VIDEO: Driver Tries and Fails Spectacularly to Park

For years the debate has raged over unintended acceleration. Is it the result of a design defect or is it simply driver error? Well, this video put forward for the case of the latter as one driver's attempt to park goes horribly, hilariously wrong. Watch the white car entering from the top right at approximately 6 seconds in. Everything seems normal up until 23 seconds, when suddenly...

You might have to watch it again to get the full effect. With the steering wheel still hard over, the driver realizes he or she has gone too far. Rather than hitting the brake, he or she hits the accelerator instead and the car surges forward, demolishing a door and slamming into the side of another parked car.

It's one of those things that has to be watched over and over again (I know I did). Feel free to leave your jibes, chides and other remarks in the comments below

By Tristan Hankins

Via: Gawker

_______________________________VIDEO_______________________________

Seat IBE Coupe Concept 2 in the Flesh from the Paris Motor Show

Following on from our preview of Seat's latest IBE Concept model, we now have live pictures of the compact sports coupe from the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Improvements over the first IBE Concept, which was shown in Geneva earlier this year, include refinements to the design and technology, while the Paris Show car now also sports an interior.

Measuring in at just 3.83 meters (12.5 ft) in length, the IBE Paris is smaller than Volkswagen's Scirocco. Utilizing a 75 kw (102 hp) electric drive system, the concept is good for 130 km (81 miles) on a single charge. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) can be achieved in 9.7 seconds

"The IBE shows SEAT's vision for a car of the future that is as emotional as it is ecologically responsible and affordable," said Seat's design boss of former Lamborghini fame, Luc Donckerwolke.

"The IBE is a concentrated version of our design DNA. Both exterior and interior are characterised by their focus on key elements, by a clear and precise architecture, by modern technology and by materials that are as high-quality as they are ecological."

By Tristan Hankins

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Paris Preshow: Seat IBE Sports Coupe Concept No2

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, which opens on 30 September, Seat will present a second iteration of its IBE small sports car concept. The first version of the coupe-ish hatchback with the low bonnet and long roofline was introduced at the Geneva Salon this past March (see here).

Since then, the car has gained an interior while its exterior design has been tweaked with a restyled lower fascia and new LED headlamps and tail lights. Furthermore, the car is now finished in a more eye-catching cherry-red color.

The super-compact sports coupe concept with the 2+2 seat layout is around 200 mm shorter than the Ibiza measuring just 3,830 mm in length. However, it is also unusually wide at 1,770 mm with a height of just 1,230 mm.

The Spanish automaker says the IBE has ample space for two and "plenty of room in the back for the option of a trip for four". The rear seat backs can be folded individually to form a flat surface that is level with the floor of the luggage compartment.

The concept is equipped with several gadgets including a wireless application to connect a smart phone to the IBE and conduct an on-line check of the car's systems.

The IBE is an all-electric vehicle. The drive motor, which has a maximum output of 75 kW (102 hp) and 200 Nm of torque, is located together with the power electronics at the front of the car, while the lithium-ion battery is positioned in the rear.

Seat says that the IBE, which tips the scales at only 1,100 kg or 2,425 pounds, can dash from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach 100km/h from standstill in 9.7 seconds. Top speed pegged at 160 km/h or 100 mph, while the battery offers a total driving range of around 130 kilometers (80 miles).

Paris Preshow: 2011 Seat Exeo with Interior Refinements, LED Tail Lights and New 7-Speed CVT

Seat is debuting the 2011 model year versions of its Exeo sedan and ST estate at this week's Paris Auto Show. The VW Group owned company says that both models, which are based on the previous generation Audi A4, are roomier, as there is more space available to backseat passengers after redesigning the front seats and rear bench, while other updates include the introduction of a 7-speed Multitronic transmission on the 2.0 TDI CR Diesel version.

Thanks to some minor revisions to the front seat back and rear bench designs, room in the back is said to have increased by 44 millimeters (+1.7-inches) without affecting seating comfort [according to Seat] or luggage space.

Under the hood, Seat has equipped the 143-hp 2.0 TDI CR Diesel version with the continuously variable Multitronic gearbox. The transmission on this model offers a sport program that delivers gear shifting at higher rev speeds, and a 7-speed manual mode controlled via steering wheel mounted shift paddles.

According to Seat, this combination returns an average fuel consumption of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, which is equal to 40.6 mpg US and 48.7 mpg UK.

Other changes include the revised tail lamps featuring LED technology and the addition of a new 230 V socket on the central console.

More details including availability will be released at the Paris motor show.

SEAT Palma: Design Proposal for a Spanish Audi A5 Sportback

Not long ago, we shared the news about some allegedly leaked sketches for numerous future SEAT cars -that may or may not be official- including some that showed a design proposal for an Audi A5 Sportback-like hatch. Now, a member of the Hungarian site 'Hvtm' has taken an A5 Sportback and turned it into a SEAT by restyling the car's nose and rear end as well as the profile. Check out both pictures after the jump and tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Source: Hvtmu

New Seat Ibiza ST Priced from £12,070 in Britain

The new Seat Ibiza ST (Sports Tourer) is making its showroom debut in the UK this month with prices ranging from £12,070 RRP for the entry-level 1.4-litre 16V S A/C to a current ceiling of £14,910 for the 1.2 TDI CR Ecomotive in SE spec.

The small station wagon model joins the sportier looking three-door Ibiza SC and five-door Ibiza hatch. Compared to the 5dr hatchback model, boot space is up 138 liters taking the ST's carrying capacity to 430 liters with the rear seats up.

The Ibiza ST will be offered with a variety of diesel and petrol engines and with the option of a five-speed manual gearbox or the VW Group's highly praised seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.

The petrol lineup includes a naturally aspirated 85HP 1.4-liter unit and a 105HP 1.2-liter TSI turbocharged four with which the Ibiza ST covers the 0-62 mph dash in 10.1 seconds before reaching top speed of 118 mph.

Diesel buyers are offered the choice of a standard 75HP 1.2-litre TDI CR, an Ecomotive version of the same engine that returns an impressive combined fuel economy of 80.7 mpg UK (3.5 lt/100km or 67.2mpg US), or a more potent 1.6-liter unit producing 105-horsepower.

All versions come equipped with head and chest airbags for both driver and front seat passenger, head-thorax front side airbags, front passenger airbag disconnection, ABS and three three-point rear seatbelts as standard.

________________________________________________________________