Recaro knows seats. This much is beyond dispute. The Recaro Group has several divisions that make aircraft seating, gaming seats for the e-sports and e-gaming markets, infant and child seats, and, of course, automotive seats. There’s a good chance you’ve sat in a Recaro seat at some point in your life, with or without realizing it.
In this article we’ll be looking at the Sportster GT from Recaro, one of their best and most popular aftermarket offerings.
Sources: Adient.
Overview: Sportster GT Car Seat
Check prices on eBay
The Sportster GT seat from Recaro is a reclining racing seat with the distinctive look of a racing shell seat. In other words, this seat embodies the fusion of style and substance that Recaro seats are known for.
The Sportster GT combines the functionality of a reclining seat with the look of a racing shell seat.
To be clear, the Sportster GT is not itself a racing seat and is not homologated in any way. Instead, the GT is all about replicating the style and certain functions of a racing seat on regular roads.
Introduced at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, the GT immediately stood out from the crowd with its hybrid design, sleek and distinct look, and wide variety of features. Based on Recaro’s earlier Sportster CS model, the GT features a unique design and style that goes perfectly with any high-end sports car or sports sedan. It is a ‘best of both worlds’ design, featuring a strong metal base and lightweight polymer backrest.
Measurements: Recaro Sportster GT
Check prices on eBay
The Sportster GT is 34.8” tall from the top of the headrest to the top of the seat cushion, 12.4” wide at the bottom cushion (between the side bolsters), and 19.3” deep from the front of the cushion to the bottom of the backrest. It has an installation dimension of 15.9 inches. Here is Recaro’s explanation of how these measurements were taken.
- Recaro measures seats with adjustable backrest at a backrest angle of about 73 degrees.
- Seat height refers to the vertical height of the backrest from the top of the headrest to the top of the seat cushion.
- Seat width indicates the width of the seat cushion without side bolsters. This measurement was taken 4.7” in front of the bottom of the backrest.
- Seat depth indicates the total horizontal length of the seat cushion (from the front of the cushion to the bottom of the backrest). Seats with extendable seat cushion: Minimum dimension with retracted seat cushion. Maximum dimension with fully extended seat cushion.
See the diagram below.
The dimensions of the Recaro Sportster GT in inches. Source: Recaro.
Compared to OEM seats in a BMW, Porsche, etc., the Sportster GT is a bit thinner and has softer cushioning. This makes it easier to fit into a variety of different vehicles. However, it is also slightly less deep than a typical OEM seat, and for this reason is not ideal for very tall drivers with long legs.
Be aware that the Sportster GT is about one inch less deep than a typical BMW OEM seat. Source: Bimmerpost.
Materials: Leather vs Fabric vs Vinyl/Suede
Check prices on eBay
Our sources at Recaro told us about the Sportster’s new “Victory Performance” foam design. This provides extra stability and comfort and lets the seat blend right in with any sports car. As far as upholstery goes, you can get it in black cloth, vinyl/suede in either blue, grey, or red, or black leather with carbon weave. All the upholstery is, of course, made of high-quality fire-retardant materials. It comes in black, blue, grey, and red, in addition to leather/fabrics in black and grey.
Check prices on eBay
The Recaro Sportster GT upholstery options. Source: Recaro
A close-up of Recaro’s leather upholstery. Source: Recaro.
CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE RECARO SPORTSTER GT
Sporty Performance
Check prices on eBay
As far as Recaro aftermarket seats go, the Sportster GT is definitely (as its name would suggest) on the “sporty performance” end of the spectrum rather than the “premium comfort end.”
This is not to say that the seat is uncomfortable—it certainly is not. It offers ample support, bolstering, and lumbar support. However, unlike other Recaro models such as the Ergomed ES or Orthoped, the GT does not have the option for additional lumbar support, extendable seat cushions, electric height and tilt adjustment, a climate package, etc.
Recaro’s breakdown of all their seats on a spectrum from “premium comfort” to “sporty performance.” The Sportster GT falls on the far right. If you’re having trouble reading this, click the link instead. Source: Recaro brochure.
Instead, the GT comes with an integrated headrest, slots for 3- 4- or 5-point harnesses, a reinforced polymer-based backrest, lateral support in the backrest and seat cushion area, and extra shoulder support. It has pronounced shoulder, back, and thigh bolsters that keep drivers in place during tight turns. Its distinctive S-shaped structure provides proprietary integrated lumbar support that keeps you comfortable during longer trips. The seats are available with left-side or right-side adjustment controls, for driver side or front passenger side. Click here for Recaro’s brochure comparing the qualities of their aftermarket seats.
Two GTs installed.
The GT’s backrest alone comes a number of intriguing features. For one, it is designed with an S shape to align the spinal column in a natural position. The backrest is adjusted with a manual dial precise to the millimeter, and its ultra-thin construction provides excellent ergonomics, a unique aesthetic, and reduced weight, all while saving quite a bit of space in the car interior and back seat area. The seatback tilt-forward release—which provides easy access to the rear seat area–is inconspicuously tucked into the belt pass-through openings.
If that weren’t enough, the GT includes a metal seat base and integrated side mounts to easily attach to other vehicle installation hardware. To check if the Sportster GT is compatible with your vehicle, check this chart (blue text is in English).
CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPORTSTER GT INSTALLED INTO A BMW E46 M3
Recaro Sportster GT Weight Savings
Like the seat, the base is powerful and lightweight. Consider this example. The Sportster GT weighs about 35 lbs., the metal base and slider are about 8 lbs., and the bolts are an additional 2 lbs. For two GT seats, that comes to a grand total of 90 lbs. In contrast, stock OEM seats of a BMW are stuffed full of electronic and mechanical hardware and will typically weigh around 75 lbs. each. This means that you will shave a full 60 lbs. off your vehicle’s weight by switching to Sportster GT.
Be aware that there is a “vehicle specific” Sportster GT and a “universal” GT on the market. Make sure you know which one you are getting before you hit that “Checkout” button!
Sources: Recaro; BBi Autosport;
Comparing the Recaro Sportster GT vs Sportster CS
The Sportster CS is built along the same lines as the GT. Source: Recaro
The Recaro Sportster CS, like the GT, is a reclining seat with the design and style of a fixed back shell seat. It features a lightweight shell and slim design, along with the same excellent lateral and shoulder support we’ve come to expect from Recaro. Its measurements are identical to the GT: 36.2” tall, 12.4” wide at the cushion, has a maximum seat cushion depth of 19”, etc. It has an installation dimension of 15.9” and is available with or without an integrated universal side airbag.
CLICK HERE FOR A PRETTY DRAMATIC VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE RECARO SPORTSTER CS.
We spoke to sales representatives from several Recaro authorized dealers. They told us that the difference between the two is primarily aesthetic.
Modern Automotive Performance in Minnesota told us that “the major difference is going to be the overall design not the bolstering but the actual seat itself.” While the CS and GT have the “same overall skeleton design,” the GT definitely has a more “aggressive” texture and design in its upholstery.
425 Motorsports in Washington State added that the CS is power adjustable and has the options for heated seats, whereas the GT does not. “Other than that, they are just about the same fit, shape, and size” and will fit into any vehicle with the right mounting brackets. Because of the added features, the CS “is just a little bit more expensive.”
Johnston Research Performance in Ontario agreed that “most of the difference [between the GT and CS] is in the design.” They advised us that the GT is generally more comfortable for daily driving use, as it is “a little bit softer and still has the bolstering but is a little slimmed down.”
JRP described the CS as “a bit of a crossover between OEM and aftermarket seats.” The GT, on the other hand, is “a little bit fancier and is a higher-end seat that looks a lot like a [Recaro] Speed V.” Additionally, the CS is offered as an OEM option and was used as an OEM seat for the Ford Focus RS, among other vehicles.
A Common Misconception
Some online sources will tell you that the CS is a vehicle-specific seat whereas the GT is universal. However, this is not the case. Both CS and GT are available in universal designs. Installation into particular cars depends on the mounting brackets, which Recaro does not make itself.
This misconception may arise from the fact that the CS is more common as an OEM seat made for specific vehicles. Whereas the GT can be installed into almost any car with Recaro’s mounting brackets, a CS OEM seat is designed with a particular vehicle in mind.
Recaro has made Sportster CS Seats for multiple vehicles including Audi, BMW, Chevy, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, etc. You can check it in the product options on this page from CariD. If you’re interested in buying a CS seat, make sure to get a Universal seat or one that is built for your vehicle.
Vehicle-specific GT seats are available. Click here for more details.
The dimensions of the Sportster CS. Its measurements are identical to the GT in every respect.
More Differences between Sportster GT vs CS
Other features of the CS include integrated lumbar support, shoulder, back, and thigh bolsters, an adjustable backrest, an integrated headrest and side mounts, a seat back release, high-quality foam padding, and fire-retardant upholstery. The CS also has options for heated seats.
A grant total of 15 car manufacturers such as Ford offer the Sportster CS as OEM standard equipment in their high-performance models. Note, however, that the CS has no sub holes and thus is only compatible with 3- or 4-point belts.
The Cross Sportster CS
You can clearly see the less prominent side bolstering in the Cross Sportster CS. Source: Recaro.
Another option you may wish to consider is the Recaro Cross Sportster CS. This seat includes less aggressive bolstering in its thigh cushions, which makes getting in and out easier in high vehicles such as SUVs. Like the regular CS, this seat is vehicle specific.
The dimensions of the Cross Sportster CS. Notice that it has a deeper but slightly narrower cushion than the plain-vanilla Sportster CS and GT seats.
Whereas other Sportster seats come in a variety of colors, the Cross Sportster is available in five different shades of black.
Sources: Recaro; Ind-Distribution; CariD.
BBi Seat Base and Slider Kit
This mount from BBi is the perfect tool to install your Sportster GTs into almost any vehicle.
If the included metal seat base from Recaro isn’t quite to your liking, BBi has produced this race spec seat mount for easy and hassle-free installation of your Sportster GTs. They have a wide range of adjustment options that make it compatible with all major FIA and SFI seat brands. This versatility allows the BBi Seat Base to work with nearly any seating preference and fit drivers of all shapes and sizes. This base is designed with Porsche in mind but will work with just about any vehicle’s factory mount location.
Features include precision CNC laser-cut and laser-bent carbon steel, multi-way adjustability, tough and durable sliders, mounts to place four bolts per slider, and integrated 5- and 6-point sub belt mounting locations. No modifications to your vehicle or any other seat mount components are required.
A Recaro seat with the BBi Seat Base and Slider Kit. Source: BBi.
The BBi Base installed in a Porsche with a 6-point harness. Source: BBi.
In addition to the Sportster GT and CS, the BBi Seat Base will work with Cobra Sebring T and Suzuka T, the Recaro Profi SPG and Pole Position, the Sparco Evo, Evo II, Pro-ADV, Pro 2000, QRT (if you have the model-specific side plat from Sparco), and all Racetech seats. Just know that it is not compatible with OEM Porsche, Tillet, and non-FIA homologated seats.
Sources: BBi
Concluding Thoughts
On the whole, the Recaro Sportster GT makes a great addition to a Porsche, BMW, or any other high-performance sports car. It is light, durable, comfortable, secure, and with its brackets it is easy to install in any vehicle.
The GT is a substantial upgrade over OEM seats in nearly every possible way, and its only real shortcoming is its lack of additional lumbar support and inability to accommodate larger and taller drivers.
If you’re looking for a great aftermarket seat that combines safety, comfort, and style in one package, the Sportster GT is about as good as it gets.
