Recaro seats: start with the exact model
Recaro makes fixed buckets, reclining road seats and FIA racing shells. Several seats share the Pole Position name, so we check the full name and label before looking at fit, mounts or upholstery.
The Pole Position (ABE) and Pole Position N.G. (FIA) look closely related, but they have different approvals and installation documents.
Read the label on the exact seat. A Recaro badge does not tell you whether it has German ABE approval, FIA homologation, both or neither.
Start with the full model name
A photograph of a similar Recaro cannot identify the seat or its approval.
01Pole Position (ABE)
A fixed shell with German ABE component approval. UK road use still depends on the complete installation and local requirements.
02FIA racing shells
Pole Position N.G. (FIA), Profi and Pro Racer models. Check the seat label, validity and the specified Recaro side mounts.
03Sportster CS family
Reclining road seats. Heating, side-airbag equipment and the flatter Cross Sportster cushion depend on the exact version.
Send a clear photograph of the complete label. That normally gives us the model, approval and date before we discuss upholstery or brackets.
What is the car used for: road driving, track days or competition? Once we know that, we can look at the right part of the range. Pole Position (ABE), Pole Position N.G. (FIA), Profi SPG and Sportster CS are built for different uses, not offered as alternative trims on the same seat.
The range cannot be split neatly into road and race. Recaro currently lists the Podium GF and CF with both ABE and FIA homologation. As with every other model, the label and installation documents must match the seat being supplied.
The Recaro range, in plain English
Fixed road seats, FIA racing shells and reclining sports seats call for different checks.
01Pole Position
The Pole Position name appears on seats with different approvals. Confirm ABE or N.G. (FIA) on the listing and label.
02Profi and Pro Racer
FIA racing shells with different widths, shell materials and specified mounting systems.
03Sportster and Cross Sportster
Reclining sports seats. Cross Sportster uses a flatter cushion to make entry and exit easier.
Pole Position is where most naming mistakes happen. Look for ABE or N.G. (FIA) in the full name, then confirm it on the seat label.
The products shown below come from the live catalogue. Stock, upholstery choices and prices remain on each product page, where they can be kept current.
Trying a Recaro properly
Measurements give us a shortlist. Sitting in the seat tells us whether the shape works for you.
Measure while seated
Measure across the hips and shoulders in the clothing you will drive in. Overall height and trouser size are only rough clues.
Check the base
The hip area should support without a hard pinch. Make sure the thigh bolsters do not force the knees inward or obstruct pedal movement.
Check the upper shell
Notice whether the shoulder supports hold the torso or roll the shoulders forward. Compare head and helmet space as well.
Set the final angle
Harness-slot height changes with recline and padding. Judge it at the installed angle, not with the seat upright on a showroom floor.
Stay in it for a while
The obvious pressure point often appears after five minutes. A seat that hurts in the showroom will not improve during a warm session.
Most customers come in asking for Recaro. We still need to know which Recaro, who is sitting in it and what the car is used for.
Garreth and Cameron / GSM showroomWill the Recaro clear the car?
Measure the seat base and shoulder area, then work out the height of the frame, runner and mounts.
Check before ordering
- Tunnel-to-sill width at seat-base height
- Shoulder clearance at door, pillar and cage
- Steering wheel, pedal and helmet position
- Vehicle frame, mounts and slider height
- Belt buckle and harness anchor locations
Do not assume
- Universal means bolt straight in
- The passenger side has the same room
- A lower side mount guarantees a lower seat
- Original airbag and belt systems can be ignored
- Another model from the brand uses the same holes
Recaro publishes vehicle-specific baseframe information, but a frame listing does not make it compatible with every Recaro seat. Check the seat, side or base mounts, runner, buckle and vehicle floor as one installation.
For a vehicle-specific frame, match the generation, body style, year and seating side. Also check airbags, occupancy sensors and the original belt buckle before removing the factory seat.
Approval, supports and belts
Read the documents for the seat you are actually buying.
| Check | What it answers | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Seat label | Which homologation and date apply to this shell | Label on the actual seat |
| Technical list | Whether the model and support are recorded | Current FIA list |
| Event rules | Whether that standard and date are accepted | Championship and organiser regulations |
| Mounting drawing | Which supports, holes and fasteners to use | Recaro fitting instructions |
| Belt geometry | Whether lap, shoulder and anti-sub straps run correctly | Harness maker and governing-body rules |
ABE means German general type approval. It is useful product information, but it is not a blanket statement that every installation is road legal in the UK. FIA homologation is for competition and does not settle UK road use either. Check the complete installation, original restraint systems, insurer and applicable vehicle requirements.
Current Recaro seats
Live product records from the current catalogue. Price, stock and options remain on each product page.
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From £866.25 Incl. VATFrom £866.25 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £1,096.20 Incl. VATFrom £1,096.20 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £1,317.75 Incl. VATFrom £1,317.75 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £1,782.90 Incl. VATFrom £1,782.90 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £1,795.50 Incl. VATFrom £1,795.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Common Recaro questions
Is every Recaro seat FIA approved?▾
No. The approval belongs to the exact model. Recaro lists FIA competition seats, road-focused ABE seats and some models such as the Podium GF and CF with both ABE and FIA homologation. Read the physical label and current documents.
What is the difference between Pole Position ABE and Pole Position N.G. FIA?▾
The Pole Position (ABE) carries German ABE component approval for specified road installations. The Pole Position N.G. (FIA) is a competition seat. Treat them as different products and follow the documents supplied with the exact seat.
Does ABE make a Recaro seat road legal in the UK?▾
Not automatically. ABE is German approval. UK use depends on the full installation, retained belt and safety systems, vehicle requirements and insurance position.
Will a Recaro seat fit my car?▾
Only after the shell and mounting system have been checked together. Measure the cockpit, then confirm the vehicle frame, side or base mounts, runner, buckle, airbags and sensors.
Do Recaro side mounts fit every Recaro racing seat?▾
No. Match the supports to the exact model and homologation documents. Recaro describes its FIA seats and mounts as complete approved systems.
Can you check the FIA date before dispatch?▾
Yes. Ask before ordering and we can inspect the label on available stock rather than infer a date from the model name or a catalogue photograph.
Send the full model name and label
Add the product link, car, intended use and driver measurements. We will check the exact seat and its mounting system before recommending trim or accessories.
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