Europe is dealing with quite a lot lately. Nope, I’m not just referring to the immigration issues and protests, but the cars that are being taken away from enthusiasts. The ongoing wussification of Europe is causing the demise of fun-to-drive cars. It’s not just about emissions, but a new regulation called UN Regulation No. 155 that has come into effect since July 2024, which requires carmakers to embed specific cybersecurity measures into mass-produced new cars. It is neither a simple mod nor feasible to spend money tweaking the existing models to conform to this new rule. Which means, the only solution the carmakers see at this point is to simply discontinue the older models. The discontinuation of the 2.0L MX-5, the Porsche 718 Boxster & Cayman (ended Oct 2025), and the Civic Type R, just to name a few.
But wait, it’s not all bad news for Europe, at least in the “limited edition” category 😉 Seat’s performance sub-brand Cupra is planning to introduce two hot-hatches in 2026. The Cupra Leon VZ is coming in the first quarter of 2026, followed by the Cupra Leon VZ TCR at the end of 2026. The models are limited to 1,500 units and 499 units, respectively.
Teasers: Leon VZ and VZ TCR
Limited to 1,500 units, the Leon VZ is essentially a Cupra-fied version of the VW Golf GTI Edition 50 with the exact same numbers: 239 kW (325 metric hp) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft). It is billed as “a car designed for everyday thrill”.
Limited to 499 units, the Leon VZ TCR, as the name suggests, borrows its name and performance learnings from its TCR race car counterpart, which has already claimed championship titles in TCR Europe, TCR UK, TCR Mexico, and TCR France. It also made headlines by winning its first-ever race in China at Zhuzhou. It is billed as the most powerful front-wheel-drive Leon ever.
Some of the key features of the Leon VZ TCR include an electronic front locking diff, Adaptive Chassis Control, Akebono brakes with 6-piston calipers, exclusive lightweight alloy wheels, 245 mm performance tyres, CUPBucket seats with 4-strap harness, removable rear seats, and quad copper exhaust pipes.
The 2.0L 4-cylinder TSI offers the same 239 kW (325 metric hp) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft). Transmission is a 7-speed DSG. Cupra claims an official 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 5.3 seconds.
Also, read: Porsche Boxster Electric spotted testing
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