Hi Folks,
At long last, here is a seat designed specifically for the 111 chassis by Tillett Racing Seats in Kent, England. Tillett's B5 model utilizes the available space in the car and is not lifted from a different application like other seats offered.
Here's Tillett's description of the seat:
The new rigid Carbon/GRP B5 seat weighs from 5.7 to 6.7 kg and has been designed especially to suit the Lotus Elise / Exige.
The seat angle is a regular saloon car angle. The small narrow size of the B5 means that many other vehicle applications are possible with this seat.
The B5 sits the driver very low in the car which reduces the likelihood of hitting the crash helmet on the roll cage. This benefits the taller driver who may have problems in other seats and also helps lower the centre of gravity. The side profile developed from years of manufacturing kart racing seats gives excellent support and leaves the shoulders free to help steer the car unhindered. Although the seat is small it can fit a surprisingly large range of driver sizes and the seat has been designed to be compatible with the Hans device.
<img src=http://smitty.corsalogistics.net/Lotus_Talk/B5_Front.jpg>
<img src=http://smitty.corsalogistics.net/Lotus_Talk/B5_Side.jpg>
<img src=http://smitty.corsalogistics.net/Lotus_Talk/B5_Dimensions.jpg>
Two fit without issue:
<img src=http://smitty.corsalogistics.net/Lotus_Talk/Two_B5_in_Elise.jpg>
Example of the side support compared to standard Exige seat:
<img src=http://smitty.corsalogistics.net/Lotus_Talk/Exige_Side.jpg>
I've driven approximately 5,000 miles with the seat and have not been happier. I found the standard Elise and Exige seats both terribly uncomfortable and not tailored to accommodate someone of my size. I'm 6'2" and 230 pounds with wide hips. The standard seats would pinch my hip bones and I could only tolerate them for about 90 minutes. The B5 is cut down in that area, eliminating the pinch points. I was able to drive 15 of 28 hours last month and felt fine afterward.
In fact, I've been so pleased with the B5 that I've started a small business importing Tillett's full line of automobile seats.
There are three bracket options for the B5:
EB1 - Adjustable application for harnesses only:
<img src=http://smitty.corsalogistics.net/Lotus_Talk/EB1.jpg>
EB2 - Driver's seat mount to factory sliders and utilizing the factory belts:
<img src=http://smitty.corsalogistics.net/Lotus_Talk/EB2.jpg>
EB3: Passenger seat mount utilizing factory belts:
<img src=http://smitty.corsalogistics.net/Lotus_Talk/EB3.jpg>
As of today, I have padded B5s in stock as well as EB1 brackets. The EB2 and EB3 brackets are on their way and should be here next week.
<B>EDIT: The EB2 and EB3 brackets have arrived.</b>
Each B5 seat is $925 and your choice of bracket is $150, excluding shipping. Please send me a PM or email (
[email protected]) for a shipping quote. I use FedEx Ground unless you require expedited delivery. Local pickup in Northern Virginia is available.
I accept PayPal and wire transfers with no additional fees as well as checks.