What's the news?
Even though Renaultsport has subsequently stolen its thunder by going even quicker, SEAT is still keen to celebrate the fact that it was the first car manufacturer to get round the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than eight minutes in a front-wheel drive production car. So now you can order a 'Sub8 Performance Pack' for the Leon Cupra 280, the car that set the record, at a price of £2,025.
Exterior
Externally, the changes are specially designed 19-inch alloy wheels, which you can have in black (tasteful) or orange (gaudy), while there are body-coloured side skirts on the Leon's flanks to beef up the looks. Not much needed here, though, as the Cupra is a fine-looking car anyway.
Interior
The actual Sub8 pack doesn't add anything to the cabin, but the arrival of a new option should be ticked by anyone who is going for the Sub8 kit. Cupra bucket seats can now be specified, for £1,250, and they feature an integrated head restraint and an embossed Cupra logo. They're finished in black Alcantara with 'simil' leather bolsters and white accents. Even better, opt for them and the Winter Pack (heated front seats and headlight washer system with heated washer nozzles) is thrown in for good measure.
Mechanicals
While no more power is added to the 280hp Cupra, it does get some improved retardation. The front brake discs are increased 30- to 370mm diameter, and they include Brembo four-piston callipers. Also, semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are available for £460 - which is £540 less than those available on the Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy incidentally.
Anything else?
If you're not too fussed by the Sub8 PP, two new exterior colour options are also now available to you. Two shades will be available initially (suggesting more are on the way - such as Orange-Line, coming in December), which are called Black-Line and White-Line. For £500, this sees the 19-inch Cupra alloys, door mirrors, boot badging and front grille surround picked out in your colour of choice, offering a bit of contrast detailing. Rear side spoilers also run down the edges of the tailgate glass, although these are black regardless of which colour 'line' you choose.
All three upgrade packs for the Leon Cupra were debuted by SEAT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year.
Matt Robinson - 19 Aug 2014