We are at the Autodromo de Sitges-Terramar and despite being disabled and practically abandoned since the 50s (it underwent an intervention in 2012) it is still possible to circulate. The vegetation tries to slowly swallow the path and “up there”, where things become truly interesting, it is common to bump into tree branches, those spectators who have been issued a VIP pass for eternity.
– "Jordi, can you go faster or the floor condition doesn't allow it?" I asked, excited, from the place of the “hangs”.
– “At 160 km/h the steering wheel goes completely straight on the oval, but today we're going to be a bit below that…” replies Jordi Gené as he positions the car towards the top of the oval.
That was how my trip to Barcelona ended, in a post-apocalyptic setting that I'll talk about in more depth in the next few days. The real reason you're here? The new Seat Leon Cupra 290. Let's not get lost, let's do it? I have 290 hp at the service of the right foot, I hope they can keep up.
20 years of Seat Cupra, celebrated to perfection
In 1996 the 150 hp Seat Ibiza Cupra 2.0 convinced the youngest by its 216 km/h top speed and 8.3 seconds from 0-100 km/h. With the Seat Ibiza kit-car EVO I making its debut at the same time in the World Rally Championship, it was the Cupra brand's “front door” entry into the market. Twenty years later, we are at the wheel of the most powerful Cupra ever, the Seat Leon Cupra 290.Focused on performance
In 2016 the numbers are different, quite different from those that inaugurated the acronym 20 years ago. In addition to the 2.0 TSI engine with double injection and variable intake, standard elements are added, which clearly show the position that Seat wants to give its top of the range: the Seat Leon Cupra 290 is equipped with a self-locking front differential, steering progressive, CUPRA driving profile and full-LED headlamps.
As an option there is a “Performance” package that will not be available on the national market and that adds a set of Brembo brake calipers, wheels with an exclusive design and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, a tire that provides a high level of performance on the circuit but which can be used on the road.
Equipment renewed
If 20 years ago talking on a cell phone was not yet a reality for everyone to enjoy, the Seat Leon Cupra 290 does much more than that. In addition to being equipped with Full Link technology (allowing smartphone integration with the Seat Media Plus system), there is also an entertainment system area dedicated to the Sport HMI, with information on oil temperature, turbo inlet pressure and G-Force
At the wheel of the Seat Leon Cupra ST
Of the three versions to choose from for testing, I chose the Seat Leon Cupra ST: perhaps here being close to 30 and losing hair considerably was decisive…forward. At the wheel of the Seat Leon Cupra 290 ST, I could see that having room for luggage (1470 liters of maximum capacity) and fun at the wheel is quite possible. Of all the bodywork proposals, it is undoubtedly the most balanced.
With the selection of CUPRA mode we enter “race mode” and there is nothing better than a 6 km course of closed road to lead the Seat Leon Cupra 290 in bad ways. The thing that impresses most behind the wheel of the Seat Leon Cupra 290 is the way in which you let yourself be pushed to the limit, without a hitch. It's predictable, but it's still exciting enough to bring a smile to our lips. Halfway through the course destined for the “full” test, I look at the speedometer and I'm almost at 200 km/h, before braking hard for a left turn: are helmets standard?
The Seat Leon Cupra 290 reaches 250km/h and the maximum torque of 350 Nm is available as early as 1700 rpm (1,700 – 5,800) and in the field of consumption, Seat promises 6.5 liters per 100 km. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in a ballistic 5.9 seconds on the ST (5.6 sec. in the 3-door version and 5.7 sec. in the 5-door version) Bad Seat, not bad.
The consumptions I got? What is it? This exercise will be responsibly left for a rehearsal in Portugal. After all, you have to answer that friend who always ends with the famous phrase: “Does that cost a lot?”.
Keep the images.
