SEAT IBL Concept Car ? Uniquely dynamic sports saloon
World premiere at Frankfurt Motorshow. Tonight, SEAT has unveiled his new concept car, the SEAT IBL. The Spanish car manufacturer continues the development of its design DNA: the IBL showcases the SEAT?s unique and consistent design language in the shape of a sports saloon with an exceptionally dynamic and self-confident look-and-feel. The SEAT IBL concept car combines clean, minimalist exterior design with an innovative, premium interior that clearly conveys its quality and precision.
?The IBL shows that sports saloons within the SEAT brand portfolio will play an important role in future. However, this concept car does not pre-empt a specific model, but rather shows the design philosophy we are applying to bring the unmistakable SEAT identity to a saloon car, too?, says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. ?The IBL is the perfect representation of SEAT brand values ? with its distinctive look, its precision and its premium feel. Over the next few years, SEAT will embark upon a product offensive that will see the spirit of the IBL reflected in several series-production models?.
The IBL completes SEAT?s series of concept cars that define the genetic pool for the ongoing development of SEAT design. Laying the groundwork, the IBE compact electric sports coup? was highly acclaimed and received plenty of positive feedback. The IBX that followed showcased the new DNA code of SEAT design in a completely different vehicle architecture ? a crossover between SUV and sports coup?.
?In SEAT?s Technical Centre (CTS) we have combined the latest technology that the Volkswagen Group offers with our design language to achieve products as exciting as the IBL?, says Dr. Rabe Vicepresident of R&D at SEAT.
Hallmark SEAT interpretation of saloon and coupe
Now is the turn of the IBL and its reinterpretation of the sports saloon. With its powerful proportions derived from a generous wheelbase of 2.71 metres and an overall vehicle length of 4.67 metres, plus its flowing, dynamic roofline, it almost belongs in the four-door coup? category. In any event, the SEAT IBL fits into a premium, individual lifestyle that sets great store by clarity and quality, technological excellence and precision dynamics.
The Design ? Pure precision and a determined sporty character
After the IBE and the IBX, the new IBL concept car delivers a further, extremely enticing perspective on the continued development of SEAT design. The pure forms, precise lines and exact surfaces of the IBL depict the distinctive design language that not only sustains the modernity of the SEAT identity, but also clearly strengthens it.
?IBL is all about emotion. Love at first sight. But this first impression is something that is meant to last thanks to its timeless elegant design?, explained Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the new Head of SEAT Design.
Perfect crossover of saloon and sports coupe
As a further evolution of this new design line, the IBL also demonstrates how well it works when applied to a car in the upper business class. The SEAT IBL is a crossover in the very best sense of the word ? it combines the elegance, the spaciousness and the utility of a classic saloon car with the athletic look and dynamic line of a powerful sports coup?.
The genetic pool for the next generation
?The IBL was created from the unique design DNA that will prevail right across our next vehicle generation?, says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos. ?The IBL is certainly more than a saloon; it is the SEAT interpretation of a very sporty four-door. With it, we are also demonstrating that we can apply our elegant dynamics and our youthful character to a full-size vehicle concept, too, making it unique and unmistakable?.
Based on powerful proportions
At 4.67 meters long and 1.85 meters wide, the SEAT IBL falls into the full-size saloon category. Its long wheelbase of 2.71 meters gives it short overhangs front and rear, and enables powerful proportions ? the essential basis of every good design. At the front, the IBL is distinguished by the ?arrow?, the classic core element of SEAT design. The front end features the arrow form, with a clear centre line along the bonnet. The grille also bears the characteristic, five-sided arrow shape, expressed here in a very wide, flat form.
?We are very satisfied with the result achieved. Under the skin of a sporty vehicle, the IBL offers a surprising degree of ergonomics with comfort and practicality, thanks to the use of the latest technologies in materials and processes?, says Dr. Rabe.