Spanish auto maker SEAT is not really known for their motorsport heritage, even though they have always been a keen contender in the Touring Car racing scene. But they have just accomplished something rather big which will definitely make you take notice of the brand in the future. That accomplishment is a new front-wheel-drive lap record at the Nurbruginrg set by a 280 hot hatch version of the Leon Cupra.

SEAT Leon Cupra 280 DSG, equipped with the optional Performance Pack including Brembo high-performance brakes, specially-designed 19-inch alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, lapped the Green Hell in 7:58.4 minutes, which is faster than any other front-wheel-drive car that’s ever been around.

During the record-breaking lap, the Cupra 280 averaged 96 mph and hit 150 mph on the Tiergarten straight. The man in charge of the car in this effort was Spanish driver Jordi Gené, official SEAT driver between 2003 and 2010 during the European Touring Car Championships (ETCC) and World Touring Car Championships (WTCC), among other events.

Formally announcing the record at the Spanish company’s Geneva Motor Show press conference, SEAT S.A. President Jürgen Stackmann said: “Our ultimate expression of the successful Leon formula is the all new Leon Cupra. It is the fastest and the most powerful car we have ever built and yet is a comfortable family car. The Cupra is our new icon.”