Posted Apr 1, 2008, 5:35 am
Filed under: SEAT

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SEAT hi-tech ‘electro reflective’ exterior panel finish

SEAT presents hi-tech ‘electro reflective’ exterior panel finish

When it comes to leading the way in the style stakes, few car makers can compete with Spanish outfit SEAT.

Recent developments such as the liberal use of Candy White paint on eye-catching models like the SEAT Leon Cupra K1, along with chic additions such as black, or white, 17” alloy wheels, ensure SEAT drivers are proudly piloting some of the hottest cars around.

Now the innovative brand is going further still with the debut today, 1st April, of its all-new, hi-tech ‘electro reflective’ exterior panel finish.

The unique bodywork has been developed in-house by an elite team of technicians at the Spanish manufacturer’s Martorell HQ, near Barcelona. Using complex principles similar to those through which electrochromic (auto dimming) rear view mirrors work, the experts have developed the patented electro reflective finish which constantly adapts to mimic the car’s surroundings.

The hitherto hush-hush project’s lead engineer, Santos Inocentes, explained: ‘We started off just fooling around with paint, but soon discovered that electro reflectivity was the future.

‘The technology has been a jealously guarded secret within SEAT but, now, we feel the time is just right to reveal it to the world.’

Initially appearing on the SEAT Leon ‘mule’ pictured here, it’s possible that electro reflectivity may one day make it through to production models.

A SEAT UK spokesman said of the new development: ‘We’re obviously very excited by this dramatically different exterior design feature, which mixes technology and innovation to deliver undeniably surprising results.

‘Quite what happens when an electro reflective car meets a speed camera, though, is anyone’s guess!’

Text and photos: SEAT