The worst part about the Lotus Emira…

[idleuser]

These seats looks awesome but I'm pretty sure this won't be good for my back on a long drive.

 

[Steve Tillett]

In some countries, there are strict regulations for all seats and rails including aftermarket products. I have been in contact with, and know that at least one of the authorized Tillet distributors in Japan is working on certification for the local market. We all feel that the product itself is more than competent, and it's just a matter of sorting out the right paperwork.

This is the problem. Each country have their own road regulations and they are all different. It is very hard to justify placing these extra costs on a niche product. At least with the race seats we can use the FIA test which although expensive means they can be used anywhere.
However, we have made these seats for performance cars for 24 years, in all that time they have been raced, rallied and crashed so they have probably had more real world testing than most products.
That being said, you always learn from the crash testing and it is amazing the forces that can be applied.

 

[ADC]

These seats looks awesome but I'm pretty sure this won't be good for my back on a long drive.

I'm pretty sure Steve explicitly cites these as likely better for your back than the stock items.

Really, the only thing giving me pause on ordering a pair is the can-i-stick-carry-on-luggage-behind-the-seat thing. I'd be barging my way to the front of the queue if a folding shell or this "quick tilt" bracket idea gets enough interest to be developed.

 

[Steve Tillett]

I'm pretty sure Steve explicitly cites these as likely better for your back than the stock items.

Really, the only thing giving me pause on ordering a pair is the can-i-stick-carry-on-luggage-behind-the-seat thing. I'd be barging my way to the front of the queue if a folding shell or this "quick tilt" bracket idea gets enough interest to be developed.

From personal experience they are better for the back. If your vertebrae don't move independently, they don't hurt. I have used the same principle for many years in our karting rib protectors. If one rib doesn't move in relation to the other you don't get rib pain.
I don't have a bad back as such but I did after about an hour in the original Emira seats. When I had a courtesy car I couldn't wait to get my car back.

With the bags, I won't pretend it's easier to get them in, there is a compromise, but because the seats are thin, one seat back and one seat forward and you pass the case through the centre. I've taken people to the airport without an issue. You end up with around 50 to 60 mm more rear luggage space but obviously you can't use large cases.

 

[Blackthought_]

Have had a chance to put several hundred miles and several hours of drive time and I must say the seats not just snuggly hold you in place and give you such a better connection with the car, but they are super are comfortable/supporitive at the same time. Took the car out for a 3hr morning drive today (in 30 degree weather BTW) and felt perfectly fine afterwards. I feel like I’m falling back in love with the Emira all over again.

 

[Gridgway]

I hope I can put your mind at rest about our business.
The current runners in the TEMIRA1 kit are made by the same people who make Ferrari's runners.
These are rated to 1100kg. We are about to switch to a runner rated to 1200 kg. In both case these are European companies that manufacture seat runners for multiple manufacturers.
Regarding the brackets, we did a VOSC ECE Regulation 14.09 Seat Belt Anchorage Test on them, which all UK manufacturers use to test the seat belt anchors. The fittings in the seat are our special sandwiched FIA fittings, which are not simply stuck on the inside like many other manufacturers. The bolts we supply for the side of the seat are specially made for us and 14.9 strength, which is far above the standard bolt standards.
I have been making these seats in various designs since 2000. Ours was the first ever dual skin seat which was supplied in the Caterham R500. The seat took 400 hours to sculpture and was innovative in that it did not need padding, it was incredibly compact, light and stiff. Much of that original shape is included in the B10.
The family business started making seats for horse drawn carriages in 1896. I separated from my fathers business in 1986 to manufacture kart seats, where we gained the worlds most respected brand in karting. I have never made something just to make money. We always use the right material not the cheapest material, and we rarely change materials once the parameters have been set.
I hope I have not gone on too much.

One would hope that the Tillett reputation would have said all that, but well worth repeating! I've been sitting in Tilletts since about 2000 in my Caterham R500, fabulous seats. I did like my Emira test drive, but cancelled my order in the end. Seating position being one factor. The idea of a Tillett seat being available makes me think of reconsidering!

Does the rake adjust dynamically or is it just bolted into the chosen holes? I'd probably only go for the driver's side as I don't think theywould be Mrs Gridg's cup of tea.

 

[speeder37]

My wife and did a Chicago to Monterey road trip for car week in August. Did some time at Laguna Seca prior.
I thought the seats were great for 20 straight days of using the car. My wife felt the same way and we are our 60’s.
On the flip side, I have a GT3 with buckets and that a two hour ride unless you’re at the track.
Losing the adjustability, heating and memory is too large of a delta for me personally. I have tan interior and think the dash trim matching the seats looks great. The interior is always complimented.
That is just my opinion. Great that there is an option.

 

[Jump_Ace]

Is it me or are the newer pictures in the configurator showing shallower headrests than the 1st edition ones? The original ones looked like they were protruding too much, but they look better now. And speaking of the headrests, is that stitching and zipper(?) an issue when resting your head for too long?

Jerome

 

[Steve Tillett]

One would hope that the Tillett reputation would have said all that, but well worth repeating! I've been sitting in Tilletts since about 2000 in my Caterham R500, fabulous seats. I did like my Emira test drive, but cancelled my order in the end. Seating position being one factor. The idea of a Tillett seat being available makes me think of reconsidering!

Does the rake adjust dynamically or is it just bolted into the chosen holes? I'd probably only go for the driver's side as I don't think theywould be Mrs Gridg's cup of tea.

You set the angle using the holes but most will keep it level and just adjust the height to their preferred position.
My 88 year old mother has no problem in the seats. All I will say is that you can't collapse into the seat. You do need to lower yourself in.

 

[Beardedbradley]

Is it me or are the newer pictures in the configurator showing shallower headrests than the 1st edition ones? The original ones looked like they were protruding too much, but they look better now. And speaking of the headrests, is that stitching and zipper(?) an issue when resting your head for too long?

Jerome

They have changed a little