Feedback on lightweight seats

[GlynV8]

A couple of the 4.7 Vantages that I have seen advertised have the lightweight seat option. I would appreciate some feedback on them from those that have seen them first hand, sat in or have them fitted.
Is this the same seat that is fitted to the V12 Vantage?
What adjustment do they have - are they fixed backs like the Porsche lightweight seats or do they still recline?
Are they comfy and more supportive?
Overall a plus worth having or something to avoid?

Thanks.

[bogie]

if they are the same as the V12V then I would love them - comfy, supportive, less slippy (alcantara finish)

[XXXAngelXXX]

i would like to have them in the DBS...

[GlynV8]

I am going to have a look at two V8 Vantages on Tuesday with the light weight seats, so will let you know. Having spoken to the dealer (working on a Sunday after a bank holiday!), they are the same as the one's from the V12 Vantage, the backs are fixed but can tilt the whole seat by raising front or back independently. The only other thing is that they don't have the side airbags that the normal seats have.

Edited by GlynV8 on Sunday 3rd January 13:18

[clorenzen]

The V12 Vantage seats do not tilt. They merely push forward on the track to gain access to the shelf in the back so it cannot be the same seats if that is the case.

[polar8]

I've just bought a 2010 V8 Vantage with lightweight seats. They are fixed back, so don't recline. IMO they are absolutely fantastic and very comfortable, providing you fit (quite narrow lower down). One complaint is the gear change on a manual where the high shoulders of the seat can constrain your arm movement. Not an issue in a sportshift, obviously.

I found the regular sports seats in the V8/DBS to be uncomfortable after 20 mins of driving.... not so the light weight seats.

+ they look the business.

Recommended.

Edited by polar8 on Sunday 3rd January 17:59

Edited by polar8 on Sunday 3rd January 17:59

[WantanewV12V]

If they are the same seats as the V12V then they are, in my experience, really comfortable and look fantastic. Inevitably as lightweight carbon seats they are fixed (in shape) but have a surprising amount of flexiblity in terms of movement to adjust to your ideal seating position. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

[Murph7355]

They look great, and I have no doubt they are far more supportive. But

- do you lose electric adjustment (am assuming you do, there being little by way of adjustment possible)?
- presumably they aren't heated?

The first would bug me as my other half drives the car regularly. She's 5'4" and I'm 6'4"...the range of adjustment on the std seats, combined with memory function, means no issues whatsoever when we want to switch driver quickly.

The second...well I may be getting old, but driving the car today with ice/snow everywhere, heating was very, very nice to have. I think I might miss it if my next car does not have it.

Worth considering.

Also, the std seats can take a while of playing with to get a comfy position, and it's not always the logical positions that get the most comfy position. Fwd/back, front up/down, rear up/down, seat back rake, 2x lumbar supports etc (not forgetting steering wheel rake/reach). I'd be surprised if anyone couldn't get a comfy position with perseverance.

[jus]

Personally I found the lightweight seats in the V12V to be uncomfortable.. too hard, and too restrictive... very tight around the shoulders restricting arm and body movement too much IMO. Not ideal for average road use as a normal car I feel.

[Soul Reaver]

I hate them, yes they look good but what idiot designs a seat that cannot be tilted back? Oh I forget "Lightweight" and the tilt mechanismn would add all of 2 kg to the seat of course

I would never buy a car with those fitted myself.

[WantanewV12V]

I find the lightweight seats (on the V12V at least) very comfortable. The seats offer control for moving up and down, forward and backward as suggested but also the ability to lower/raise the front or the back to effectively "rock or tilt" the seat giving a good degree of adjustment. Any personalised position can be stored in memory as usual. There is also a manual adjustment to the lumbar support (albeit pad adjustment). At the end of the day a carbon fibre lightweight seat is what it is. In my opinion the AM lightweight seats are superior to other manufacturers bucket seats eg Porsche in terms of comfort, adjustment, looks and overall quality and I would always spec them. Ultimately it is up to you to see if they suit you - certain body shapes may not be as comfortable as others.

Edited by WantanewV12V on Tuesday 5th January 17:11

Edited by WantanewV12V on Tuesday 5th January 17:17