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Hallmark Seat Interpretation of Saloon and Coupé
Now, with the
IBL, Seat is turning its attention to the reinterpretation of the sports saloon.
With its powerful proportions derived from a generous wheelbase of 106.7 in
(2710 mm) and an overall vehicle length of 183.9 in (4670 mm) - plus its
flowing, dynamic roofline - it almost belongs in the four-door coupé 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.
After the IBE and the IBX, the new IBL concept car delivers a
further, 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.
Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the new Head of
Seat Design, explained: '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.'
As a further evolution of this new design strategy, the
IBL also demonstrates how well it works when applied to a car in the upper
medium class. The Seat IBL is a crossover in the very best sense of the word -
it combines the elegance, spaciousness and utility of a classic saloon with the
athletic look and dynamic line of a powerful sports coupé.
'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 183.9 in (4670 mm) long and 72.8 in (1850 mm) wide, the Seat IBL falls into
the full-size saloon category. Its long wheelbase of 106.7 in (2710 mm) 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
familiar 'arrow' nose, 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.
LED Headlamps as Light
Sculpture
The full LED headlamps are designed as sharp strokes:
precise in their appearance and state-of-the-art in their function. The
individual segments of this light sculpture fulfill the various lighting
functions, ranging from a main beam with variable illumination, to indicators,
to daytime running lights.
The air intakes low down on the front end take
a fine, linear form. They are evocative of the design of an electronic circuit
board, creating a visual connection to the zero local emissions electromobility
that the IBL commands perfectly as a plug-in hybrid. The air intakes are
designed in black and red and framed with fine chrome lines that emphasize both
the vehicle's breadth and its premium character.
'Our engineers
successfully combined the spectacular design of the head and tail lights fully
integrated into the bodywork with innovative light functions,' said Dr Rabe.
Muscular Profile
The profile of the Seat IBL is dominated by
its mighty wheels - at a diameter of 20 inches and with a sophisticated design
featuring single and double spokes, they are not only extremely sporty, but also
pleasingly elegant.
Their stature is further emphasized by powerfully
defined wheel arches - the entire car seems to grow towards its wheels with the
extremely muscular flanks firmly fixed to the road. The dynamic line running the
full length of the flanks and the chrome line around the greenhouse add taut
visual length to the side view.
Details such as the small fold-out door
handles and the aluminum feet of the exterior mirrors bear testament to the
consistently minimalist approach. The Seat IBL is form at its purest level, the
essence of Seat design.
Luxuriously Sporty Ambience
Clean,
minimized to the essential, exceptionally precise and premium in its
look-and-feel - this is the Seat IBL interior philosophy. Innovative technology
and perfect execution come together here to create an ambience of relaxed and
luxurious sportiness. Light, matte leather dominates the surfaces and brings
breadth and a lightweight feel to the generously proportioned interior of the
four-Seater. Contrast is offered by leather surfaces in clear, sporty black and
trim elements in the rich red of the exterior paintwork. The form of the
dashboard, which almost seems to hang suspended in space, further adds to the
impression of lightness.
Driver's Cockpit
The cockpit is
clearly oriented towards the driver. A one-piece, curved glass surface covers
the complete instrument panel all the way to the secondary display in the centre
of the cockpit. The main display behind the steering wheel is fully digital and
can be programmed to suit the driver's preferences. Information can be presented
either in the form of classic analogue dials or as a digital readout.
Mr
Mesonero-Romanos said: 'The interior of IBL is in total harmony with its
exterior design. It is definitely a place where you want to be, and to be seen.'
Information System
The information hierarchy and color choice can be selected from three
programs - 'Travel' for relaxed driving, 'Sport' for concentrated driving fun or
'Efficiency' when the focus is on the fuel efficiency of the plug-in hybrid
drive. The second display in the centre of the dashboard is dedicated to the
extensive communications and information systems.
The navigation system,
for example, incorporates data from Google Earth and real-time traffic
information into its route recommendations. The information systems are operated
intuitively via two touch pads integrated into the steering wheel spokes.
Draught-Free Air Conditioning
Particular attention has been
paid to perfecting the car's climate control technology - virtually the entire
upper side of the cockpit is conceived as large-surface air vent, facilitating
draught-free ventilation. Targeted air flow is handled via individual air
channels, integrated into the displays. The air channels have been designed with
precisely executed frames machined from solid aluminum. They stand as symbols
for the passion with which even the tiniest detail on the Seat IBL has been
designed and executed.
Seat IBL Concept: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications