• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Rinspeed zaZen’s Transparent Recaro Seats

December 15, 2014 By Nadeem

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Rinspeed Zazen - Transparent Recaro

Swiss automaker Rinspeed is renown for its cutting edge designs and often outlandish concepts. From inflatable upholstery to stand-up seating, they’re not afraid to try anything — which, of course, is why their introduction of transparent Recaro seats doesn’t shock us in the least.

The Rinspeed zaZen, which debuted at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, was one of the first cars to truly embrace the idea of transparency as a form of design. As such, the vehicle features a fully transparent roof dome, a “crystal skin” exterior finish that consists of millions of tiny Swarovski crystals protected by a polyurethane clear coat, and other subtle, yet audacious, elements that align with its glassy theme.

Among our favorite components is the zaZen’s translucent seats — which were designed in partnership with Recaro and feature transparent plastic seat shells covered in Technogel upholstery, which is said to be every bit as comfortable as it is see-through.

Not only are the seats eye catching, but functional too. Install these Recaros in your vehicle and you’ll never again lose anything under your seats.

For more photos of the Rinspeed zaZen, click here.

Filed Under: Archive, Concepts & Designs Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior, Crystal, Recaro, Rinspeed, Rinspeed zaZen

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Keyston Bros
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • Hyde Leather
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Albright's Supply
  • Douglass Interior Products

THR Favorites

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Custom 1968 Camaro Seats - Naseem Muaddi

’68 Camaro: Retro Interior with Modern Twist

I recently had the opportunity to work on a … [more] about ’68 Camaro: Retro Interior with Modern Twist

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Racing Seat Design Studio

Design Studio: Racing Style Bucket Seats

Once strictly a product of the aftermarket, … [more] about Design Studio: Racing Style Bucket Seats

Shop Profile: Edge Automotive Interiors

Anyone who thinks that auto upholstery is a … [more] about Shop Profile: Edge Automotive Interiors

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Ish Jimenez - West Coast Customs

Talking Shop with Trimmer Ish Jimenez 1

Ish Jimenez, master trimmer and former star … [more] about Talking Shop with Trimmer Ish Jimenez 1

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Ford Mustang Design Studio

Design Studio: 1964-66 Mustang Door Panel

If you’re a big fan of The Hog Ring Design … [more] about Design Studio: 1964-66 Mustang Door Panel

The Hog Ring - Heres Where to Find Owners Manuals for Classic Cars

Where to Find the Owner’s Manual for a Classic Car

Are you restoring a classic car and need the … [more] about Where to Find the Owner’s Manual for a Classic Car

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Hydes Leather Introduces Their 3D Mesh Spacer Fabric
  • Choosing the Right Grommet for Long Lasting Performance
  • Chinese Automaker Patents Slide Out Toilet for Drivers Who Can’t Hold It
  • The Foam and Adhesives Industry’s Biggest Event Returns in June
  • A Porsche Master Upholsterer is Retiring After 40 Years

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in