Porsche Introduces Customizable 3D Printed Sport Seats

Porsche has introduced their new “3D printed bodyform full-bucket seat” which is described as a revolution of traditional sport seats.

Based on the company’s lightweight full-bucket seat, the 3D printed seat is constructed out of multiple layers which are sandwiched together.

The base layer is made out of expanded polypropylene and it is bonded to a unique comfort layer which was created using a 3D printer. This polyurethane-based comfort layer is breathable and this helps to keep the seat comfortable.

However, the real coup de grâce is that the comfort layer is customizable thanks to 3D printing. As a result, it can be offered with different firmness and contours to match a driver’s preferences.

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The seat is then covered in perforated Racetex upholstery.  While this hides much of the lattice-like structure underneath, there are “windows” which provide a glimpse at the seat’s high-tech construction.

The seat is technically a concept, but Porsche has already confirmed plans for production. The company will begin testing prototypes, in the 718 and 911,  later this year and feedback from the project will be incorporated into the design of street-legal variants.

The production seats will be offered in three firmness levels including soft, medium and hard. They’re slated to arrive in mid-2021 and will be offered ex-works from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

If enough people express interest, Porsche could eventually offer fully personalized 3D printed seats. These would be available in a variety of colors and be designed to match a customer’s specific body contours.

Porsche is pretty excited about the seats as they noted the “personalized sports seat follows the principles of driver-specific seat fitting customary in professional motor sports.”