It's a real shame Seat->ke80 doesn't offer its vehicles in North America. We're aware the U.S. doesn't need the Leon->ke316 hatch and station wagon -- essentially re-bodied versions of the Volkswagen Golf->ke164 -- but we wouldn't mind driving or having the possibility of buying the Leon SC Cupra 280. With 280 ponies and 258 pound-feet of twist at its disposal, this Spanish-built hatch is one hot machine. So hot that it became the first front-wheel-drive car to lap the Nurburgring->ke999 in under eight minutes.

Will we get it in here? Hell no! As much as we'd love for that to happen, it makes no sense for Seat to ship its models across the pond. Making things even more frustrating beyond the fact that Europeans get to toss it around, is that the British market has just gained a performance option for the hot hatch. Dubbed "Sub8 Performance Pack," the bundle adds a massive brake improvement to the Leon SC Cupra 280, while a set of new high-performance tires enhance the hatch's track capability even further. Oh, the agony!

Click past the jump to read more about the Seat Leon Cupra 280 Sub8 Performance Pack

2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 Sub8 Performance Pack

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 Sub8 Performance Pack
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 280
  • Torque: 258
  • Transmission: six-speed DSG gearbox
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Seat Leon Cupra 280 Sub8 Performance Pack In Detail

The most important upgrade the Performance Pack brings to the table is in the brake department. A set of 370-mm (14.5-inch) brake discs come to replace the standard, 340-mm (13.3-inch) rotors, and are joined by Brembo four-piston calipers all around. The bundle also adds a set of exclusive, multi-spoke, 19-inch rims, which can be had in either black or an enticing bright-orange hue. Body colored skirts are also included in the Performance Pack, which costs only £2,025 (around $3,380 as of 08/15/2014).

Not included in the bundle, but available as an option for the Cupra 280 is a set of high-performance, semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Priced at £460 (about $768 as of 8/15/2014), the rubber improves the hatch's already impressive levels of grip at the track, making it the natural option for drivers who like to spend their weekends at the race course.

A third individual option for the Cupra 280 is a set of new, race-spec bucket seats. Wrapped in black Alcantara with leather bolsters and white accents, the seats can be had for £1,250 (around $2,087), a sticker that also includes a Winter Pack with heated front seats. Damn, those Brits are lucky. Guess we'll just have to settle for the Golf R and the upcoming Ford Focus RS.

Seat Leon Cupra 280