Official range · shipped in the US

RECARO seats
at ATOMIC

Six models. Fifteen SKU in stock.

RECARO has built seats since 1906 and supplies them to vehicle manufacturers for series and limited-run cars. The range below covers four uses: a reclining sport seat for the road, a high-entry version for SUVs, a modular comfort seat for long distance, and fixed-back shells homologated for racing. Every seat here is in stock, with the part number, the dimensions and the certification stated on its own page.

15SKU in stock
6Models
$1,670–$4,790Price range
1906RECARO since
02.
02. Choose by use

Start from how
the car is used

Selection

Street

Daily road use with a factory 3-point belt

SUV and off-road

High sill, high seating position, frequent entry and exit

Street and track

Road registration plus track days with a harness

Racing

Competition use under FIA regulations

Long distance

Hours behind the wheel, adjustment to body size

03. Catalogue

15 seats in stock

Grouped by model, because the model decides the specification and the certification. Side (left or right) and upholstery are the variables inside each group.

All SKU

Sportster CS

Reclining sport seat · Street · 4 SKU Model detail

The Sportster CS carries the geometry of a racing shell on a seat that still reclines. The composite shell holds pronounced side bolsters and a shaped shoulder support, the backrest is adjusted manually, and the frame is released for 3- and 4-point belts in street use. RECARO supplies the same seat to vehicle manufacturers for series and limited-run models, among them the Ford Focus RS.

Cross Sportster CS

Reclining sport seat, high entry · SUV and off-road · 4 SKU Model detail

The Cross Sportster CS uses the same lightweight composite shell as the Sportster CS with a noticeably flatter seat cushion. In SUVs, off-roaders and other high vehicles that flatter cushion is what makes entry and exit work. Lateral support in the backrest is unchanged, and the universal side airbag is available as an option.

Expert

Reclining comfort seat, modular · Long distance · 3 SKU Model detail

The Expert is built as a kit. Seat cushions come in three versions, S, M and L, which change the length of the seating surface and the height and contour of the cushion bolsters. A short cushion with flat bolsters (S) suits smaller drivers and easier entry; the long cushion (L) carries the thigh of a tall driver. Backrest side bolsters are adjustable as standard.

Pole Position (ABE)

Fixed-back racing shell, street legal · Street and track · 2 SKU Model detail

The Pole Position (ABE) is a one-piece racing shell released for the public road. The shell is produced either in carbon aramid (CFRP/AFRP) or in glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP). It carries an ABE/TÜV component certification with a 3-point belt for a range of vehicles, and that certification applies in combination with a RECARO console and adapter.

Pole Position N.G. (FIA)

Competition shell, FIA 8855-1999 · Racing · 1 SKU Model detail

The Pole Position N.G. (FIA) is a glass fibre competition shell homologated to FIA 8855-1999 with a five-year approval period. Cushions and upholstery materials can be specified, which is what keeps the shell in use across GT, touring car and club sport grids. Upholstery meets FMVSS 302.

Podium CF

Carbon competition shell, FIA 8855-1999 · Racing and street · 1 SKU Model detail

The Podium CF is a carbon fibre shell that holds an FIA homologation and a road approval at the same time, which is what allows it to be retrofitted to a registered car. The pad concept works in different thicknesses, so the same shell is adjusted to the driver rather than the other way round. Sizes M and L. Tested and recommended by AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) and the German association of back schools.

04.
04. Certification

What the approvals
actually cover

Five marks appear across this range. They decide whether a seat can be registered on a road car, entered in a race series, or run with a HANS device. The seat page lists the marks that apply to that model.

Approvals
German component certificationABE / TÜV

What allows a seat to be registered on a road car. It applies in combination with the RECARO console and adapter for the specific vehicle, so coverage is checked per car, not per seat.

Competition seat standardFIA 8855-1999

Approval runs for five years from the date stamped on the shell. Race series check that date at scrutineering, so the remaining term matters at purchase.

Flammability standard for interior materialsFMVSS 302

Applies to the upholstery on the competition shells. Listed for the Pole Position N.G. (FIA).

Head and neck restraint compatibilityHANS

Shell geometry works with a HANS device. Relevant for competition use with 5- and 6-point harnesses. Listed for the Podium CF.

Universal side airbag optionSide airbag

Available on the Sportster CS and Cross Sportster CS, in development for the Podium CF. Required where the factory airbag sits in the seat rather than the door.

05. Fitting

The seat is
half the order

A RECARO seat mounts to a vehicle-specific console and adapter. Both are separate parts, and the ABE/TÜV component certification applies in combination with them, which is what makes the installation road legal. Ordering a seat without the matching console leaves the car unregistrable.

  • Console and adapter are chosen by vehicle, not by seat
  • Certification is valid in combination with the RECARO console and adapter
  • Sidemounts, harness and pad kits are separate parts on the competition shells
  • Replacing a factory seat affects the seat-mounted airbag where the car has one
Ask about fitment
06. FAQ

Before you order

Questions
Do I need a console and an adapter?

Yes, on every model. The seat mounts to a vehicle-specific console and adapter, which are ordered separately. The ABE/TÜV certification applies in combination with the RECARO console and adapter, so the pairing is also what makes the seat road legal.

Left, right or universal?

The Sportster CS, Cross Sportster CS and Podium CF are supplied as a left or a right seat. The Expert, Pole Position (ABE) and Pole Position N.G. (FIA) are symmetrical and carry no side in the part number.

Which seats can be registered on a road car?

Everything with an ABE/TÜV component certification: Sportster CS, Cross Sportster CS, Expert, Pole Position (ABE) and Podium CF. The Pole Position N.G. (FIA) is a competition shell for racing use.

How does the FIA five-year term work?

FIA 8855-1999 approval is valid for five years from the homologation date on the shell label. After that the shell can still be used on the road where it holds an ABE, but not in a series that requires a current homologation.

What is not included with the seat?

Console, adapter, sidemounts, harness and pad kits are separate parts. The Pole Position (ABE) lists an aluminium adapter at 1.1 kg and a steel adapter at 2.6 kg; the Podium CF lists an FIA adapter at 2.6 kg and three pad kits.