You just can’t beat a homologation special – be it a priceless Ferrari 250 GTO, a big-wing Ford Sierra Cosworth, or a growling Subaru Impreza Turbo, road cars born out of racing are always up with the best.

Sounds like you’re building up to something…

Well, I’m not, but Cupra is, and that something is the most powerful front-wheel drive Cupra Leon hot hatch ever, the VZ TCR.

VZ is Cupra’s high-performance badge, right?

It certainly is, and the TCR bit is the link to Cupra’s long-standing entry in the global TCR touring car championship. “The Cupra Leon VZ TCR is a bold expression of what happens when racing meets road-going precision,” said Dr Werner Tietz, VP of R&D at Cupra. “Born from the track and crafted for the street, this limited edition captures Cupra’s drive for performance, individuality, and the thrill of pushing limits.”

So what makes the Leon VZ TCR so special?

Well, actually, this is two cars in one. There will be a high-performance Cupra VZ model, as well as a more exclusive Cupra VZ TCR, limited to only 499 units, which will feature some additional enhancements – more on that in a second.

Both models use the same engine, a 325hp version of the familiar 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, driving the front wheels. There is a 333hp Cupra model, but that’s a four-wheel drive car, so it’s heavier and therefore likely a bit less agile than these VZ and VZ TCR versions.

There’s also 420Nm of torque, and thankfully also an integrated electronically controlled front differential lock (VAQ) to help put that power down.

How fast are we talking?

0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, which is pretty solid for a front-drive car. To help make the Leon VZ and VZ TCR more enjoyable, there are also DCC adaptive suspension dampers and massive six-piston Akebono brakes. You’ll also get muscular-looking quad exhausts.

Sounds like race spec…

That’s the idea. Cupra says that the Lon VZ and VZ TCR are “not just inspired by racing – born from it. Built on Cupra Racing’s proven success, where the brand’s Leon VZ TCR continues to dominate touring car championships around the world in 2025.” It’s worth pointing out that Cupra Leons have claimed championship titles in TCR Europe, TCR UK, TCR Mexico, and TCR France, as well as success in China and the US.

So what’s the difference between a Cupra VZ and a VZ TCR?

Ah, now this is where the fun begins. The Cupra VZ, with its powerful engine, adaptive suspension, and trick diff and brakes, will be quite the fun car we suspect. The Cupra VZ TCR is a bit more serious, and get some extra parts that turn it into a proper track-day weapon. Lighter, and more focused, the VZ TCR gets exclusive lightweight alloy wheels, designed specifically for this model, enhance performance and visual impact. Wider 245mm performance tyres grip the tarmac, while four-strap harness seat belts for the front CUPBucket seats, and a laser-engraved serial number etched into the door panel.

Wait though, there’s more – exclusive exterior design such as distinctive roof spoiler, front and rear splitter, side skirt, diffuser as well as aerodynamic parts. A dark chrome Cupra logo on the bonnet reinforces the car’s bold character. The exterior is completed with black carbon fibre side mirror covers and the subtle VZ TCR logo on the rear. There’s also a unique ‘livery’ design along the side, which Cupra says “runs along the side of the car, like a dynamic brushstroke” while it “carries the Cupra logo in an expressive, stylised form, a visual echo of movement and speed.”

Is the Leon VZ a limited model too?

Yes, but less so – while there will be only 499 Leon VZ TCR made, there will be some 1,500 Leon VZs. Still not a lot, but at least you’ve got more chance of getting one.

When can I buy one? Or the other?

The Cupra Leon VZ will be on sale in early 2026, but given the limited nature of both that and the VZ TCR, we’d get our ordering oars in early.