The SEAT Formula was unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Motorshow. It is a genuine two-seater aimed at bringing the excitement of competition driving to the road, without doing away with the necessary comfort for more conventional driving. Design, technology and performance are skilfully blended in this roadster developed by the Design Center Europe at Sitges (Barcelona).

The Design Center Europe had been created in the second half of the '90s as an advanced SEAT, Audi and Volkswagen design facility. It was active until 2006, when its task was centralized in the new SEAT Design Center at Martorell, inaugurated in 2007, beside SEAT's Technical Center.

The first SEAT concept-car developed at Sitges was the 1998 Bolero, a spectacular sporting saloon. The Bolero is an important prototype for SEAT, because it was the first SEAT project Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos was involved in. Back then he was a member of the Design Center Europe and years later he would become SEAT's head of design.

Mesonero-Romanos was also involved in the exterior design of the Formula, a show-car whose concept was diametrically opposed to the Bolero's. The Formula was aimed at bringing back the roadster concept, using the most advanced technology and in a much more sporting model. It boasted balanced proportions, with minimum overhangs, minimalist interior, visible chassis, composite body, key instruments only and full technological focus.

For example, the engine is a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre, 20 valve turbo developing 240 HP, centrally mounted on an aluminium chassis, whereas the transmission is a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Both were derived from the Cordoba WRC which SEAT was running in the world rally championship at the time. So the performance is impressive: 235 km/h top speed and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in less than 5 seconds.

Furthermore, the suspension is Formula 1 style double wishbones, with horizontally mounted Penske shock absorbers, whilst the impressive 20-inch wheels are made from lightweight alloy.

The main instruments are mounted on separate units so the driver can focus on the key driving controls. The 6-speed sequential gearbox - Sportronic type, semi-automatic - can be operated either by tapping the two small paddles behind the steering wheel or by shifting the gear lever in its conventional position.

Besides, the SEAT Formula is equipped with active aerodynamic and cooling systems: the rear spoiler rises automatically above 50 km/h, generating downforce, while the front air intakes are adjustable to optimize cooling.

The SEAT Formula is part of SEAT HISTÓRICOS’ Collection and is kept in perfect running order. Even though the design is more than two decades old, even today it still looks very fashionable.