Competition for Nürburgring Nordschleife lap times is as fierce in the hot hatchback class as it is between supercars, but SEAT believes it once again has the upper hand over the Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy-R with its Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack.
A kit of parts for the SEAT Leon SC Cupra 280, the £4200 Ultimate Sub8 pack includes lightweight multi-spoke 19in alloy wheels (in black or orange), 30mm larger brake discs with Brembo calipers and the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres for £460 extra.
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All of those parts are available in the standard Sub8 pack, however. What separates the Ultimate are the weight-saving measures. Climate control is ditched in favour of a simpler heating system, and four of the Cupra’s usual eight speakers have also been junked.
Also missing are the centre console armrest and rear air vents, and you can no longer throw life’s paraphernalia into under-seat storage boxes as they too have disappeared.
Other Cupra components have remained – transmission choice includes a six-speed manual or a DSG-badged dual-clutch, the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot still develops 276bhp at 6000rpm and power is still sent to the front wheels via a mechanical locking diff.
The £4200 tag brings the price of a SEAT Leon SC Cupra 280 to £31,410, £5020 less than a Trophy-R.
That car isn’t quite as practical as the five-seat Cupra 280, but the SEAT still has its work cut out to match the thrills of the Mégane – a recent inclusion in evo’s Car of the Year competition.
The Ultimate Sub8 Performance Pack is available now with all Leon SC Cupra 280 orders.
