Sales launch for innovative 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seat

Following some final adjustments, the customised seat is now available as part of the new Performance Parts offering from Porsche Tequipment. The seat is suitable for various Boxster, Cayman and 911 models. From February 2022 onwards, it can also be ordered from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as a standard feature and it will be integrated into the Porsche Car Configurator at this point too. 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 customised to suit the customer's specific needs.

"Seats adapted to individual drivers have been available for a long time in professional motorsport. Now Porsche also offers a road-approved customisation with different rigidity grades as standard," says 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 per cent lighter.

3D-printed bodyform full bucket seat in the Mission R

The new Porsche Mission R, which has just celebrated its world premiere at the IAA Mobility motor show, also features a 3D-print bodyform full bucket seat. This concept study of a fully electric GT racing vehicle embodies Porsche's vision for how customer motorsport could look in the future.

Mission R: merging physical racing and esports

A look at the interior of the Mission R concept study.

Extensive offering with some availability for the front passenger

The 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seat centre is available for all Porsche models that are offered with the conventional full bucket seat (order number Q1K or P11). The bodyform seat centre can also be retrofitted in vehicles that have already been delivered, and some models can even have it fitted on the passenger side (if a suitable full-bucket seat is fitted).

For Porsche owners who would like to fit this feature (the full model list is shown below) but their car does not have full-bucket seats fitted, then suitable full-bucket seats will need to be fitted either ex-works or ordered separately (depending on availablity).  

The assembly process for the 3D-printed bodyform bucket seat centre takes just a few minutes at an official Porsche Centre. The price per seat in Australia is $5,213.76¹ and includes a seat centre in the chosen firmness (soft/medium/hard) as well as a set of lattice components in the chosen colour. Availability details are shown below²:

Innovative manufacturing process and full-colour design elements

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.

Innovative 3D-printing technology for bucket seats

The company presents an innovative alternative to conventional bucket seat upholstery with the concept study “3D-printed bodyform full-bucket seat”.

Window panels show exposed, full-colour 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 colour range. Porsche is planning another customisation for the medium term: 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seats adapted to the individual body contours of each customer.

Info

¹ Recommended retail price for Australia including 10 per cent GST (Goods and Services Tax)

² Only the driver seat is available in the US; not available in China and Taiwan