The history of SEAT and SEAT Sport is full of success stories and triumphs that have made the brand proud. But without a doubt, the greatest success in almost 40 years of motorsport history was achieved in 2008 when SEAT Sport won both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ World Touring Car Championship titles.

The SEAT León TDI, which had made its debut midway through the previous season, was the car to beat from the beginning. At the first two championship meetings, Brazil and Mexico, the SEAT Sport drivers walked away with all four victories, setting the standards of excellence that would continue right up to winning the manufacturers’ title at the second last meeting in Japan. The drivers’ title came only a few days later at the last race in Macau, and was a toss-up between two SEAT drivers, Gabriele Tarquini and Yvan Müller.

In total SEAT managed 12 victories, a further 19 podiums, the first FIA world title for a Diesel-powered car and two drivers leading their classification. The record was truly exceptional, and gave SEAT a prominent place in motorsport history annals.

Other triumphs by SEAT

Not only did the SEAT León TDI win races at the WTCC, but also at the prestigious British Touring Car Championship, where Jason Plato and SEAT finished in second place. After competing at this championship for five years, SEAT has won 43 races and one manufacturers’ title.

But besides the triumphs won by the TDI, SEAT made other successes through it customers: Tom Coronel won a WTCC race with his petrol-powered SEAT León and Oscar Nogués came in European runner-up. During the 2008 season, SEAT created the SEAT León Eurocup, which allowed five drivers to debut at the WTCC, and the SEAT León Supercopa was staged in Spain, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Hungary.

Technical data León TDI WTCC

Engine

Type Turbocharged; 4-cylinder in line, transversally installed; distribution: two overhead
Distribution Two overhead camshafts, 16 valves.
Displacement 2.000 cc
Bore x stroke 81x95,5 mm
Maximum power 262 CV a 4000 rpm
Maximum torque 450 Nm a 2500 rpm
Lubrication Wet sump
Particle filter Dow Automotive

Transmission

Traction Front-wheel drive
Gearbox Hewland 6-speed, sequential shift
Clutch Twin-plate
Differential Mechanical limited slip differential

Chassis

Front suspension McPherson strut, coil springs, gas-filled dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension multi-link axel, coil springs, gas-filled dampers, anti-roll bar
Steering Power assisted rack and pinion

Brakes

Type Not-assisted dual circuit system
Front brakes 4-piston calipers, 332 mm steel ventilated discs
Rear brakes 2-piston calipers, 280 mm steel discs

Dimensions

Length 4330 mm
Width 1849 mm
Wheelbase 2600 mm
Minimum weight 1170kg (including driver)

Rims / Tyres

Rims / Tyres 9x17 / Yokohama 240/610 R17