LA Auto Show Preview – RECARO Reveal


(Los Angeles, CA) – The 2011 SEMA show ended in early November and sixteen days later another huge automotive event would take place. It’s the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show gaining the spot light by showcasing technology and the latest car & truck models. Like SEMA various vendors will be promoting its products in the aftermarket parts Kentia Hall. The high-end racing seat manufacturer, RECARO wouldn’t miss out on such a huge event to reveal its new Pro Racer Ultima seats, just a glimpse of the great products they will put out at the LA Auto Show.

I was invited by ID Agency’s John Pangilinan to check out these must have seats for both motorsports drivers and enthusiasts, at the CEC Wheels shop in Los Angeles. Being a resident of LA, I must of driven past CEC’s immaculate showroom located at 10349 Santa Monica Blvd a million times joyfully cruising from Hollywood to Santa Monica. In other words, it’s across the street from the Westfield Center. Just from the street you can see a window full of beautiful rims. I knew they had awesome wheels, but I’ve never walked into the showroom until November 16th.

CEC Wheels have a great variety of high-end wheels but not the ones you will find on domestic and Japanese cars. The showroom was adorned with three awesome Europeans brands – Porsche, Ferrari and Audi – each brand being represented with a single vehicle either sitting on CEC wheels or equipped with RECARO seats. These wheels are elegantly crafted for European cars. I guess I’m trying to say is that CEC wheels are sporty gentleman’s wheels.

The RECARO Pro Racer Ultima seats were displayed next to a large window fairly close to the front door as it was strategically positioned to gain the spot light. As people walked in they can see it behind a eye-catching red hot Ferrari. I really admired those seats since I have never seen anything like it. I’m more used to the nice leather cushioning RECARO-made OEM seats you find inside the Ford Mustang BOSS 302. What’s so great about these seats? Well, John told me the seats are about seven grand. That’s right. $7,000!

The seat shell is made out of carbon fiber, the ideal material that is strong and lightweight, with special foam that can withstand all of the g-force your body can handle. You have the option of 4, 5 or 6-point belts. The upholstery is fire-resistant. I sat in it and it felt really tight. It does the job of stabilizing your body movement for minimizing injuries. Do you really want to be tossed around at the corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca?

The enclosed back area of the CEC shop was like a mini SEMA show with several performance cars and attractive women. Detailers were on hand making sure all flaws were polished out. There was the German-tuned RAUH-Welt Porsche with “HOONIGAN” on its massive wing. You think the owner is into hooning? Maybe a Ken Block admirer? A Gumpert Apollo designated “Prototype No. 001” was there with its flashy orange skin. I was really impressed by the white D3 Cadillac CTS-V with carbon fiber hood, edgy wheels, clear LED taillights and dual center exhausts. Oh yeah, a 2012 Ford Mustang BOSS 302 Laguna Seca was one of the rare American muscle cars there.

Personally, the most unique car I enjoyed and spent the most time around was the ID Agency Ford Focus. Why? It was the most unique car there. It didn’t seem to belong with the hot European imports and American muscle cars. It was the odd man left standing out. Maybe it was an eye sore to other guests; nonetheless, it is a Cool Ford that was just as awesome as the Gumpert Apollo, RWB Porsche and BOSS 302. The ID Agency Ford Focus was a SEMA vehicle this year, and not every car can claim they were in the premier aftermarket automotive event in the world.

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