Porsche to start offering 3D-printed seats

Few things are more annoying in an otherwise very good performance car than an unsupportive driver’s seat. Enter Porsche, a company that already makes very good seats, and its announcement that as of mid-2021 its Exclusive Manufaktur department will offer bespoke 3D-printed driver’s seats.

Based on the existing lightweight bucket seat from the GT3 RS, Cayman GT4 and so-on, the polyurethane-like structure of the new seat’s base and backrest cushions will be 3D-printed. The whole thing will then be trimmed in “Racetex” fabric, though a bit of the lattice structure will be left exposed. Because it looks cool.

Customers will also be able to choose between hard, medium and soft compounds and, obviously, many colours when the seat lands on the options list in 2021. A batch of 40 seats will be made this year for use only on race circuits in conjunction with six-point safety harnesses.

In time, Porsche says “seats adapted to the individual customer’s specific body contour will also be developed and offered”. Meaning, we think, motorsport-style seat fittings for road cars could soon become a thing. While great for the car’s first owner, its second and subsequent owners may not enjoy it so much.