Seat Leon Cupra R revealed ahead of Frankfurt motor show

Seat has revealed a third-generation Leon Cupra R, ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show later this month.

The third iteration of the range-topping hot hatch will get a 306bhp petrol engine, up from the Cupra 300's 296bhp, thanks to sportier engine mapping. New exhausts and a package of aerodynamic improvements will also feature, as well as upgraded Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension with Dynamic Chassis Control, and modified front camber.

Just 799 units of the Cupra R will be produced, Seat boss Luca De Meo announced this morning, with an exclusive matte exterior finish available, copper detailing and bucket seats distinguishing the car from the standard Cupra. There's also an entirely new instrument cluster. 

Recent reports claim that Seat's Cupra sporting range is being planned for a spin-off, akin to Citroën turning its DS luxury sub-brand into a brand on its own. 

Patents for Bolero, Tango and Salsa were all filed, suggesting that Seat will use the names of its past sporting concepts for the Cupra range. 

Currently, the most powerful model in the Seat range is the 296bhp Leon Cupra 300, although this is expected to be at least matched by the upcoming Ateca Cupra, which has been spied numerous times ahead of its official debut. 

Seat previously produced a Leon Cupra R between 2002 and 2005, before resurrecting the name in 2010 on the second-generation Leon, with an extra 24bhp over the standard Cupra model.