Currently reading: Cupra e-Racer arrives as 671bhp electric touring car

Brand targets motorsport with e-TCR racer, launched alongside 335bhp Leon Competicion TCR customer car

The Cupra e-Racer and Leon Competicion have been officially revealed as Seat spin-off performance brand Cupra’s debut motorsport efforts.

The battery powered e-Racer, which is set to compete in the e-TCR championship from 2021, promises a 0-62mph sprint in 3.2 seconds, from four electric motors producing a peak 671bhp and 708lb ft.

Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, the e-Racer will be capable of 169mph flat-out, and will use a 65Kwh liquid-cooled battery pack. It has been built to e-TCR standards, of which Cupra is a founding partner, though the series has yet to confirm specifics such as race distance. It is unclear how long the e-Racer will be able to race for before needing to recharge.

“Cupra has always had a pioneering role in motorsport and was the developer of the first TCR platform,” Cupra Racing Director Jaime Puig said. “With the Cupra Leon Competición and Cupra e-Racer we are continuing to break new ground.

“Both vehicles have been designed to compete at the highest level and bring a competitive edge to the teams running them, having been developed specifically to meet TCR and ETCR technical regulations and requirements.”

While it shares styling elements with the newly-revealed Leon road car, the e-Racer has a lower and wider stance, wider arches, and an aero-optimised front bumper designed specifically around the different cooling requirements of an EV. It also features a large rear wing, and a race-spec interior including roll cage. 

Leon competicion 1

The Leon Competicion is more closely based on the road-going Leon, featuring revised bodywork, rear spoiler and bonnet scoop to aid engine cooling. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol powertrain that produces 335bhp and 302lb ft of torque, allowing for a 162mph top speed and 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. 

It uses a six-speed sequential racing transmission and rides on fully adjustable MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, with front and rear rollbars that can be calibrated manually by racing teams.

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Cupra plans to offer the Leon Competicion for online order, making it the first touring car to be sold in such a manner. The first customer cars are due to be delivered from April.

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