D Car — July 2004

The Torino II-J featured here was developed as the successor to Sparco’s popular, standard Torino model. Imported officially into Japan, the II-J suffix identifies a seat specially designed with a smaller shell to fit the more compact build of Japanese drivers. It is also reupholstered in Brighton fabric in Italy to meet Japanese standards. It clears Japan’s JIS safety requirements and is suitable for vehicle inspection. It may look similar at first glance, but these are important differences. The seat benefits from feedback from racing machines and offers excellent support. It accommodates a four-point harness while also including a reclining mechanism that makes it practical for street use. Another feature is a replaceable seat-cover set (unfortunately, it will not fit the differently sized Italian-market version). For about ¥20,000, it can renew the seat and change its look at low cost. The fabric is available in black, blue, and red. Since seats are a significant purchase, this is a welcome option. With more customization, the same fabric can be used to retrim the door panels and dashboard. Combine it with Sparco shift knobs and steering wheels for a fully coordinated interior.

DATA BOX Sparco was founded in 1977. Italian drivers competing in rallying started the company because they could not find racing suits suited to their needs. It began as a racing-suit maker. The following year it started producing seats, first for racing and later for road cars. This history reflects its competition-focused approach. Today it produces and sells racing suits, seats, shift knobs, steering wheels, and many other motorsport items. Contact: Sparco R&D Tel: 045-382-8888 http://www.sparco.co.jp/

Price: ¥84,000 Colors: black, red, blue The Torino II-J is one of the most popular seats in the Sparco lineup. Designed for strong bucket-seat support, its shell has been made smaller to fit Japanese body types. It meets Japanese safety standards, and when paired with the dedicated seat rails it is vehicle-inspection compliant. Seat rails are an additional ¥25,200.

Purpose-designed to Japanese standards; support is in a different league. Many people associate Sparco with race cars. Its roots are in rallying, and the brand has a strong presence in the World Rally Championship, where it equips more than 70% of competitors. Sparco began by making seats for racing and later entered the road-car seat market. These are serious seats built on know-how developed in competition.