SEAT hints at new Nurburgring lap record

Repeated references to the Nurburgring during the press conference at the launch of the new SEAT Leon Cupra strongly suggest that the 280hp hot hatch has broken the front-wheel drive lap record.

SEAT is waiting until the 2014 Geneva Motor Show before saying any more, but has already hinted that its new Leon Cupra is significantly faster than the current Renaultsport Megane record holder.

On Bing: see pictures of the new SEAT Leon Cupra at the Nurburgring

SEAT Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 review (2014 onwards)

To set a new front-wheel drive production car record on the Nordschleife, the SEAT Leon Cupra would have to lap the 13-mile circuit – actually a public toll road that now plays a vital part in new car development – in less than 8 minutes and 7.97 seconds.

The suggestion that it has done so was made on the launch by means of short video interludes shot at the circuit, underlining the importance of an announcement that’s set to be made during the SEAT press conference at the Geneva Motor Show on 7 March this year.

We understand that part of the reason SEAT is keeping the time under wraps until then is in order to prevent rivals – including from within the Volkswagen Group of brands – making a last-ditch attempt to go faster.

Compared to the 265hp Renaultsport Megane, the new Leon Cupra has the advantage of 280hp, being built on the lightest variant of the VW Group’s ultra-modern MQB platform, and the latest highly sophisticated electronic chassis aids.

These last include a VAQ electronically controlled limited-slip front differential to improve traction and cornering speed, plus Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension. Both of which are fitted to the Cupra as standard.

Exactly how fast the SEAT has gone is open to speculation at this stage, but don’t be surprised to see the Cupra 280 dip below 8 minutes; we understand that even the lesser 265hp variant may have lapped quicker than the Renault.

Whatever the result, this news will certainly have at least one very interested group of observers: the engineers behind the new Honda Civic Type R project. Setting a new FWD Nurburgring record has been a production goal for the 2015 Type R from day one.

We’ll bring you more news when we get it.

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By motoringresearch.com