Porsche's 3D-Printed Bodyform Bucket Seats Ooze Innovation

On Sale Now

Last year, Porsche announced that it was working on using 3D printing technology to create portions of bucket seats with varying levels of support. Now, just a few months later, the 3D-printed bucket seats have launched after extensive testing took place at a variety of motorsports events, including Manthey-Racing Nordschleife Trackdays 20/21. Porsche used feedback from those eager customers to fine-tune its innovative new seats, which are on sale now.

Photos: Porsche

Availability

Following some final adjustments, the customized seat is now available through Porsche Tequipment for various Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models. From February 2022 onward, it can also be ordered from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as a standard feature and it will be integrated into the Porsche Car Configurator as well. In addition to its unique look, the new central section of the seat is its main innovation - parts of the cushion and backrest surfaces are produced using a 3D printer and are available in three different rigidity grades, meaning the seat can be customized to suit a customer's specific needs.

Photos: Porsche

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Lighter and Better

"Seats adapted to individual drivers have been available for a long time in professional motorsport. Now Porsche also offers road-approved customization with different rigidity grades as standard," said Porsche test driver Lars Kern. "During the initial test drives I was impressed by the ergonomics - the slightly lower seat position and improved thigh support are similar to what you get from a seat in a racing car. The passive ventilation is impressive too." Compared to conventional full bucket seats, the new seat is also more than eight percent lighter.

Photos: Porsche

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Fittment

Aside from being featured in the new Mission R concept, the 3D-printed bucket seats are available for all Porsche models that are offered with the conventional full bucket seat (order number Q1K or P11). The seat can also be retrofitted in vehicles that have already been delivered, and some models can even have the full bucket seat fitted on the passenger side. The assembly process takes just a few minutes at a Porsche Center, while the seats are priced at 2,677.50 euros ($3,029 USD) each.

Photos: Porsche

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Many Benefits

The 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seat is based on Porsche's lightweight full bucket seat and features a sandwich construction - a base support made from expanded polypropylene (EPP) is bonded to a breathable comfort layer consisting of a mixture of polyurethane-based materials made using additive manufacturing - in other words, using a 3D printer. The components are clipped together. This innovative joining technology means that the seat generates no emissions associated with adhesives. The outer skin of the seat is made of Race-Tex. This non-slip material offers plenty of support in the seat and the unique perforated surface enables improved passive ventilation.

Photos: Porsche

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Made to Fit

Window panels show exposed, full-color sections of the 3D-printed lattice structure and give the full bucket seat an unmistakable design. Initially, customers can choose between Black, Guards Red, and Racing Yellow for these design elements. In February, Arctic Grey, Ultramarine, and Shark Blue will be added to the color range. Porsche is planning another customization in the near future - 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seats adapted to the individual body contours of each customer.

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Future Expansion

For now, the bodyform bucket seats are available for the 981 Boxster and Cayman for both driver and passenger, the 991 911 for both sides, the 782 Boxster and Cayman and later 982 models, and the 992-gen 911 for the driver's side only, at least for now. But given the fact that these seats offer road-going Porsche owners the same sort of customization previously reserved for race car drivers, we wouldn't be surprised to see it expand across the lineup in the future.

Photos: Porsche

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