The Volkswagen Group evening, held at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, was the venue for the world premiere of SEAT IBL concept car.
At Frankfurt the Spanish brand’s unique design language is extended to a sports saloon concept with a dynamic, confident look. The SEAT IBL combines a clean, minimalist exterior with an innovative, premium interior that clearly conveys its quality and precision.
The IBL completes SEAT’s exciting series of concept cars that define the genetic design pool for the ongoing development of the sporty Spanish brand’s cars. Laying the groundwork was the highly acclaimed IBE compact electric sports coupé. The IBX that followed showcased the new DNA code of SEAT design in a completely different vehicle architecture – a crossover between SUV and sports coupé.
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 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.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]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 fulfil 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.
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.
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.
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.
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