Development Process
The development of a model starts with the Design Process phase in the SEAT Design Center, which opened in 2007. Once the product to be developed is defined, the designers start the creative work. In this stage their inspiration and creativity prevail over other aspects and they look for the balance between technology, design, creativity and functionality. Design is the seal of identity for the brand’s new models.
In parallel to this phase, the technical department analyzes the designers’ work, refines the body and the interior; they check the ergonomics and the technical feasibility and they establish the future applicability of the project. Once the model’s development is defined, architectural coherence is analyzed. In this phase, the aerodynamics, rigidity and the effectiveness of the chassis are also studied, as well as the cooling and air conditioning, among other things.
Before turning the virtual model into a physical one, the CTS uses virtual reality, augmented reality and assembly (Digital Mockup or DMU) tools. The Digital Mockup is a key element in the development of the brand’s vehicles as it allows testing via simulation in order to optimize the model. Using DMU technology, the CTS carries out the first static and dynamic behaviour simulations, both for individual components and the complete model, and submits these to virtual crash-tests and other safety tests.
Finally, before mass-producing and commercialising the vehicle, the CTS ensures the viability of the project in the validation phase. In this stage, they carry out an exhaustive and meticulous process, based on testing and experimenting with the vehicle.
