GTO 3R seats

[daveyc]

Not sure if anyone has raised this before. The only minor complaint on the car for me is that the seats are a uncomfortable. Granted, they're bespoke lightweight seats, but they could really do with more lumbar support - and this is not about thickness of padding, but more about shape.

I got back-ache in both test drives I took after just a few minutes. And I see Evo say the same thing now -as well as that they love the car :-)

Has anyone looked into getting the seats changed for lightweight Recarros or something similar?

Cheers

[bradders]

To be honest, I've read this in a few reviews, but I've found the seats very comfortable. Maybe I'm an odd shape!

Have a word with Justin, re. headrests. He may be able to suggest "small cushions" that could be made also.

J??

Cheers, Mark

[joust]

Headrests make things much better (you sit more upright) . They aren't cheap - but www.lotus-elise.org.uk/noble/pictures.htm for the piccies. I forget how much there were - I'll dig it out if you are interested.

The seats and headrests all came from the same company, and I am sure they could "add in" a blow up lumbar support if you wanted one ala the Elise. Give the factory a ring and they should be able to give you what the options are.

J

[daveyc]

Hi Joust,

Thanks very much for that - sounds like it could be the perfect solution. Replacing the seats would probably be jut too expensive and would come with problems!

Cheers,

Dave

[actech]

Daveyc,

I've got the same headrests as Joust in mine, along with additional lumbar support in both seats. Like you I got terrible back ache just after a 30 minute test drive, so tried driving with a cushion behind my head on the second test drive. Problem solved, a quick word with the factory and the Noble headrest was born! Believe me, they are a worthy investment, just remember to take them off if you have an helmet on!

Anthony.

[DanH]

Are those headrests really comfortable!?!?!?

Also look like they might damage your neck in a crash.

[daveyc]

Hi Anthony,

Thanks - this sounds spot on for me. Just to check - am I right in thinking you asked the factory to put in some extra padding in the lumbar area? I assume this is just a fixed bad behind the standard upholstery? Headrests look good too (thanks for the link Joust) - how much do they cost?

Thanks for your help

Dave

[MisterX]

DanH said:

Are those headrests really comfortable!?!?!? Also look like they might damage your neck in a crash.

The British Standards only use the term head RESTRAINTS not head rests. The whole purpose is to avoid/reduce injury and not to enable comfort. Presumably the type referred to is a safety device as well?

[DanH]

I have no idea. It just looks like they stand considerably proud of the chair back and I wondered if that was safe.

[joust]

DanH said:

Are those headrests really comfortable!?!?!?

Very.

DanH said:

Also look like they might damage your neck in a crash.

Why? Without them there is a significant area behind your head. With them your shoulders are against the seat back and your head supported. I thought most whiplash injuries came from the head "snapping" back - the headrests certainly would minimise that?

[joust]

daveyc said:

I assume this is just a fixed bad behind the standard upholstery? Headrests look good too (thanks for the link Joust) - how much do they cost?

£180+VAT I paid for mine.

J

[DanH]

Was just going by how the picture looked. I'm sure they couldn't be comfortable if they fitted the body the way I visualised! I just imagined they'd force your head forwards as your body went back into the seat, but with no one in the seat I imagine I've visualised it wrong. After all I can't imagine it being comfy if it fitted the body like that.

[micknall]

We offer two types of mod to the existing seat: head rests, at 193.28 + VAT per pair; and booster cushions (no, not for kids!) at £115 per pair. These prices are for both Alcantara and leather trim.

Unfortunately, the design of the M12's floorpan and gear tunnel restricts the use of after-market seats. We've experimented with a number of Recaros and I'm afraid none of them fit.

I've never had a problem with the seats (yep, I know, I'm bound to say that!). The only time I've ever felt uncomfortable was after covering 900 miles in 12 hours through the night, but that was exceptional - generally, two to three stints in the seat don't bother me at all.

[Lynton]

I find the seats and driving position spot on for me. At 5’11” the position is ideal. A drive from Glasgow to Reading confirmed this. I added the headrests and fond this enhanced the comfort… bit of a gamble at £200! My only issue is that they do tend to slip occasionally – suggest a snap on or Velcro version in the next design update.

A suggestion for the lumber support – we bought one from Mothercare when my wife was pregnant…. Might give you an indication as to whether or not this is the source of your problems.

[edmundo]

Morning all,

I got the headrests with mine - the bloke who bought it from the shop got them fitted. I find them comfortable, but I don't rely on them for support all the time.

I think the seats are fine.. I did a 6 hour drive Durham to Croydon to bring it home (smiling and giggling all the way) and I didn't have any hassle - but then I am young and lithe..

[daveyc]

micknall said:

We offer two types of mod to the existing seat: head rests, at 193.28 + VAT per pair; and booster cushions (no, not for kids!) at £115 per pair. These prices are for both Alcantara and leather trim. Unfortunately, the design of the M12's floorpan and gear tunnel restricts the use of after-market seats. We've experimented with a number of Recaros and I'm afraid none of them fit. I've never had a problem with the seats (yep, I know, I'm bound to say that!). The only time I've ever felt uncomfortable was after covering 900 miles in 12 hours through the night, but that was exceptional - generally, two to three stints in the seat don't bother me at all.

Thanks - it sounds like the headrests will help. The everall driving position is great for me - I'm 5'11" and I can get the pedals and steering wheel just right. I'm just a bit skinny right now which I think is half the problem. I'll work hard at the pies & beer.

Just to check - can you actually offer something in the way of lumbar support that can be done at the factory? I take it the booster cusions just raise the driver in the seat?

Thanks,

Dave

[joust]

Demon tweaks seem to have a few

www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/catalogue/search.asp?keyword=lumbar&CLS=all&brand=all

Not sure of their suitability but the foam ones are only £8-9 each so no big loss if they don't fit?

J

[micknall]

Dave,

We're pretty flexible here, so I'm sure there's something that can be done. It is possible to have another type of cushion made that takes the shape of the seat's backrest and that runs from just below the head rest (if fitted) down to the seat bottom. Give me a ring if you're interested (01455 844 052) and I'll get you some more info on it.

Simon Hucknall
Press Officer

[daveyc]

Folks,

Just a quick update on lumbar support for anyone who's interested. Noble have been really helpful - I discussed the options wtih Simon Hucknall. They can have an adjustable air bladder fitted by their seat trimming guy when the car reaches the UK. This will be properly fitted and trimmed in behind the existing leather cover. Price is £150 + VAT.

If you want to do this, I believe you have to talk to the factory rather than the dealer. Headrest and booster cushions are via dealer.

Simon, thanks for all your help sorting this out and for arranging the seat rail adjustment for my partner. Who could ask for better service! Roll on April ...

Dave

[actech]

daveyc said:

They can have an adjustable air bladder fitted by their seat trimming guy when the car reaches the UK. This will be properly fitted and trimmed in behind the existing leather cover. Price is £150 + VAT. Dave

This is what I had fitted to both my seats and can recommend them if you get lower back pains as they are extremely effective.