My Bespoke Tan Alpine Bucket Seats
Discussion
Can't believe it's been a year since the two of us collected our Alpines.
|https://thumbsnap.com/E5asuqtN[/url]
As we both had one each I was able to experience both a 300bhp GT with comfort seats and a 250bhp Pure with the bucket seats.
We decided to make a video discussing the differences between the two and which features and options we think are best for the car. Then I went to collect my new seats.
If you want to skip all that, then you can see the custom seats at 6:41.
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/E5asuqtN[/url]As we both had one each I was able to experience both a 300bhp GT with comfort seats and a 250bhp Pure with the bucket seats.
We decided to make a video discussing the differences between the two and which features and options we think are best for the car. Then I went to collect my new seats.
If you want to skip all that, then you can see the custom seats at 6:41.
[url]
The seats do indeed look good, congrats on all your efforts and research, and in tracking down the Bentley upholsterer. Best to keep the original comfort tan seats obviously; to maintain the re-sale value of the limited edition GT.
Although, not everyone is of the same opinion in regard to the bucket seats being the more comfortable of the two. I've read plenty of differing opinions on that subject. Certainly, if you're a driver who likes to 'push on' or who regularly enjoys tracking and who doesn't need to alter the seat height then I'd agree the bucket seats would probably make most sense.
Interesting observation made though about the base model being the sweet spot. I'd agree with you on that one. This was the commonly held view - also by various esteemed motoring journalists - up until the launch of the '22 GT variant with the increased torque as well as increase in power to 300 PS. It seemed that this model was becoming the new 'sweet spot' - but is it I wonder? (Seemed pretty unanimous that the 2021 hike in the power to 292PS or thereabouts without increasing the torque didn't provide any real gains worth noticing.)
A while back on the forum I calculated you could spec a Pure (now base) model to just about GT level, excluding the seats, for about 10K Euro less. This leaves an awful lot of cash left over to apply some Life110 tweaks including tuning. There was also a recent forum discussion on the fuel economy, and it's no surprise to learn that the 300 PS variants are less fuel efficient than the 252 PS base model.
So, yes, I reckon the base model probably does remain the best overall model to chose. But what do other folks think - is the base variant the best 2023 model to buy or is the GT version? What do we think?
Although, not everyone is of the same opinion in regard to the bucket seats being the more comfortable of the two. I've read plenty of differing opinions on that subject. Certainly, if you're a driver who likes to 'push on' or who regularly enjoys tracking and who doesn't need to alter the seat height then I'd agree the bucket seats would probably make most sense.
Interesting observation made though about the base model being the sweet spot. I'd agree with you on that one. This was the commonly held view - also by various esteemed motoring journalists - up until the launch of the '22 GT variant with the increased torque as well as increase in power to 300 PS. It seemed that this model was becoming the new 'sweet spot' - but is it I wonder? (Seemed pretty unanimous that the 2021 hike in the power to 292PS or thereabouts without increasing the torque didn't provide any real gains worth noticing.)
A while back on the forum I calculated you could spec a Pure (now base) model to just about GT level, excluding the seats, for about 10K Euro less. This leaves an awful lot of cash left over to apply some Life110 tweaks including tuning. There was also a recent forum discussion on the fuel economy, and it's no surprise to learn that the 300 PS variants are less fuel efficient than the 252 PS base model.
So, yes, I reckon the base model probably does remain the best overall model to chose. But what do other folks think - is the base variant the best 2023 model to buy or is the GT version? What do we think?
NOTE REPOSTED QUESTION TO A NEW THREAD - THANKS
Very useful points Alex, thanks.
I have a question regarding the bucket seats in general, as I’ve ordered my car with the comfort seats, and time is running out to change spec…
I ordered the comfort seats as the bucket seat backrest is too laid back for me - i.e. I’m too far from the steering wheel when the seat is in the right position for the pedals.
I’m now wondering if it’s possible to tilt the seat a little? This would be done by putting the front at the lower setting and the back in the middle or upper position. Can this be done without drilling out the holes? Logically it wouldn’t seem possible, but I may be missing something?
Any advice much appreciated.
Very useful points Alex, thanks.
I have a question regarding the bucket seats in general, as I’ve ordered my car with the comfort seats, and time is running out to change spec…
I ordered the comfort seats as the bucket seat backrest is too laid back for me - i.e. I’m too far from the steering wheel when the seat is in the right position for the pedals.
I’m now wondering if it’s possible to tilt the seat a little? This would be done by putting the front at the lower setting and the back in the middle or upper position. Can this be done without drilling out the holes? Logically it wouldn’t seem possible, but I may be missing something?
Any advice much appreciated.
Edited by Whaleblue on Friday 27th January 13:39
Whaleblue said:
NOTE REPOSTED QUESTION TO A NEW THREAD - THANKS
Very useful points Alex, thanks.
I have a question regarding the bucket seats in general, as I’ve ordered my car with the comfort seats, and time is running out to change spec…
I ordered the comfort seats as the bucket seat backrest is too laid back for me - i.e. I’m too far from the steering wheel when the seat is in the right position for the pedals.
I’m now wondering if it’s possible to tilt the seat a little? This would be done by putting the front at the lower setting and the back in the middle or upper position. Can this be done without drilling out the holes? Logically it wouldn’t seem possible, but I may be missing something?
Any advice much appreciated.
Hey, you're right, logically it would seem possible.Very useful points Alex, thanks.
I have a question regarding the bucket seats in general, as I’ve ordered my car with the comfort seats, and time is running out to change spec…
I ordered the comfort seats as the bucket seat backrest is too laid back for me - i.e. I’m too far from the steering wheel when the seat is in the right position for the pedals.
I’m now wondering if it’s possible to tilt the seat a little? This would be done by putting the front at the lower setting and the back in the middle or upper position. Can this be done without drilling out the holes? Logically it wouldn’t seem possible, but I may be missing something?
Any advice much appreciated.
Edited by Whaleblue on Friday 27th January 13:39
But unfortunately I don't know the answer, but I really can't see why you wouldn't be able to do this.
The best thing to do would be to go to a local dealer and have a chat with one of their technicians, they are well in briefed in the seats.
Also, if you do go for the comfort seats they aren't bad seats per se, they just aren't as supportive as the buckets.
AlexNJ89 said:
Hey, you're right, logically it would seem possible.
But unfortunately I don't know the answer, but I really can't see why you wouldn't be able to do this.
The best thing to do would be to go to a local dealer and have a chat with one of their technicians, they are well in briefed in the seats.
Also, if you do go for the comfort seats they aren't bad seats per se, they just aren't as supportive as the buckets.
Thanks again Alex.But unfortunately I don't know the answer, but I really can't see why you wouldn't be able to do this.
The best thing to do would be to go to a local dealer and have a chat with one of their technicians, they are well in briefed in the seats.
Also, if you do go for the comfort seats they aren't bad seats per se, they just aren't as supportive as the buckets.
Yes, I did indeed go back to Winchester Alpine yesterday, and had a good chat with Adam and James, who were as helpful as ever.
Some measurements of the spacing/shape of the bucket seat fixings confirms that you cannot mix different heights front/back without hacking the frame - which I’d certainly not be comfortable doing.
However, the buckets are indeed the better seat. I’ve worked out that with the steering wheel pulled right back, and the bucket at its lowest setting and the seat just an inch further forward than I’d set by default I have the steering in the right place, and my feet (well, right foot) in a comfortable place still. I think this might not work so well with a clutch pedal, but in the Alpine it is very natural.
Order updated to remove the comfort pack, but I’ve specced the reversing camera/parking sensors, aluminium pedals and Focal audio back in. I’ve also taken the opportunity to stick with the standard wheels/brakes. This has had the benefit of knocking around £4K off the price. FWIW I’ve also kept the side logos, Telemetrics and Mirror pack. I’ve also bought the 3 year extension to the warranty for what seems a reasonable £1.5K.
My Fire Orange A110 should be here in April.
Thanks to you both for the video, it really helped make me reassess the best way to go.
Edited by Whaleblue on Sunday 29th January 08:40
erics said:
So Alex, could you please enlighten us with the costs associated to the seats and where is the best place to source them? That would be really helpful.
It looks like like the price is utterly ridiculous if you approach a regular dealer. £7k+?
I got mine off eBay. Just had to keep searching for them every day or set up notifications for specific keywords.It looks like like the price is utterly ridiculous if you approach a regular dealer. £7k+?
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