Although inspired by Seat's diesel-powered Leon TDI race cars competing in the BTCC series, the new Seat Leon FR550 is by no means a sports car. Differing from the normal FR TD only in terms of paint job and standard equipment, the vehicle gets its 550 index not from the engine's volume but from the total number of copies set to be sold to the local motor sports enthusiasts.
The 'exclusive' Seat Leon FR550 will be sold with sporty bucket-shaped seats, fitted with 18-inch Draco alloys and decorated with a FR550 tailgate label. That's about all for the motor sport since the vehicle's 2.0-liter TDI produces no more than normal 170PS allowing the car to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 8.2 seconds and limiting its speed by 217km/h (135mph).
Mechanically, the limited-edition Leon FR550 is largely the same as the standard FR – one rung down on the SEAT performance ladder from the top-of-the-line Cupra – powered by the same two-liter turbodiesel on the Leon FR TDI. The details are what set the FR550 apart, carrying such touches as racing-style buckets seats, special badging, USB connectivity, 18-inch "Draco" alloys and a range of special colors. The turbodiesel Leon FR will hit sixty in 8.2 and return 39.2 mpg city/47 mpg highway. If they act fast enough, British customers can pick up one of the 550 examples of the FR550 being offered at a £400 premium over the standard version.
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