OMP HTE R 400 Fibreglass FIA Motorsport Seat A Closer Look From Our Showroom
Every so often, a seat passes through our showroom that genuinely stops us in our tracks. This time, it was the OMP HTE R 400 Fibreglass FIA Motorsport Seat, arriving with us for final quality checks before being dispatched straight out to its new owner. This is the first time we have had this model in our hands, and it left a strong impression from the moment it was unpacked.
Seeing a seat like this in person really highlights the difference between a fast road bucket seat and a purpose built motorsport product. The overall shape, proportions, and detailing make it clear that this seat has been designed with competition use firmly in mind. The large integrated head support immediately stands out, giving the seat a serious presence and showing that driver safety and stability were priorities from the very beginning of the design process.
What really caught our attention was the split trim layout and overall finish. The combination of soft velour and 3D spacer fabric feels well judged, offering comfort where you need it while still looking durable enough for repeated track use. The quality of the stitching and material transitions is excellent, and it is clear that OMP have put real thought into how this seat will wear over time. The deeper bucketed sides and pronounced thigh supports further reinforce that this seat is designed to hold you firmly in place during hard braking and high speed cornering.
Although we do not stock or display this model as standard, having the OMP HTE R 400 pass through our showroom gave us a rare chance to properly inspect it before it headed off to its customer. It is always satisfying to see a high end, made to order motorsport seat like this in person, especially when it so clearly delivers on what it promises on paper.
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Why Choose a Full Motorsport Seat With Head Support
If you are spending a lot of time on circuit, or competing in motorsport, a standard bucket seat without head support can start to feel like a compromise. Full motorsport seats with built in head restraints are designed to keep your head, shoulders, and torso properly supported under heavy braking, cornering, and high speed direction changes.
A seat like the OMP HTE R 400 is designed to work alongside other safety equipment such as harnesses and a HANS device. The head support reduces lateral head movement, helping to limit fatigue during long sessions and offering an extra layer of protection in the event of an impact. For drivers who take motorsport seriously, this type of seat is not just a performance upgrade but a safety-focused decision.
Why the OMP HTE R 400 Specifically
OMP have a long history in professional motorsport, and the HTE R 400 reflects that experience. This seat is clearly aimed at drivers who want top end support without moving into oversized or overly bulky designs. It feels compact where it needs to be, while still offering excellent upper body and leg support.
The wraparound shoulder design, deep thigh support, and tall back all work together to keep the driver firmly planted. Combined with its FIA approval and HANS compatibility, this seat is built for competition use rather than fast road driving. It is the kind of seat you choose when you know exactly what you want from your driving position.
OMP HTE R 400 Fibreglass FIA Motorsport Seat Overview
The OMP HTE R 400 features a lightweight fibreglass shell with an exposed rear finish, keeping weight down while maintaining strength. The split trim design uses soft velour combined with 3D spacer fabric, giving a balance of comfort and breathability where it matters most.
OMP has also added tougher anti-wear material in high-contact areas to help the seat last longer under regular use. One standout feature is the removable split leg cushion, which supports both the inner and outer legs. This is something many seats overlook, and it makes a noticeable difference in stability under braking and cornering.
The large shoulder harness slots are designed to cater to a range of driver heights, while the wraparound shoulder support helps lock you into position. The seat has deep thigh support, a tall back to suit most drivers, and is compatible with 5-point harnesses. It is fully FIA approved for motorsport events, HANS compatible, and features a built-in head restraint.
Key Features
- Lightweight fibreglass shell with exposed rear finish
- Split trim design with velour and 3D spacer fabric
- Anti-wear material in high-contact areas
- Built-in head restraint
- HANS compatible
- FIA approved for all motorsport events
- Large shoulder harness slots for varied driver heights
- Wraparound shoulder support
- Deep thigh support
- Removable split leg cushion
- 5-point harness compatibility
- Tall back design to suit most drivers
Seat Dimensions and Driver Fitment
Understanding seat dimensions is critical before choosing a motorsport seat, especially one with integrated head support. The OMP HTE R 400 measures 560mm wide at its widest point across the shoulders and 515mm wide at the base. It is 570mm tall from the base to the shoulders, with an overall height of 880mm.
Compared to many head support seats, the HTE R 400 is not overly wide at the top. This helps reduce interference with door cards and roll cage bars in tighter cockpits. However, the base of the seat is quite wide and has a square profile. This can create fitment challenges in vehicles with limited floor space between the door card and centre console.
We strongly recommend measuring your interior before committing to this seat. The wide base design means it may not be suitable for every car without careful planning. In terms of driver fitment, we typically recommend this seat for drivers with a 34 to 40-inch waist. The shoulder area is relatively narrow at 560mm, so it suits drivers who are not particularly broad across the shoulders.
Main Seat Measurements
- Overall height: 880mm
- Height from base to shoulders: 570mm
- Maximum shoulder width: 560mm
- Base width: 515mm
As with any FIA motorsport seat, we always recommend taking detailed interior measurements and comparing them against the seat dimensions before ordering. This is particularly important with head support seats like the HTE R 400, where both width and height can quickly become the deciding factors in whether a seat will fit correctly in your vehicle.
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Availability and Ordering Information
We will be linking the OMP HTE R 400 Fibreglass FIA Motorsport Seat directly in this blog for anyone who wants to take a closer look at the full product listing, specifications, and current pricing. It is important to note that this seat is a made to order item and is not something we keep in regular stock or have on permanent display in our showroom.
Because of this, it is rare for us to see this particular model in person, which made it a standout moment when it passed through our showroom. The seat arrived with us specifically to be quality checked before being immediately dispatched to our customer. This process allows us to inspect the seat for finish, trim quality, and overall condition before it leaves our hands, ensuring it meets both our expectations and OMP’s standards.
Made to order seats like the HTE R 400 are typically built to order by the manufacturer, which means lead times can vary depending on demand and production schedules. We always recommend factoring this into your build timeline, especially if you are preparing for a specific track day or race event. If timing is critical, our team is happy to advise on expected lead times before you place your order.
Although this seat is not available to view in our showroom as standard, our experience handling this model means we can confidently talk through fitment, sizing, and suitability with customers. Ordering a specialist motorsport seat is a big decision, and we are always on hand to help make sure you choose the right seat for your car, your driving style, and your level of competition.
Installation and Mounting
As a fibreglass bucket seat, the OMP HTE R 400 is side mounted only. This means you will need a suitable pair of side mounts to install it correctly. The seat uses universal M8 side mount fixings, which are compatible with most vehicle specific seat subframes on the market.
Depending on your setup, the seat can be mounted to a dedicated subframe or directly to the floor, provided the installation meets motorsport regulations. Correct positioning is key, especially with a head support seat, so taking the time to get the height, rake, and alignment right will pay off in comfort and control.
In Summary – The Ultimate Lightweight Motorsport Seat
Seeing the OMP HTE R 400 in person confirmed exactly what we expected from a seat of this level. It is a focused, no compromise motorsport seat designed for drivers who demand high levels of support and safety. The quality of the materials, the attention to detail in the trim, and the overall design all point to serious track and competition use.
While it may not suit every vehicle due to its wide base, for the right car and the right driver it is an excellent choice. If you are stepping up your motorsport setup and want a seat that delivers confidence, control, and FIA approved safety, the OMP HTE R 400 is well worth considering.
For drivers who are building a dedicated track car or competing at a higher level, the HTE R 400 makes a lot of sense as a long term investment. It is designed to work as part of a complete safety system rather than as a standalone upgrade, pairing properly with harnesses, head and neck restraints, and a well set up driving position. While it may be more specialised than a typical bucket seat, that focus is exactly what makes it appealing. If your priority is confidence behind the wheel and support you can rely on lap after lap, this seat delivers exactly what it is intended to do.
