Almost 60 years ago, a new era began when Reutter Carosserie began to focus on the development of innovative car seats under the new name Recaro. Since then, the brand has been synonymous with performance like no other: on the race track, on the road or at home. Recaro will properly celebrate the prelude to the upcoming anniversary during the Essen Motor Show 2022. At the booth, visitors can marvel at the world premiere of the new Sport C and the new Podium GF. In addition, there will be fascinating highlights from the extensive seat portfolio, sleek outfits and accessories from the lifestyle collection, and exciting panel talks with featured guests from the scene.
What would the automotive world look like without Recaro? One thing's for sure: less exciting, less fascinating, and less comfortable. Thankfully, this remains a thought experiment, because in 1963 the Stuttgart-based company Reutter Carosserie began focusing on its current core segment. Since then, seats from Recaro have always set new standards in dynamics, safety, quality and comfort.
“At Recaro, we write performance in all caps. The concept permeates everything we do. It's what our heart – and that of our fans – has been beating for under the Recaro name for nearly six decades now,” says Ulrich J. Severin, Managing Director of Recaro Automotive and Vice President Europe. “So it's only fitting that we pull out all the stops at Essen, with exciting news and special promotions.”
Recaro will be celebrating the upcoming anniversary at its booth in hall 3 - with, among other things, the new Sport C. This new seat continues the tradition that began in 1965 with the “Sportsitz”. Like its predecessor, it is a genuine market revolution. The Sport C is the first aftermarket sport seat with a fully electric 8-way mechanism. It thus skilfully bridges the gap between comfort and performance requirements.
Recaro Automotive celebrates six decades of seating focus at ESSEN MOTOR SHOW with two world premieres.
For track and road.
The new RECARO Podium is much more than a thoroughbred GFRP or CFRP shell seat. It’s a pioneering seat design for the contrasting demands of road and track. It’s not just its sleek outline, visible structures or motorsport-inspired pads in varying thicknesses that make heads turn. The Podium stands out because of its superior quality and exceptional performance on all road types – for driving day-to-day and at the limit. The RECARO Podium is the only retrofit shell seat on the market that is approved for use on public roads and has FIA homologation. Racing technology doesn’t get better than this!
To meet our consistently high standards of innovation, quality, comfort and, most importantly, safety, the RECARO Podium went through intensive testing on the toughest racetracks in the world during development.
The suave combination of original Alcantara® fabrics and exclusive leather together with the passive ventilation of the open back shell and airy pad contours make even the longest of routes the most perfect of pleasures. In addition, the RECARO Podium is the first racing shell ever to be awarded the coveted seal of quality from AGR e.V, the German Campaign for Healthier Backs – a reliable decision-making aid when buying back-friendly products. The shell is also super light – but, of course, that goes without saying.
PIONEERING SEAT DESIGN.
The new RECARO Podium is much more than a thoroughbred CFRP shell seat. It’s a pioneering seat design for the contrasting demands of road and track. It’s not just its sleek outline, visible structures or motorsport-inspired pads in varying thicknesses that make heads turn. The Podium stands out because of its superior quality and exceptional performance on all road types – for driving day-to-day and at the limit. The RECARO Podium is the only retrofit shell seat on the market that is approved for use on public roads and has FIA homologation. Racing technology doesn’t get better than this!
Seat with ABE (German general type approval)/component certification with 3-point belt available for many vehicles. For further information on specific vehicles, please contact an authorized RECARO partner (ABE/component certification only in conjunction with RECARO baseframe and sidemount).
Approved and recommended by Healthier Backs Association (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) and the Federal Association of German Back Schools (BdR) e. V. For more information, contact: AGR e. V., Stader Str. 6, 27432 Bremervörde, Germany, Phone +49 4761 926 358 0, www.agr-ev.de
The first all-electric 8-way aftermarket sports seat
The new RECARO Sport C embodies everything about the RECARO brand: performance, quality, innovation, safety and comfort. And our passion for sporty cars and outstanding craftsmanship. The result is a unique sports seat designed for a very special driving experience. Its pioneering design, combined with all-electric adjustments and superior body support, will wow car enthusiasts while also delivering premium performance the like of which the aftermarket has never seen. The one and only new RECARO Sport C.
The first model in RECARO’s new generation of sports seats: Where man meets machine, it gives you instant feedback. With a low center of gravity, firm, compact upholstery, and the necessary freedom of movement for the arms, the RECARO Sport C helps you keep control on corners and truly enjoy the experience of driving. And with RECARO’s hallmark ultra-slim backrest contour – designed with both aesthetics and comfort in mind – passengers in the back seat will relish all the extra legroom. With a whole range of electric adjustment options, premium car owners can totally indulge in their new seats.
Bring some dynamism into your home.
With the RECARO Cross Sportster CS Star, we are bringing a genuine RECARO car seat from the road direct to you at home. With all the ergonomic and comfort features that a modern lifestyle chair needs – and that RECARO is so famous for. The seat’s integrated headrest with belt slot clearly identifies its sports heritage. The two new seat options, with their contrast stitching in acid green or red, enhance the chair’s sportiness perfectly. As an original car seat, it obviously also meets the automotive industry’s quality requirements for durability, material selection and foam quality. Meaning long-term use and comfort above all others. A seat for life!
A genuine classic for your home.
The RECARO Classic LX Star was designed based on genuine RECARO Automotive classics from 1984, featuring a retro look in black leather combined with traditional materials such as classic corduroy, classic checkered fabric and Pepita fabric. Every RECARO Classic seat fulfills the highest possible standards in craftsmanship, style and individual comfort. With its paddable lumbar support to match the body size, an adjustable headrest and a special, ergonomically shaped seat cushion, the RECARO Classic LX Star is a true master of adaptation and a genuine highlight at any desk – at home or at work. A real business chair. Not only for fans of classics vehicles.
Become a highspeed racing star.
RECARO seats have become cult. In sports cars. In racing cars. With tuners. And now at your desk or in your living room! With the RECARO Speed Star, we are bringing an original RECARO car seat directly from the road into your home. With all the ergonomic and comfort features that a modern lifestyle chair needs – and that RECARO is so famous for.
The RECARO Speed Star doesn’t just perfectly support your body– it also gives you that authentic road feeling at home or at work. Only an original RECARO car seat can guarantee you this experience! A highlight, not only for watching soccer!
If you're looking for sensible seating that doesn't cut back on individual comfort or sophisticated design, then look no further than the RECARO Classic LX. The moment you sit down, you'll know that it ticks all the boxes.
The seating comfort of the RECARO Classic LX is enhanced by an extendable front seat cushion that helps to relieve strain on the thighs. The combination of structured and breathable cushion material provides optimal climate control, even in extreme temperatures.
Dugout seating comfort.
Providing firm lateral support and featuring an integrated headrest and the iconic belt slot, it is everything a genuine sports seat should be. It offers a dynamic ride in its purest form, plus an impressive, unique style! The two exclusive seat cover options consisting of robust ambla leather or genuine motorsport velour with high-quality stitching perfectly compliment the interior of any vehicle. By the way, if you’re a soccer fan, you already know that the RECARO Speed is the world’s most popular stadium seat for coach benches, right?
Elite Performance
The highlight of the RECARO sports seat range. The RECARO Sportster CS is the perfect combination of comfortable sports seat and pure racing shell. The innovative lightweight shell boasts an exclusive slim design, plus outstanding lateral and shoulder support. The world’s best drive performance, available with optional universal side airbag. Many car manufacturers offer the Sportster CS as standard equipment in their high-performance models, such as the Ford Focus RS.
Premium hold in all locations
Ideal for offroad and rally use – the shells of the RECARO Profi SPG (glass fiber reinforced polymer) have been proven many times over and offer superb lateral hold on the race track and offroad. The XL variant of the seat is wider and higher, with larger belt slots.
Beauty and safety: a match made in heaven.
We took the traditional design of classic-look seats and brought it up to date to create the RECARO Classic Pole Position (ABE).
This Classic version of our road-legal RECARO Pole Position (ABE) racing shell, developed from the RECARO shell for the Porsche 964 RS, means you no longer have to choose between authentic appearance and modern safety standards. With its timeless shape and classic vintage covers, this seat will look at home in even the most sporty of vehicle interiors.
The new edition of our classic RECARO LS seat: nothing beats the original.
If you enjoy the thrill of ripping round sharp corners more than most, you need exceptional lateral support.
In which case, the RECARO Classic LS is made for you. Its impressive sporty side bolsters in the backrest give you the safe support you need for driving round corners at speed. The paddable lumbar support and adjustable seat depth help to relieve strain on the driver's muscles, enhancing its sporty feel.
SIMPLY SIT
Drive performance meets comfort. The ingenious lightweight shell of the RECARO Cross Sportster CS differs from the Sportster CS in its much flatter seat cushion. This makes getting in and out much easier in high vehicles like SUVs. For maximum safety, the RECARO Cross Sportster CS is available with optional universal side airbag.
THE ULTIMATE ROAD PRO
A thoroughbred racing shell licensed for a sporty ride on the open road. Tried and trusted by the world’s most famous secret agent! The RECARO Pole Position (ABE) is the ultimate track-road crossover seat. With a one-piece shell made of carbon aramid (CFRP/AFRP) or glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) and flawless ergonomics, no wonder it has a long-standing track record as one of club motorsport’s most popular racing shells. Many exclusive car manufacturers upgrade their top performance models with the Pole Position.
Seat with ABE (German general type approval)/component certification with 3-point belt available for many vehicles. For further information on specific vehicles, please contact an authorized RECARO partner (ABE/component certification only in conjunction with RECARO baseframe and sidemount).
Can't get any faster: In the official web store of Recaro Automotive, selected original seats and lifestyle products are just a click away. And starting with the Essen Motor Show, there are two more reasons to rejoice. The seat manufacturer is expanding its online portfolio to include aftermarket seats from the popular Classic Line and is offering fans attractive trade show specials when they buy on site.
Sometimes you have to go straight to the source: For some time now, Recaro’s official automotive web store (www.shop.recaro-automotive.com) has been offering selected original car seats, swivel chairs, outfits and accessoires. Starting with the Essen Motor Show, the shop will now also include the retro-styled aftermarket seats of the Classic Line. Additionally, there will be attractive incentives during the event to get hold of a Recaro Original directly at the stand. At Booth 3A25 in Hall 3, the industry leader invites visitors to try out and admire the seats.
Vintage via Web. Just in time for the start of the Essen Motor Show, Recaro fans can now order all the Classic Line aftermarket seats in the online store and have them delivered to their homes. The Classic Pole Position (ABE), Classic LX and LS are successful reissues of the iconic Recaro seats from the 1980s. With their iconic design and high-quality cover materials, they perfectly match the interiors of vintange and newer classic cars.
Trade fair promotions for the Essen Motor Show. It’s the perfect opportunity for determined fans: During the high-octane trade fair, Recaro offers special bundles and bonus goodies for the Recaro Automotive online store for anyone who buys a seat directly at the booth. This way, both vehicle and driver make a statement for ultimate performance. The purchase will be handled on site by the Recaro team.
An overview of the promotional products and bonuses:
· Shell seats: With selected shell seats – e.g. Pole Position (ABE), Profi SPG, Pole Position FIA or Pro Racer – the customer gets a fixed sidemount free of charge as part of a bundle.
· Classic range: Those who choose Recaro Classic seats or Classic Lifestyle swivel chairs will receive a 100€, respectively 150€, voucher for merchandising articles of the Recaro Automotive Classic Collection.
· Dynamic Lifestyle swivel chairs: People who choose to pick up a Cross Sportster CS Star or Speed Star receive merchandise vouchers worth 150€, respectively 75€, for items from the new Dynamic or Race Merch Collection.
Further details on the individual promotions are available from the Recaro Automotive Team on site.
Find more seats – and additional insights into the brand's extensive lifestyle world – in the official Recaro Automotive Fanshop at https://shop.recaro-automotive.com.
Classic, Dynamic or Race? Whichever style performance fans prefer, Recaro's lifestyle collections offer the perfect product for every taste. The brand's iconic inventory goes beyond outfits and accessories: swivel chairs matching the three product lines bring a dynamic feel and comfortable seating into the home or the workplace.
Why is it that for many automotive fans Recaro is one of the automotive cult brands? The stunning look of the seats? The glorious history in touring car, club and rally sport? Or the commitment to the best possible quality and first-class ergonomics? The reasons are many, but one thing is clear at this year's Essen Motor Show: Ultimate performance, unique dynamics and stylish design not only characterize the manufacturer's car seats, they also characterize the brand's lifestyle products. Friends of Recaro can experience, try on and test sit the range of outfits, accessories and swivel chairs – divided into three product lines – at Booth 3A25 in Hall 3.
Classic Line: You want it vintage? With this product range, Recaro takes on the retro charm of past decades and its classic car seats. Aficionados will find jackets, polo shirts, backpacks, leather gloves, mugs, blankets and more. Not only are these inspired by the iconic Recaro designs with plaid and pepita patterns, many items even use the original material. Providing automotive luxury in the workplace – wherever that may be – is the Recaro Classic LX Star in pepita, cube corduroy or plaid cover options. The swivel chair was developed on the basis of authentic Recaro originals from 1984. Originally a genuine car seat, the Classic LX Star meets the highest standards in terms of appearance, quality and comfort – a special treat for fans of vintage and newer classic cars in particular.
Tradition obliges, so every item in this series is “Approved by Walter Röhrl” and bears the rally legend's official “seal of approval”.
Dynamic Collection: Non-stop performance in every area. Those who appreciate unique driving experiences will find what they are looking for in the new Dynamic Collection, which includes T-shirts, caps, beanie, hoody, softshell jacket, bags, backpack or lanyard. The items are in black and green and use the contour of the highly coveted Recaro Podium shell seat as an distinctive design element. Dynamic seating support par excellence for the home or at the desk is offered by the Speed Star and Cross Sportster CS Star swivel chairs.
Race Collection: The only place closer to the track is the pit lane. This collection appeals to motorsport fans who also want to be appropriately equipped around the race track, driver's paddock and pit stop. With a sports jacket, hybrid jacket or down jacket, polo shirt, backpack trolley, cap, beanie, T-shirt and water bottle, the Race Collection focuses on the striking color combination of black and red and plays with the outline of the Recaro Pro Racer professional racing shell. Automotive enthusiasts can find these items in the Recaro Automotive webshop and at the Recaro Booth 3A25 in Hall 3.
More insights into the brand's extensive lifestyle world can be found in the official Recaro Automotive Fanshop at https://shop.recaro-automotive.com.
Ultimate performance without compromise: That's what the Recaro Podium delivers. It is the world’s first performance shell to hold both a general operating permit (the German ABE) and an 8855-1999 homologation certificate from the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), meaning it’s approved both for motorsports and for the retrofitting of sporty performance vehicles. At the Essen Motor Show, Recaro is introducing the new Podium GF with a shell made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP). Meanwhile, its "big sister" Podium CF – with a shell made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) – is celebrating the start of volume production.
For many race-savvy drivers, the Recaro Podium is the Holy Grail of shell seats. And rightly so, because every millimeter of its breathtaking design radiates race technology. With the new Podium GF, Recaro now presents another high point of seat development in crossover between road and race track. There is also another reason for performance fans to rejoice: Recaro is starting volume production of its "big sister" Podium CF (with a shell made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, CFRP).
Peak Body Support. "In developing the Podium GF, we applied the ingenious principle of natural bone structure – a thin outer wall with maximum stability, a porous-flexible inner layer – to our shell architecture," explains Frank Beermann, Head of Design at Recaro Automotive. "We combine high-strength, ultra-light high-tech foam in the shell core with a front and rear shell made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP)." The result: the Podium GF fits the body like a glove and provides an unparalleled, dynamic driving experience with immediate feedback from the road. Even with high lateral forces, the body-hugging, supportive seat structure including side bolsters provide the body with first-class support.
Complete control and calculated thrills. Both the Podium GF and Podium CF were intensively tested on the world's toughest race tracks. That's how Recaro ensures that drivers are able to take corners even at the absolute limit. Another advantage in the hunt for personal bests: the Podium GF is one of the lightest seats in the world. In the M version (for medium-sized people) it weighs just 11 kg, while the L version (for taller people) weighs in at 10.9 kg thanks to thinner foams. The Podium CF weighs a sprightly 4.9 kg (without pads).
A perfect fit for road and track. The Podium is the only aftermarket shell in the world to have both an ABE (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis) and FIA homologation, which means its approved for both public roads and racetrack use. It achieves this balancing act through its innovative design and modular approach. Approved four-point harnesses can also be routed through the belt openings in the backrest for road use, and three-point harnesses can also be used in road-approved performance vehicles. In motorsports, such as GT, touring car and club competitions, the Recaro Podium is designed for the use of
four-, five- and six-point harnesses, as well as for the use of HANS (Head and Neck Support) systems. The upholstery concept with pads in two sizes (M and L) at the contact points between the body and the seat shell shapes the attractive look of the Recaro Podium and allows individual color and material combinations as well as customized ergonomics. Borrowed from motorsport, this solution not only brings material and weight savings, but also provides passive seat climate control: air can circulate in the ducts between the pads and through the shell openings.
Start of volume production for the Podium CF. Since it was presented to the public, the Podium CF has been at the top of the wish list of particularly race-savvy riders. "The market has been enthusiastic about the Podium from day 1. We saw this reflected in the high demand," said Ulrich J. Severin, Managing Director of Recaro Automotive and Vice President Europe. "That's why we didn't rest during the pandemic, but pushed ahead behind the scenes on volume production for the Podium CF." That production has already been running at full speed since November 2022, and existing orders are being successively processed. "We thank all our loyal fans for their patience - which we now want to honor with a delivery as soon as possible," Severin continues. New orders for the Podium CF will be accepted from mid-January 2023, with delivery of this batch planned from summer 2023.
The Podium GF can be ordered from authorized partners starting February 2023. Pricing for the Podium GF starts at 1,950 euros, while the Podium CF is available for an additional 1,500 euros compared to the GF. Both shells will also be followed in the summer by a variant with integrated side airbag (SAB) – a real world first, as this makes the Podium the first retrofit shell seat with airbag.
Both Podium models can be extensively trialled at the Recaro booth (Hall 3, Booth 3A25) during the Essen Motor Show. The K3R show car from Kremer Racing provides the perfect setting for the Podium – a road-legal racing machine, releasing adrenaline and endorphins even when parked.
When your heart beats to the rhythm of performance: Recaro combines comfort, innovation, quality and safety like no other seat manufacturer. The premium brand is once again proving this at this year's Essen Motor Show in Hall 3, Booth 3A25: The new Recaro Sport C draws on six decades of sports seat tradition and heralds a new generation with its pioneering design.
For devotees of exhilarating mobility, there are only very few brands that make your heart beat quicker than Recaro. Nearly 60 years ago, the foundation for this was set – in 1963, when Reutter Carosserie became Recaro and the company began to focus on the development of vehicle seats. Since then, Recaro has regularly raised the bar in this challenging segment.
With its new Sport C, Recaro is celebrating the upcoming anniversary in a befitting manner. The new sport seat continues the company's success story and at the same time rings the starting bell for the next Recaro sport seat generation. It is the first fully electric 8-way sport seat for the aftermarket, enhanced with comfort and safety features. As a result, it provides premium performance with maximum comfort. Nothing like it has ever been seen before in the aftermarket.
Subtle yet striking, the Sport C's slim profile is not only a visual highlight. The slender design also creates legroom for the back row. The low seating height – the hip point lies just 155 millimeters – provides noticeably more driving dynamics and offers a comfortable seating position even for tall drivers. With its body-hugging seat structure and side bolsters for optimum shoulder and torso support, the Recaro Sport C stabilizes the body in all driving situations. This commitment to performance is also reflected in the low unladen weight of 24 kilograms.
All these features also make it the perfect seat for electric vehicles. The reduced weight helps to get the maximum range out of the battery. The low hip point supports the dynamic driving feel of this high-torque vehicle class. For carmakers, this also provides additional installation space for the battery in the vehicle floor. The narrow silhouette adds to the already roomy feel of the passenger compartment, created by the elimination of the drive shaft tunnel.
Excellent ergonomics and comfort features make every journey an experience to savor. "Sit back and enjoy" was among the guiding principles in the development of the Sport C. Its perfect seat contour combined with a tight, compact cushion provides optimum support for the body, no matter how winding or rugged the route. As one of the first true sport seats, it offers a wide range of electrical adjustment options. With the intuitive all-electric 8-way adjustment, the backrest, longitudinal adjustment, seat height and seat tilt can all be adjusted electrically to suit the driver. Added to this are comfort features such as extendable seat cushion, lumbar support and heating.
The Sport C also makes a statement in terms of safety. During testing, Recaro went well beyond legal requirements so that the new seat also provides the best possible protection in an emergency. Uniquely for aftermarket seats, Recaro is in fact setting its bar at the high safety requirements of car manufacturers. This safety concept also includes a planned variant with integrated side airbag (SAB).
The Sport C will launch in the spring of 2023 in the five-door version, then in the summer of 2023 also for three-door vehicles and in the SAB variant. The following color and trim combinations will be available at launch: leather and Dinamica in white/black and black, followed by full leather in black and the Dinamica "Rallye" option in gray with red trim strip from spring. Prices start at 2,640 euros.
Performance fans can try out the new Sport C during the Essen Motor Show at the Recaro booth (Hall 3, Booth 3A25) and admire it in the 653hp MTM RS3 show car.
WE PUT YOUR SENSES IN THE DRIVING SEAT.
Wilhelm Reutter founded his body shop in 1906. Ever since, we’ve been obsessed with custom mobility, and Reutter’s passion lives on in the first two letters of our brand as well as in everything we do. We’re all about making driving safer, more comfortable and more controlled – a driving experience that you can really feel. We put people first. Every time. We’re equally obsessed with motorsport. Whatever record you broke yesterday, you aspire to beat it today. That’s why we’re constantly looking for ways for you to shave a little time off your next lap – safely. Winning is one thing. But to be a champion, you need to keep learning and developing.
Our seats are more than just a set of components. They’re made of innovation, quality, premium materials, craftsmanship and a serious passion for cars. From the ultimate in comfort and ergonomics to uncompromisingsporting flair, our products are as diverse and exacting as the individuals who buy them. And always in the quality you expect from RECARO. Choose cutting-edge performance that puts you in the driving seat.
Enjoy the ride!
Plan your visit to the trade fair!
