Cupra unveils all-new Leon VZ TCR, teases Leon VZ

Proof that it hasn't forgotten about its smoky, combustion-powered roots even as it embraces electrification, Cupra has pulled the covers off what it calls the most powerful front-wheel driven Leon ever. Enter: The all-new Cupra Leon VZ TCR.

'TCR', of course, stands for 'Touring Car Racing', and Cupra isn't dealing in hyperboles when it says this special hatch has "pure racing DNA"; it's derived from and pays tribute to the very car that competes (and wins) in championships for Cupra around the world. The latter's silverware collection for this season is already impressive, including championship titles in TCR Europe, TCR U.K., TCR Mexico, and TCR France.

The special edition Cupra Leon VZ TCR is heavily derived from the actual TCR car seen on the left

Expectedly, power on the Leon VZ TCR is impressive - an incredible 320bhp and 420Nm of torque from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This is not your bog-standard hot hatch though, so the Leon VZ TCR also comes with an integrated, electronically-controlled front differential lock that is purported to offer greater control over its power delivery. As a result, it rockets to 100km/h from a standstill in just 5.4 seconds. Even better, the Leon VZ TCR doesn't have an electronically limited top speed.

Cupra also states that the Leon VZ TCR's chassis has been "fine-tuned for racing precision", and that it gets Adaptive Chassis Control (reserved only for the top-shelf performance variants across the Cupra lineup) for configurable driver profiles. Additional goodies include Akebono brakes with six-piston callipers, progressive steering, and quad copper exhaust pipes.

The Leon VZ TCR is decked out in a special livery, comes with exclusive lightweight alloy wheels, and gets its own special bodykit

That's not where its track-inspired fitments end.

You'll also note that the Leon VZ TCR rides on exclusive lightweight alloy wheels, gets wider 245mm performance tyres, and has a functional bodykit including the likes of a front and rear splitter, side skirt, diffuser, and its own exclusive roof spoiler.

Swing its doors open, and you'll find removable ear seats, and a strut bar and integrated net in the rear. Up front, both occupants will also find themselves nestled snugly within CUPBucket seats with four-strap harness seat belts. Cupra is also making it clear to every Leon VZ TCR buyer that what they own is something truly exclusive: Each car comes with a laser-engraved serial number etched into its door panel.

Powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine putting out 321bhp and 450Nm of torque, the new Leon VZ will be limited to 1,500 units worldwide

Keen on getting your hands on the Leon VZ TCR already? You'll have to be patient, as Cupra has revealed that it's only launching the hotted up hatch at the end of 2026. Until then, however, the brand has more up its sleeves still: It will launch the Leon VZ (no 'TCR') in the first quarter of next year.

With the same 321bhp engine under its hood, the Leon VZ should tantalise drivers with its power and special styling (including exclusive copper quad exhausts), but perhaps have more everyday appeal with its more road-oriented outlook. Cupra is also limiting the production run of the Leon VZ, albeit to a more generous 1,500 units worldwide.