The Great C5 Corvette Headrest Debate

Corvette Forum users are a varied folk, but no one will accuse them of lacking observation. It was recently brought up that the headrests in the C5 Corvette are a bit far back, but rest assured, they are designed correctly.

“Headrest” itself is a nomenclature that I don’t really like using, because… well you shouldn’t be resting your head when you drive anyway. Furthermore, in recent years, headrests have become more and more prominent in making sure you don’t suffer whiplash, rather than simply being a place to rest your noggin.

If you’re wondering why the space is there, it has a lot to do with mass, and possibly the engineers predicting how you use the car. When I mention mass, I’m talking about your torso. In a rear impact, that’ll sink into the seat enough to reduce that gap between the back of your head and the headrest, aligning your neck so the load is as spread out as possible.

When it comes to how you use your car, some of that use may come on a race track. If you’ve ever worn a helmet in a car with a prominent headrest, you’ll likely remember the experience as being forced to stare at your lap. The space in the C5 seats permits the use of a helmet comfortably. That’s something I’m okay with.

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

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