Porsche is revolutionising the way seats are constructed with their 3D-printed bucket seat upholstery.
The new bucket seat utilises 3D-printed bodyform materials to deliver driver-specific seat fitting and a wider choice of comfort levels.
Based on the lightweight full-bucket seat from Porsche, the concept seat utilises a sandwich construction to manufacture its base support.
Made made from expanded polypropylene, the material is bonded to a breathable comfort layer consisting of a mixture of polyurethane-based materials made using a 3D-printer.
Window panels enable passengers to see the 3D-printed lattice structure.
Customers will soon be able to choose between three firmness levels for the material in the future.
The outer skin of the concept seat meanwhile is made from “Racetex”, a high-quality microfibre material partially consisting of recycled polyester fibres. It features a perforation pattern for improved breathability.
Window panels on the backrest provide a view of exposed coloured components and the 3D-printed lattice structure. They also give the full-bucket seat an unmistakable design.
The new bucket seat will be available from Porsche Tequipment as a driver’s seat for the 911 and 718 ranges from as early as May 2020.
The range will initially be limited to 40 seat prototypes for use on race tracks in Europe. These will be in combination with a six-point seat belt.
Street-legal versions of the seats, available in three different firmness levels and colours, will be available ex-works from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur from mid-2021.
Porsche will explore offering fully personalised solutions if sufficient customers express an interest in the new seating concept.
A close-up of the lattice structure.
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