BMW has shown a lot of interest in sim-racing lately, with its biggest commitment coming in the form of a special partnership with Fanatec that lets you go sim-racing with an actual M4 GT3 steering wheel.
Now, the Bavarian automaker is taking things a step further. BMW Designworks, the company’s in-house design group, has released “Fusion SL”: a sim-racing rig that is designed to be both functional and good-looking.
“The ‘Fusion SL’ concept combines the best of two worlds,” said BMW Designworks’ Michael Scully. “It is not necessarily intended to replace the high-end sim rigs used by professionals. Our goal was rather to make sim racing and the hardware required attractive for new target groups – and, to be honest, their fellow occupants. It is not easy to strike the right balance between the necessary stability, portability, flat profile, torsional rigidity and a visual impression that will bring the piece of furniture out of the cellar and into the living room, as many of these aspects contradict each other. However, design is all about overcoming these challenges.”
Designworks partnered with furniture company Sedus Stoll AG to help bring the concept to life.
“The ‘Fusion SL’ concept is the perfect home office for sim racers. The Wooom chair is its perfect partner. One minute you can be relaxing comfortably in it, the next it offers you everything you would expect from a good racing seat, with its sporty seating position and good lateral support, thanks to the padding provided,” said Ernst Holzapfel, Head of Marketing at Sedus.
There is no word yet on when, exactly, the Fusion SL will be available, nor has pricing been released. However, Sedus has established a dedicated website for the seat and you can sign up to be notified when that day finally comes.
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