Lear develops new F1 extractable seat system

Interior specialist Lear (Southfield, MI) has unveiled its next generation Formula One (F1) extractable seat system. Known as the Lear APEX, it's designed to fit into a standardized package space, allowing it to be adapted for other open-cockpit race series that adopt a standard cockpit.

"Lear is taking driver safety to the next level with this breakthrough technology that draws on our energy management and systems engineering expertise," says Lear Motorsports Director Jim Masters. The system meets all the specifications of the current extractable seat, he says, but also provides enhanced head and neck protection during a side impact. In addition, once extricated, the driver's seat now can be disassembled through a hinge system with quick-release rods to more easily transport the driver in an outstretched position while maintaining stabilization.

The seat system has a dual-shell construction with an energy-absorbing liner. The common outer shell is a carbon fiber composite, while a kevlar/carbon inner shell is custom-formed from a cast of the driver's body while seated in the common shell. The space between the two shells is then filled with an energy-absorbing material for improved impact protection.

Edited by Norman Martin
Managing Editor, AutoCentral.com

Lear Corporation, P.O. Box 5008, Southfield, MI 48086. Tel: 248-447-1500; Fax: 248-447-1722.