Sanrivatti, an automotive startup based in the Netherlands, has revealed a new concept on how the driving position should be in high-performance vehicles or hypercars. The company calls its concept the Apex Position, which features a radically new driving position.
Sanrivatti’s Apex Position moves the driver into a head-forward stance, which mimics how an individual rides on a high-performance motorcycle. Instead of having the driver seated in a traditional reclined position, Sanrivatti’s Apex Position moves the cockpit toward the center of the car.
The company shares that its proposed driving position creates a fundamentally different relationship between human and machine. It goes on by saying that its Apex Position concept seamlessly blends a superbike with a hypercar.
To put things in perspective, Sanrivatti Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Santiago Sánchez Rivero said that the idea came from analyzing the close bond between a rider and their motorcycle. On a sport bike or superbike, the body weight and posture can directly change and affect the overall ride.
“On a high-performance motorcycle, rider and machine move as one. The connection is immediate, physical, and instinctive. Every movement of the body directly influences the experience; every change in balance, posture, and perception becomes part of the interaction,” Santiago said.
Within the Sanrivatti philosophy, body alignment, visibility, ergonomics, and physical awareness are foundational elements of hypercar development rather than secondary considerations. As a result of this radical change in mindset, the driver is more fundamentally integrated with the vehicle.
As such, the Apex Position concept aims to improve the driver’s field of vision and allow for a more precise driving experience. Sanrivatti is currently developing proprietary technologies designed to let the driver move naturally with the car.
To further explore the possibilities of its Apex Position, Sanrivatti has tapped Paul Arkesden, who serves as the company’s Executive Director of Technology Partnerships. Arkesden brings over 30 years of engineering experience, having previously served as the Vice President of Engineering at Singer Vehicle Design and Project Leader for the McLaren P1 hypercar program.
Geoff Dowding, who is a former Bentley, Lotus, and Harley-Davidson executive, has also joined the company as a commercial strategic advisor to guide long-term brand development.
The growing team reflects Sanrivatti’s rapid momentum as the company accelerates prototype development. The company said that it will be sharing more news in the coming months.
Autocar’s Take
Sanrivatti’s new concept on how the driving position should be in high-performance vehicles is radically unique. While it may deliver a better driving performance, I just can’t picture the Apex Position as a possible new driving position. The new driving position that Sanrivatti is proposing is like a soldier who is in a bunker that’s in a firing position.
That said, I just can’t imagine the knee pain I’ll be having when driving in an Apex Position. Let’s not talk about the possibility of numbness or worse, getting a leg cramp. But then again, let’s give Sanrivatti’s concept a chance. Who knows, Santiago might just crack something extraordinary.
