CAR News

SEAT’S LEON FR+ SUPERCOPA SPORTS A STUNNING NEW LOOK

Fresh for the new ’12′ plate change SEAT is giving one of its most popular performance models, the hi-spec Leon FR+, the benefit of an even more sporty look courtesy of a dramatic special edition styling kit.

The impressive additions to the Leon’s already lithe lines give the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol- or diesel-engined FR+ looks reminiscent of the brand’s many recent motorsport successes. And that’s no mere coincidence, as the exclusive new Supercopa is constructed by the very same expert engineers at SEAT Sport who have nurtured SEAT’s WTCC title-winning race cars in years gone by.

The car even sports a track-inspired model name with ‘Supercopa’ being, of course, also the moniker of SEAT’s successful global one-make race series.

Boasting bespoke ‘Supercopa’ badges the special edition car’s comprehensive styling additions include extensively re-worked front and rear bumpers, smart side skirts, a more pronounced tailgate spoiler, bespoke BBS 18-inch alloy wheels and unique chrome-tipped, twin exhausts.

Naturally the extensive styling enhancements come in a range of eye-catching colours including Nevada White, Emoción Red and, appropriately enough, Speed Blue.

SEAT aficionados will recognise, of course, that the Leon FR+ which forms the basis of the special edition new Supercopa is a generously equipped offering that’s a significant step up from the ‘standard’ FR trim in terms of both performance and equipment.

Equipped with SEAT’s powerful 2.0 TSI 211 PS petrol or 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS turbodiesel engines the Leon FR+ takes the FR trim and adds arch-filling 18-inch alloy wheels; the SEAT Media System 2.2 which includes satellite-navigation with five-inch colour touchscreen and dynamic route guidance, DAB radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card slot; Bluetooth phone connection; bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) and rear parking sensors.

Representing truly exceptional value, the new Supercopa editions feature £3,000-worth of SEAT Sport body kit for just £750 more than standard versions of the Leon FR+. Prices therefore start from just £22,530 RRP on-the-road for the 2.0 TDI 170 PS six-speed manual model.
The Leon FR+ Supercopa additions arrive as SEAT celebrates continued strong growth in what remains a challenging UK new car market. To the end of February SEAT’s UK sales were up almost two per cent on the same period in 2011 which was, itself, an all-time record year for the brand here.

And the new car immediately grabs the spotlight as, from today, it becomes the star of SEAT UK’s marketing activity around the SEAT-sponsored UEFA Europa League. The brand’s television adverts around the remaining ties in this season’s Europa League will consistently feature the new Supercopa.

Welcoming the arrival of the head-turning new Leon FR+ Supercopa special editions, SEAT UK Head of Marketing, Chris Stevens, said: ‘This stunning car represents many of the very best elements of SEAT.

‘Gorgeous styling, superb levels of standard equipment and unrivalled value for money are the hallmarks of our cars, and they come together to exceptional effect in the Leon FR+ Supercopa.
‘I’m sure this special edition model will, quite rightly, quickly become one of our most highly sought-after vehicles.’

SEAT is expanding the Mii line-up – the young city car is even more versatile as a five-door. The additional rear doors turn the super-compact SEAT into a unique combination of exceptional driving fun, sporty design and outstanding functionality. At the same time, the Mii remains true to SEAT principles – making it a highly affordable pleasure with excellent value-for money and low cost-of-ownership. Deliveries of the five-door SEAT Mii start in early summer 2012.
The Mii scores top marks in fuel consumption and efficiency thanks to its systematic lightweight design and its highly efficient drives. This applies in particular to the new Mii Ecomotive, which will also join the line-up this summer. Thanks to a start/stop system, recuperation and further initiatives to improve fuel consumption, it makes do with just 4.1 litres of fuel per 100 km, equating to CO2 emissions of only 96 grams/km for the 44kW (60hp) version and 4.2 and 98 grams for the 55kW (75hp)version.
“The new Mii has enjoyed a terrific start. Customer response in Spain is outstanding and we are now bringing the entire line-up to the other European markets – complete with the three-door, five-door and Ecomotive versions,” says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. “With its distinctive SEAT identity, its youthful design and its high quality standards, the five-door Mii in particular is set to capture a significant share of the sub-compact segment. This makes the Mii an important factor in our corporate strategy. The Mii marks the start of the most extensive model offensive ever undertaken by SEAT.”

The compact format of just 3.56 metres long makes the Mii the perfect companion for today’s urban environments. Yet, thanks to its optimum use of space, it offers plenty of room for four. With a volume of 251 litres, the Mii also boasts one of the largest luggage compartments in its class, expanding to no less than 951 litres with the rear seat back folded forward.
The new five-door offers even more functionality within an unchanged exterior format. The rear doors, with their wide opening angle, make for straightforward access to and egress from the rear bench – small children can be fastened into their child seats with ease, shopping bags can be stowed behind the front seats in one simple movement. With their compact dimensions, the doors also enable easy entry and exit even in tight parking spaces.
The unusually large surface area of the rear side windows ensures the best possible all-round visibility, while the pop-out function delivers optimum ventilation combined with a high degree of safety for children travelling in the rear.
And the feeling of spaciousness that is inherent in the Mii will be reinforced by the addition to the range of a panoramic sunroof from March. The glass roof will extend back most of the length of the Mii’s roof, giving a panoramic view to all occupants. To prevent interior temperatures from becoming uncomfortable on warm and sunny days, there is a sliding blind which can be drawn across the roof to block sunlight from entering.
As well as providing added light into the cabin, the roof can be opened. Occupants can choose to open the roof by tilting it upwards for a little ventilation or it can be opened more fully by sliding it back externally.
In terms of on-board occupant safety, head restraints for the rear seat passengers and child locks on the rear doors are, of course, standard equipment.
“The five-door is the perfect expansion to our Mii line-up. Just as sporty, just as dynamic, but with a considerable increase in usability. When it comes to urban mobility, the Mii fulfils all demands and desires,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Vice-President for Research and Development. “With its low weight and modern drives, the Mii is both sporty and efficient at the same time. This applies especially to the Ecomotive model with its exceptionally low consumption and emissions figures.”
The Design – strong character with sporty individuality
As a five-door, too, the Mii retains the strong character of its distinctive design. One decisive factor is the perfect proportions, arising from the width of 1.64 metres, the long wheelbase of 2.42 metres and the exceptionally short overhangs front and rear. The steeply angled rear end facilitates the Mii’s incredibly generous interior space – optimum functionality is particularly important in the sub-compact segment.
The additional rear doors fit perfectly and very discreetly into the clearly defined side view. The roof contour remains unchanged, while the rear roof pillar retains its broad and powerful form. The window line runs a little lower than on the three-door and is emphasised in the side aspect by the clear shadow line. The powerful door handles indicate the Mii’s high level of quality and solidity
In its five-door format, too, the Mii is immediately recognisable as a member of the SEAT family, while its new headlamp form marks a development in the SEAT design language. Its side view is characterised by the distinctive wheel arches and clean surfaces, and the rear end also displays a new light design featuring triangular light elements.
“The Mii is a real character as a five-door, too – modern and expressive, yet timeless,” says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design. “The Mii is a unique combination of sporty chic and design quality with outstanding everyday usability.”
The Drive – Ecomotive with top marks in fuel consumption
When it comes to technology and equipment, the five-door matches the three-door version point for point. Beneath the bonnet is a completely new generation of engines. The compact three-cylinder with a one-litre displacement is very light, compact and smooth-running. In two outputs of 44 and 55 kW (60 and 75 hp), it ensures fleet-footed agility and compelling dynamics – and not just in city traffic. With a top speed of 160 and 171 km/h, its fuel consumption comes in at just 4.5 and 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Its 35-litre tank delivers long range and enduring driving fun – paired with very low cost-of-ownership.
The new Ecomotive versions of the Mii are particular masters of efficiency – also with 44 and 55 kW (60 and 75 hp). Thanks to a start/stop system, recuperation and other consumption reducing initiatives, they consume a mere 4.1 and 4.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres respectively, equating to a CO2 figures of just 96 and 98 grams/km.
The Safety – the Mii looks ahead
The Mii is also a leader when it comes to innovative technologies. City Safety Assist delivers added safety in town – when a risk arises in city traffic the Mii brakes automatically to prevent a possible impact.
At speeds lower than 30km/h, a laser sensor can identify another vehicle or obstacle in the direction of travel, regardless of if that object is stationary or moving. If the system detects a risk of an impact and the driver hasn’t applied any braking force, the system then applies the brakes fully or helps the driver to apply maximum braking force. In many cases City Safety Assist can help to avoid an accident altogether or, at the very least, mitigate its severity.
The Infotainment – unique tool aids efficient driving
The innovative SEAT Portable System is, of course, part of standard equipment. The innovative solution with a 5-inch touchscreen can be removed for mobile use, yet is perfectly integrated into the vehicle electronics. Its many functions include navigation system, hands-free phone capability with voice control and an on-board computer. The SEAT Portable System can be combined with the integrated radio and speaker system.

2011 Seat Ibiza SC Trophy

SEAT is putting on an extensive program at the legendary GTI Treffen in the Austrian state of Kärnten. From 1-4 June, fans of the Spanish brand will be presenting their most spectacular pieces of tuning on the roads and town squares around the Wörthersee. The centre of activity is in Reifnitz on the lake’s southern bank. This is where SEAT will be displaying six particularly fiery versions of the Ibiza and Leon on its own open-air stand – including two cup cars built for motorsport. This is also where the hottest SEAT tuning cars will once again be selected. At this year’s GTI Treffen – already in its 30th year -organizers are expecting around 120,000 visitors spread over its four show days.

Centre stage on the SEAT stand, which has been increased to 450 m2, is dedicated to the sportiest models in the Ibiza and Leon ranges in the shape of the FR and Cupra/Cupra R variants. The most powerful Ibiza generates 132 kW (180 hp), while the sportiest Leon packs no less than 195 kW (265 hp). Each of the two Ibiza and Leon models, painted respectively in Candy white and Emotion red, represent not only the dynamic side of the SEAT brand, but also showcase the extensive range of accessories from the SEAT equipment line-up.

One white Ibiza SC Cupra comes equipped with an aerodynamic kit and a matching white interior kit. The Leon FR in Candy White, on the other hand, is shown with discreet piano black interior trim. Its sporty credentials are clearly stated by a sports exhaust system with two separate tailpipes, 18-inch wheels and a sports suspension with shorter springs. The expressive body kit places it firmly on the road in a cat-like crouch.

The exposed cars fit within the SEAT’s brand values: They combine a unique, athletic-elegant design with outstanding dynamic and performance. SEAT develops cars for enthusiastic drivers and produces them in best precision and quality. As SEAT believes everybody should be able to enjoy great technology and exciting fun to drive.

New Ibiza SC single-brand competition for Spain and Italy

Two further showpieces now hold a licence to compete on the track – the Leon Supercopa and the brand new Ibiza SC Trophy

Under the bonnet of the Ibiza SC Trophy is the 180 hp unit from the Cupra; the 7-speed DSG transmission has steering wheel shift paddles like the series-production model. To tackle the high lateral forces generated under tough racing conditions, the engine is equipped with a modified oil sump; the brake system comes from the Leon Cupra and delivers stopping power courtesy of 345 mm (front) and 288 mm (rear) discs.

Compared with the series-production model, SEAT has increased the wheelbase of the cup race car by 13 mm, while the front track is up by 170 mm and the rear by 29 mm.

Weighing in at just 1,063 kg, the cup car has also been lowered by 40 millimetres; toe-in and camber can be individually adjusted. The Ibiza SC Trophy stands on 17-inch wheels, housed in distinctive, flared arches. At the rear, an additional spoiler generates the necessary downforce while cornering. The dashboard is more minimalist than in the series-production version, providing only the data that is truly relevant to track drivers.

Leon Supercopa – guaranteeing best single-brand action

The cockpit of the 250 km/h Leon Supercopa is the drivers’ workstation for the single-brand series that has been running in Germany since 2004. The touring car has visual similarities to its siblings from the WTCC and derives its explosive power from a version of the 2.0 litre TSI engine from the Leon Cupra R with an increased output of 301 hp. A maximum of 340 Nm of torque is sent through a six-speed DSG transmission and a mechanical locking differential to the front wheels. The steel disc brakes with six pistons per unit have diameters of 360 mm (front) and 256 mm (rear). All races in the 2011 German SEAT Leon Supercopa will once again be run as part of the DTM program. In parallel with the GTI Treffen, from 3-5 June, the SEAT Leon Supercopa will take to the track on the brand new Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.

Pimp my SEAT – the search is on for the hottest fan-mobiles

One of the many events organized by SEAT at Wörthersee includes a VIP party on-board the SEAT boat, which also serves as a shuttle across the lake. Hot music and cool drinks draw the crowds not only to the boat, but also to the dance performances on the SEAT stand and the show stage of the GTI Treffen itself. Under the headline “You & Your SEAT”, this year, too, will see the hottest “tuned” models appearing on the SEAT catwalk – where they will be judged and awarded by a discerning jury.

The SEAT Movie Team will also be making short films with the owners of the most outlandish tuning specimens for upload to the Facebook page of SEAT Austria. At the same time, airbrush artist Knud Tiroch – whose creations include the design of the Toro Rosso Formula 1 race cars – will transform a white Ibiza into the “Lake 30 Special Edition”. Visitors are free to watch the artist at work with his airbrush.

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting approximately 75% of its production to 72 countries. SEAT is the market leader in Spain, and in 2010 reached a turnover amounting to 4.7 billion euros, with total sales of 339,500 vehicles.

SEAT Group employs 13,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona – Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. The Volkswagen Group production facility at Palmela in Portugal supplies the SEAT Alhambra.

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’ bringing together more than 900 engineers whose goal is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D+i in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-using of resources.

2011 JE Design Seat Ibiza ST Wagon

Tuning range for the Seat Ibiza is now complete: JE DESIGN upgrades the Estate ST too

Full range now available for the ST Estate model too
Bodykit and suspension lowering
“Multispoke” complete wheel set available in 17 or 18 inch versions
Leather upholstery and performance upgrade for the Diesel model
Just in time for its launch, JE DESIGN has upgraded the three and five-door new Seat Ibiza. With the Seat Ibiza ST Estate, the tuning specialist is once more one of the fastest of its kind out there. Just like the three and five-door models, the Estate version has its own range now as well.

Those who want a more individual, sporty appearance for their vehicle won’t go wrong by ordering the right bodykit from JE DESIGN. The kit’s components are supplied in the same quality we have come to expect from the tuning company. In other words, the material consists of high-quality ABS and all parts fit together perfectly thanks to the CNC milling used. The bodykit, which can be yours for 1149 Euro (including VAT), includes a front spoiler that conveys a sense of raciness even when the car is parked, a sports radiator grille, headlamp covers to give that “dangerous” look, side skirts that ensure a powerful looking outline and a rear apron extension that matches all the other parts down to a tee.

Intended for use in combination with the original shock absorbers are the lowering springs (available for 149 Euro), which promise greater agility and which lower the new Ibiza ST by 35 millimetres. This also enhances the vehicle’s appearance, with the Seat now lurking about significantly lower down, not to mention more menacingly, over the tarmac.

When tuning a car, changing its wheels is elementary. As part of its range for the Ibiza, JE DESIGN offers the sporty, yet elegant “Multispoke” wheel design as a complete wheel set. The wheels are available in both 7×17 inch ET 35 or 7.5×18 inch ET 35 versions with size 215/40 R17 or 215/35 R18 tyres. In addition, the customer can choose between the finishes “Shadow Silver” (17 inch available for 1809 Euro, 18 inch for 2260 Euro) or “Matte Black with Silver Wheel Rims” (17 inch available for 1929 Euro, 18 inch for 2380 Euro).

Drivers who wish to see the power of the little Spanish car boosted will be pleased by what JE DESIGN has to offer too. A power boost by way of an additional electronics box (1399 Euro) for the 1.6 TDI CR is available immediately and will boost the car’s power from 105 hp (77 kW) to 121 hp (89 kW). This allows the car to achieve a top speed of 194 km/h (as opposed to the 188 kph possible with the standard Seat Ibiza) and to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 10.2 instead of 10.9 seconds. Furthermore, the fact that the torsional moment has increased from 250 to 282 Newton metres means that the low-end and mid-range torque in particular have improved significantly.

As stylish and sporty as the Ibiza ST from JE DESIGN may be, luxury and comfort still await the driver inside the car. If you opt for JE DESIGN’s Elegance leather upholstery option (available for 1599 Euro), you’ll get a leather steering wheel (399 Euro) as well as leather shift boot and handbrake sleeve (179 Euro). You can opt for any colour combination of the leather and the stitching for no extra charge. If desired, the car tuner can also embroider an individual logo on to the front seat rests for 79 Euro. For maximum driving comfort, you can also purchase the two-stage seat heating (379 Euro), electrically adjustable lumbar support (319 Euro) and the massage system, which makes practically no noise and has a total of twelve programmes (429 Euro).

Once more, JE DESIGN has proved that it’s one of the fastest car tuners on the market. With its excellent workmanship and sporty, dynamic sense of style, JE DESIGN is once again setting new standards when it comes to Seat tuning.