SEAT plans high-performance Cupra electric cars

SEAT will develop electric versions of its high-performance Cupra models, company bosses have revealed. 

The Leon Cupra is currently the only model within SEAT's flagship performance line-up, but a new Ateca Cupra will join the range next year. The hot Ateca will be four-wheel drive and use a version of SEAT's 2.0-litre TFSI engine developing upwards of 300bhp. 

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Speaking at the reveal of the new SEAT Arona, Matthias Rabe, SEAT's R&D boss told Auto Express: "Cupra is extremely important for us. And I am totally sure we will see Cupra version of [our] electric cars.

"Electric cars have fantastic performance and acceleration - Cupra and electrification is not a contradiction."

We have already learned that SEAT 's fellow VW Group brand, Skoda is planning an electric sports car but this is the first time SEAT has confirmed it will take its EV efforts down a high performance path. 

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SEAT will launch its first dedicated electric vehicle in 2019 on the VW Group's new MEB architecture. Rabe confirmed that the brand is targeting an electric range of around 500km (310 miles) and that the EV would be the only vehicle a household would need. 

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SEAT will also develop hybrid and plug-in versions of its future models. Rabe added: "We see more potential for 100% fully electric vehicle, but for also we see improvements for combustion engine vehicles and potential for hybridisation and plugin hybrid on existing vehicles."

What do you think of SEAT's plans for fast EVs? Let us know in the comments...