The SEAT Tango roadster is a concept car presented at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, designed by a team directed by Walter de Silva with the contribution of SEAT's chief of exterior design, Steve Lewis.
[1] Featuring a two-door two-seater roadster body style riding on a cut-down SEAT Ibiza platform, it is powered by a 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) version of Volkswagen Group's 1.8L 20VT engine which drives the front wheels.
While it was an internal concept, it was originally intended to be called the Tanga because of its rear end lines, however that name was turned down by Volkswagen Group's management as it was found rather provocative.
[2] Extensive safety measures were also integrated into the project: in addition to the progressive deformation structure and central passenger cell which help to cushion impact, it was also equipped with twin front airbags, side airbags, Antilock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control systems.
[3] Although supported by SEAT's (and later Volkswagen Group's) chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder,[4] and an important model in order to boost the brand's auto emoción sporting image and the overwhelming response from the public, the Tango never got the green light for production: SEAT's integration in the following years in the 'Audi brand group' meant that decisions had to be made in consensus with guidance from Audi's management.