Dutch Startup Wants to Build a Supercar You'll Straddle Instead of Sit In

Netherlands-based startup Sanrivatti is developing a supercar with a unique seating position called the "Apex Position," which resembles a motorcycle riding posture. The company claims this design will provide drivers with a heightened sense of awareness, superior balance, and enhanced connection during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Founder Santiago Sánchez Rivero explained that while high-performance motorcycles allow rider and machine to move as one, traditional supercars separate the driver through layers of architecture and systems.

Sanrivatti aims to bridge this gap with "immersive ergonomics" and controls designed around natural human movement. The company's team includes veterans from McLaren, Lotus, Bentley, and Singer, indicating a strong engineering background. However, no details about the car's construction, powertrain, or release date have been disclosed yet.

The concept of a motorcycle-like seating position is not entirely new. Dutch company Carver, which operated from 1994 to 2024, produced a three-wheeler that leaned into corners but used conventional seats. Mercedes-Benz's 2001 F400 Carving concept achieved a similar effect by adjusting wheel camber. Unlike these, Sanrivatti's approach focuses on the seating position itself.

Other vehicles like the Ariel Atom and BAC Mono offer raw driving experiences but with traditional seating. Sanrivatti's design could stand out in a crowded supercar market, offering something truly unique. The success of the venture will depend on engineering execution and driver acceptance of the unconventional posture.

Given the number of choices supercar buyers already have, Sanrivatti's differentiation may be key to its success. The company hopes that the Apex Position will provide an unfiltered connection between driver and machine, setting it apart from competitors.