Seat Leon

Cupra has been snapped testing a hotter version of the next-generation Seat Leon ST, likely with all-wheel drive and more than 220kW. The most noticeable differences between the Seat Leon and the Cupra model come at the back, where there's quad exhaust pipes and a racy diffuser-style insert.

The new Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP)testing regime has forced Seat to detune its Leon Cupra 300 and create the Cupra 290. First reported by the UK's Auto Express, the company has confirmed the front-wheel drive versions of the Leon Cupra will lose 10 horsepower (7kW) to comply with new WLTP regulations (now 290bhp/216kW), though the all-wheel drive Leon Cupra ST wagon will maintain its 300hp (224kW) power output.

The Spanish marque claims that its Seat Leon ST Cupra wagon is now the fastest production wagon to have lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife. As part of its presentation for the Worthersee festival that's currently taking place in Austria, Seat announced that the front-wheel drive Leon ST Cupra completed a lap of the famed Nordschleife in 7:58.12 minutes.