The seat is important as it serves as an interface between a vehicle and the driver. With the recent launch of Porsche’s “3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seats," your sporty seating experience is set to be revolutionized.
Aside from its unique look, the main innovation presented by Porsche’s 3D-printed bucket seats comes in the sandwich layer construction of the seat and backrest.
There lies a standard polypropylene base layer between the bolsters of the outer shell where the driver sits. Bonded to that is a breathable comfortable layer that is manufactured from polyurethane-based latticework by means of a 3D printer. Since the components are clipped together using an innovative joining technology, the seats do not generate emissions that are associated with adhesives. This layer can be personalized by a customer according to three levels of firmness—soft, medium or hard.
The seat’s outer skin is made of Race-Tex, a non-slip material that offers plenty of support. It also boasts of a unique perforated surface that enables improved passive ventilation. Compared to conventional full bucket seats, the 3D-printed seat is lighter by more than 8%.
Full color sections of the 3D-printed lattice structure, and the unmistakable design of the full bucket seat are exposed by window panels. For these design elements, customers can initially choose between Racing Yellow, Black, and Guards Red. You can look forward to more options by February 2022, with Ultramarine, Shark Blue, and Arctic Grey added to the color range.
To make sure that the seat will suit the needs of customers, selected Porsche drivers have been meticulously testing the 3D-printed full bucket seats at several events.
A version of the new bodyform full bucket seat was also featured in the Mission R during its world premiere at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. This concept car presents Porsche’s strong vision of the future of customer motorsport.
After some final adjustments, the new customized seat is now available through Porsche’s Tequipment performance parts for various Cayman, Boxter, and 911 models that are offered with conventional bucket seats. Some models can even accommodate both driver and passenger-side versions of the new seat. It can also be retrofitted in cars that have been already delivered. Starting February 2022, it can be ordered as a standard feature.
With road-approved customization, different rigidity grades available, improved comfort, passive climate control, and ergonomic fit, there is no doubt that Porsche’s newest 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seat will give customers the chance to experience technology that is carried over from motor sports.
Don’t take our word for it. Porsche test driver Lars Kern shared that the improved thigh support and slightly lower seat position are similar to a racing car’s seat. He was also impressed by the passive ventilation and ergonomics.
More enhancements are underway as the company is planning another customization feature in the near future: 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seats which can adapt to the unique body contours of each customer.
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