RECARO Podium CF Carbon Seat - M or L, Driver or Passenger

Enjoy the drive from a seat that feels part of the car.

The Podium CF makes climbing into the car an occasion. Visible carbon, sculpted shoulder support and separate shaped pads give the cabin a purposeful feel, while the close-fitting shell supports you as the road changes direction. It is an appealing choice when you want the connection of a fixed seat in a car used for both road driving and track days. Choose the padding size, seating side and trim that suit you, then match the mountings to your intended use.

Your options

Choose the fit you will enjoy driving in

M and L use the same shell concept with different padding. M has approximately 20 mm pads for a medium build; L uses thinner, approximately 10 mm pads to make more room for a larger driver. The right choice supports your hips, torso and shoulders without pinching. We would choose by seated fit in your driving clothing, adding your restraint equipment for competition, rather than assuming a size from height alone.

Road use and FIA use

The Podium has both an ABE road-installation path and FIA 8855-1999 homologation, but each requires the correct mounting. Road approval applies to covered vehicles with the specified RECARO baseframe, sidemount and 3-point-belt arrangement. FIA use needs the specified FIA sidemount and suitable harness installation. One approval does not automatically cover every way of installing it.

Carbon you see, support you feel

The open spaces between the shaped pads let air circulate passively around the shell. Combined with the exposed carbon and sculpted structure, the pad layout is part of both the appearance and the seating experience. Choose M or L, driver or passenger side, in black Perlon Velour, black Alcantara with red leather, or red Alcantara with black leather. You receive one seat with the selected pad set; ventilation is passive, with no powered fan.

Fitting and ownership

Supplied as one seat. The vehicle-specific baseframe and any required sidemounts are additional. We can match these to your car and seating position; the installation must also account for the original belts, airbags and occupancy equipment. Use a competent seat installer for the mechanical and electrical work. The fixed back does not recline. The side airbag mentioned in development material is not included in these seats. Keep the pad pins and mountings secure, and follow the RECARO instructions for harness and head-and-neck-restraint use. ABE is German general type approval; its vehicle coverage and conditions still have to match the installation. For FIA use, observe the approval sticker’s expiry date.

Living with a fixed shell

The Podium holds you in a more defined position than a reclining comfort seat. That is part of its appeal on an engaging drive, but the backrest does not recline and you climb over the side support when getting in. If frequent entry, rear-seat access or a softer touring position matters most, a reclining seat is worth considering. If close support and the carbon-shell experience are what you want, the Podium makes that choice feel special.