IAA 2011: Seat's Sharp Looking IBL Concept

It may have an unsexy name, but Seat's latest creation, the IBL concept, is anything but lackluster when it comes to its styling.The sharp looking study is a Ford Mondeo-sized sports saloon created to show off the latest evolution of Seat's design DNA, and while the Spanish brand says it does not pre-empt a specific model, its styling philosophy will be applied to the firm's future portfolio.
Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the new head honcho of SEAT Design, explains: "The IBL was created from the unique design DNA that will prevail right across our next vehicle generation."
"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," he added.
The concept model is roughly the same size as the Spanish firm's rebadged, previous generation Audi A4, the Exeo, measuring 4.67 metres long and 1.85 metres wide with a 2.71 metres long wheelbase.
The clean, almost minimalistic design language of the exterior is continued in the interior that boasts a cockpit oriented towards the driver. Highlights include the fully digital display that can be programmed to suit the driver’s preferences with the information presented either in the form of classic analogue dials or as a digital readout.
Mr Mesonero-Romanos added: "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."

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IAA 2011: Seat's Sharp Looking IBL Concept Sedan [Updated Gallery]

It may have an unsexy name, but Seat's latest creation, the IBL concept, is anything but lackluster when it comes to its styling.

The sharp looking study is a Ford Mondeo-sized sports saloon created to show off the latest evolution of Seat's design DNA, and while the Spanish brand says it does not pre-empt a specific model, its styling philosophy will be applied to the firm's future portfolio.

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IAA 2011: Live Photos from the VW Group's Frankfurt Preview Event

The Volkswagen Group has readied a little something for everyone at this year's 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, from the tiny Audi Urban concepts and the production VW Up!, to the striking Seat IBL study and the brand new Porsche 911.

At a special preview event in Frankfurt, the VW Group rolled out some of its most important goods including the new Bentley Continental GTC, the limited edition Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 ST Trofeo, the Audi RS5 facelift and A2 Concept,while the Germans even brought along the bespoke Bugatti Veyron L'or Blanc.

Hop over the jump to check out a high-resolution gallery with more than 70 photos.

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IAA 2011: Seat IBL Sedan Concept Leaks Online

Seat had told us that it would be unveiling a "new and exciting" concept car at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, but a Spanish fan club beat them to it by publishing the first official photograph of the study, which it claims found on the pages of Spanish newspaper ABC. We asked around and can confirm that the scanned image is indeed is official.

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Seat Teases New Frankfurt Show-Bound Concept

Next up in our list of automakers that are a planning a surprise debut for this year's edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show, which runs for the public from September 15 to 25, is the Volkswagen Group's Spanish division, Seat.

The automaker released a teaser of what looks to be a compact sedan or liftback model covered in a red sheet with the only piece of information that we get from Seat being that it's a new and "exciting" concept car.

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2012 Seat Exeo Saloon and ST

Starting from this fall, the Volkswagen Group's Spanish division Seat will offer a revamped version of its former Audi A4-based Exeo series that includes the sedan and estate (ST) models in Europe.
The subtle styling enhancements on the outside include a revised face with new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, a honeycomb style grille insert, plus new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
Upgrades to interior are limited to the redesigned leather steering wheel and the revised upholstery options.
From a technical standpoint, Seat said improvements made to all diesel-powered engines see CO2 emissions cut by around 7 grams per kilometer, with the 120HP and 143HP TDI saloon models fitted with manual transmission now dipping below the 130 g/km mark.
The Spanish automaker added that economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of returning up to 57.6 mpg UK (4.9lt/100km or 48mpg US) on the EU’s combined cycle.
These latest updates come only a year after Seat introduced some minor changes to the Exeo including revised tail lamps with LED technology, reshaped seats that improved rear passenger space and a 7-speed Multitronic transmission on the 2.0 TDI CR Diesel model.

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2012 Seat Exeo Saloon and ST Refreshed Once Again

Starting from this fall, the Volkswagen Group's Spanish division Seat will offer a revamped version of its former Audi A4-based Exeo series that includes the sedan and estate (ST) models in Europe.

The subtle styling enhancements on the outside include a revised face with new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, a honeycomb style grille insert, plus new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

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Seat Introduces New FR+ and Upgrades Cupra R in the Leon's Range

Banking on the success of the Leon FR that, last year, was responsible for one in four Leon sales in Britain, Seat introduced a new FR+ derivative, while also extending the FR badge to a broader engine range.
The Leon FR hatch is now available with a 1.4-liter TSI petrol developing 125-horses and linked to a manual transmission only, or a 2.0-liter TDI diesel with 140-horsepower and the choice of either a manual gearbox or a DSG dual clutch automatic transmission.
The FR badge adds new front and rear bumpers, twin chrome exhaust pipe, trademark silver-painted door mirrors, LED rear-light clusters, sports seats and steering wheel, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The previous FR models have been renamed to FR+. Buyers can choose between a 211HP 2.0-liter TSI petrol and a 170HP 2.0-liter TDI CR diesel.
In addition to the FR's standard features, the FR+ trim adds 18-inch ‘Ibera’ alloy wheels; the SEAT Media System 2.2, which includes satellite-navigation with five-inch colour touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card slot; Bluetooth phone connection; Bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) and front parking sensors.
Seat says that while the retail cost of the extra equipment when specified separately is £2,465 RRP, the price of the new Leon FR+ is up by only £1,070 RRP.
Prices for the revised FR lineup start at £18,205 RRP for the Leon FR 1.4 TSI 125 PS, and rise to £22,615 RRP for the Leon FR+ 2.0 TDI CR DSG-auto 170 PS.
Along with the changes to the FR range, Seat also added some new standard features to its flagship 265HP Leon Cupra R model, including a SEAT Media System 2.2, Bluetooth connectivity, Bi-xenon headlights with AFS and LED rear-light clusters.
The additional equipment not only comes at no extra cost, but Seat actually reduced the car's price by £10 to £25,995 RRP.

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