all the innovative technology and dynamic potential of a high performance GT coupled with the distinctive SEAT design and “auto emoción”.

Power and performance

The Cupra GT is powered by a 3-litre V6 twin turbo engine of Audi origin with an ouput of over 500 PS. It has an estimated top speed of 295 km/h and acceleration of 4.2 seconds for 0 – 100 km/h. The mid-mounted engine delivers its power through an efficient 6-speed sequential gearbox.

The V6 engine not only delivers exceptional performance but has great elasticity through its range from the lowest revs up to the maximum 600 Nm at 5250 rpm, making it adaptable to the most demanding conditions. It has a refined chassis and powerful braking system with 378 mm / 355 mm front and rear venilated discs. Independent double wishbones with Ohlins coil shock absorbers ensure the precise handling and agility expected of a race car.

Seductive looks

The Cupra GT’s power is harnessed in a striking and seductive body, built for speed, handling and visual impact. The famous Walter de’Silva curved “Dynamic Line”, first seen on the Salsa concept, runs from front, over the wheel arch gradually descending to the rear pillar. The gull wing doors with handles flush to the panels, widened rear wings, integrated bumper and a large spoiler trailing from the curved roof all add to the look, aerodynamics and road holding. The front view has a purity of line which draws attention to the unusual headlight arrangement and is reminiscent of the Tango roadster concept car. Six double spoke 18” alloy wheels, secured with a single bolt for speed of change, expose dark titanium coloured AP brake calipers. The front wheels are shod with 265/650 tyres and the rear, 285/680.

To complete the sporting picture, the whole carbon fibre chassis is painted a vivid metallic orange with titanium coloured wheels, headlamp casings, grille surround, twin tailpipes and spoiler brackets.

Structural rigidity

SEAT designers and engineers have ensured the Cupra GT maintains the high levels of rigidity and safety that high speed competition driving demands. The tubular shell has a central structure with intertwining anti-roll bars. At the front, the sub-chassis is reinforced by the arch formed by the dashboard beam and windscreen frame. The reinforced rear lends rigidity to the central section and the tubular structure, reinforced with a series of buttresses distributes stress in several directions. The solid sub-chassis is the anchorage point for the rear suspension system.

The torsional rigidity achieved by the combination of the above, the stiff coil and shock absorbers and low centre of gravity allow the Cupra GT to move swiftly and sharply over the asphalt on the most demanding track.

The final version of the SEAT Cupra GT is expected to race in this year’s Spanish GT series and SEAT Sport will commence building GT’s to customer order later this year.

Engine

Position Rear, central, longitudinal
Type 6 cylinders in V
Effective displacement 2,995 cc (82.5 x 92.8 mm)
Power output Over 500 PS
Torque 600 Nm at 5,250 rpm

Transmission

Gearbox 6 speed sequential
Traction Rear

Chassis

Suspension Independent, double wishbone
Steering system Electrohydraulic power steering
Front brakes 378 mm ventilated disc
Rear brakes 355 mm ventilated disc