It's very rare for a company like Seat->ke80 to have the industry's attention. But when it comes to a new concept car highlighting the company's new design philosophy, then we get curious. Even for just a little bit.

The new IBL Sedan Concept accomplishes that and more. Quite frankly, the car's design is far and away improved from what we're accustomed to with Seat, which in our books, is a pretty good thing.

"The IBL was created from the unique design DNA that will prevail right across our next vehicle generation," said new SEAT design chief, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos.

The IBL Concept carries a pretty sharp looking profile, that much we'll tell you. It's got the look of a sporty four-door saloon that capitalizes on its elegant dynamics to catch your attention.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to see Seat translate this concept to something a little more production-ready, but we'll take what we can get from these guys anytime. After all, there aren't a lot of expectations to begin with and if the IBL Concept is merely the first step in what we hope to be a more stylish future for the company, then sign us up.

Find out more about the Seat IBL Sedan Concept after the jump.

2011 Seat IBL Sedan Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Seat IBL Sedan Concept
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

Measuring 4.67 meters long and 1.85 meters wide, the SEAT IBL fits right into the market's full-size saloon category. The minimalistic design of the car doesn't do justice to its powerful proportions, which come complete with precise lines and exact surfaces that clearly highlight the company's new design language.

In the front, the IBL Sedan Concept illustrates the clever combination of classic SEAT styling with new iterations that turn it into a powerful expression of the company's new styling DNA. The front end features an arrow form with a clear center line along the bonnet whereas the new grille carries a new five-sided arrow shape that has been expressed in a wide, flat form.

The IBL Sedan Concept also comes equipped with full LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and tail lights that are all fully integrated into the bodywork. Finally, the IBL Concept will carry a new set of 20" light alloy wheels, which provide a look of muscular sturdiness that the company is aiming for with their future models.

Interior

The IBL's interior also has a clean and minimized look similar to the exterior. The interior surface is dressed in light, matte leather and contrasted with leather surfaces in clear, sporty black and trim elements to complement the red paint finish of the exterior. Another critical element of the IBL Concept is the dashboard, which further illustrates the impression of lightness in and around the car.

To go with the simplistic design of the interior, Seat also added a bevy of innovative technological features. The main display behind the steering wheel is fully digital and can be freely programmed to suit the preferences of the driver. There's also another display in the center of the dashboard that is dedicated to the car's extensive communications and information systems, including a navigation system that carries Google Earth and real-time traffic information, among other things. These infotainment systems can be operated courtesy of two touch pads that have been integrated into the steering wheel spokes, making for easy access to the driver.

Performance

Curiously, the IBL Sedan Concept doesn't come with any performance figures so it pretty much draws home the point that the real onus of the concept is to show the world exactly what Seat has in store as far as the future styling of their vehicles. Performance-talk will have to wait for another day, apparently.

What's The Plan For The Concept?

Right now, there are no plans for the IBL Sedan Concept to be made into a production car. But that's not too say that the car will only end up as a fixture on our desktop wallpapers. Seat has plans to use the design language of the car for their future models so that in itself is already half the battle won. When that will be though, is anyone's guess. But the most important thing is that the company is looking towards the future and that can only mean good things for fans of the brand looking for a thorough design overall.