Whether it’s for fun or competition, sitting safely and perfectly protected is essential when it comes to the demands of off-road driving. Recaro Automotive Seating has unveiled two brand-new performance seats meeting these unique needs. Today at its SEMA booth, #50219 in the Performance Pavilion, off-road enthusiasts can experience the new Recaro Cross Sportster ORV and Pro Racer SPG XL ORV for the first time.
The market figures show the volumes – according to the Automotive News Data Center, the U.S. light-truck sales grew by 7.7 percent in 2018 – a level that general car sales have never reached. Over the course of the next five years, the ORV market in the U.S. is expected to register a further three percent growth.
At SEMA 2019, Recaro Automotive Seating is unveiling two brand-new, cutting-edge products for the ORV segment: one for street-legal off-road pickups, and the other for off-road race pickups. Vaughn Gittin Jr., Formula Drift and Ultra4 champion and co-developer Loren Healy, also an Ultra4 champion, were among the professional drivers involved in the design process.
“Recaro’s constant innovation to keep racers and enthusiasts safe and comfortable – no matter our choice of fun from behind the wheel – is something I am very grateful for,” said Vaughn Gittin Jr. “There is no question Recaro’s effort and passion has saved me from serious injury on more than one occasion, both on and off-road.”
“It’s been an incredible journey being part of the development for the Recaro off-road vehicle seats,” said Loren Healy. “Recaro’s commitment to safety, technology and design is second to none. After the more than two years of development and testing that went into the Cross Sportster ORV and the Pro Racer ORV, my mind is blown at how much safer and more comfortable these seats are for the demanding nature of off-road driving.”
The new Recaro Cross Sportster ORV is tailored to meet off-road vehicle needs. Its snug, supportive seat structure and side bolsters are designed for excellent shoulder and torso support. They stabilize the body against lateral forces, cocooning it like a second skin. Its highly-effective vibration damping foam and the particularly robust cover materials make it perfectly suited for a ride over hedges or ditches. The flat seat cushion with low side bolsters also allows for easy access. The integrated headrest, backrest adjustment and release, and the integrated sidemount for length adjustment provide Recaro-level seating comfort and a sporty performance.
The new Recaro Pro Racer SPG XL ORV addresses off-road race vehicle requirements. It is ergonomically designed to provide outstanding support and protection for the back and neck against all the forces of a dirt track. The specially designed head surrounding for better visibility, the friction grip surface around the shoulders, and the highly-effective energy-absorbing cushion foam are essential when pushing off-road race cars to the limit. The seat is suitable for 4-, 5-
or 6-point belts as well as for the use of HANS systems. Its particularly robust cover materials are weather- and abrasion- resistant.