Spyder interior options
#16
I get the preference for leather for the steering wheel and shifter which is a free option, but shouldn't alcantara provide more grip (less sliding) vs leather on the seats? Also cooler in hot weather under the sun and warmer when weather is cold on first contact? Again, I've never had it but I've heard this mentioned before.
#17
After all, alcanatara is still a fiber although synthetic.
#18
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 6,074
Likes: 3,932
From: Texas Hill Country
#19
I get the preference for leather for the steering wheel and shifter which is a free option, but shouldn't alcantara provide more grip (less sliding) vs leather on the seats? Also cooler in hot weather under the sun and warmer when weather is cold on first contact? Again, I've never had it but I've heard this mentioned before.
In a street car, there will be give and take between both surface options. It just really depends what you're most concerned with.
Leather:
1. gives the appearance of luxury
2. easy to maintain and clean
3. will slide around on seat but not a concern if you have the LWBS
4. can be hot under the sun
5. more color options and stitching patterns available
Alcantara:
1. gives the appearance of being sporty and racy
2. will not slide around in the seat
3. can wear down and matte down with dirt, grime, and skin oils
4. might irritate your skin if you're sensitive to the "fabirc"
5. generally an additional cost on many cars
#20
Compared to leather, I think it's more work to maintain. We have leather in all of our cars and other than the occasional wipe down, leather is super easy to maintain. Alcantara/Race-Tex although generally easy to maintain still requires a little more effort. I don't especially like it in high wear/traffic areas such as the seat cushion and seat back as I think it will wear down and become matted down. On the steering wheel, which is another high touch area especially with the oils on your hands, it can matte down and not look"fluffy" like when new. I removed as much of it as I could afford to remove. Steering wheel is free to change to leather so definitely took that option. You can do a search on you tube and you'll find some videos of how to clean alcantara like on steering wheels.
Last edited by VVG; 10-15-2020 at 08:06 AM.
#21
Leather wheel and shifter with alcantara seat and low touch surfaces seems to be a nice compromise solution for a backroads carver (smth between a DD and a garage queen) — the middle way, enjoying a bit of advantages of both alcantara and leather, OCD stitching inconsistencies notwithstanding.
#22
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 9,291
Likes: 4,800
From: Victoria, BC, Canada
I think each has it's advantages. Alcantara won't develop creases, for instance, and is never too hot or too cold. If you have heated seats, they are more effective through Alcantara. It does take more effort to maintain, although from an actual time perspective, no more time than putting leather cleaner and conditioner on a full leather interior. With Alcantara, only the seats and steering wheel require any type of maintenance. Alcantara traps less odor than leather. With leather, you have to at least apply conditioner to all the surfaces to keep them from drying out. I usaully "scrub" my Alcantara surfaces with an interior cleaner and a microfiber towel, then vacuum. It you want to restore the "fluffiness", try like 400 grit sandpaper. I wouldn't recommend alcantara for a steering wheel on a daily driver. As others have pointed out, it will get just too matted down in this application.
Like any surface proper cleaning is essential and so is using the right product to do the job. 8+ years with Alcantara on the steering wheel and shifter, seats as well, no problem what so ever taking care of it, IMHO just like leather there is a process, no harder but like leather requires the right products!
I recommend Sonax cleaner with a clean microfiber towel, their brush will restore the fluffy surface, check out the additional info tab at this link: https://www.sonaxusa.com/upholstery-...a-cleaner.html
Personally I like the look and feel of Alcantara, warm when it is cold out, never hot like a leather wheel in the sun and has been mentioned the supplemental heat systems work well with it.
#24
Thanks very much for such complete info RE deleting the alcantara. I’d not thought of recovering the inserts in the LWBS.
Does anybody have any Inside info (or informed speculation) about new / expanded interior choices on these models? Cheers.
Does anybody have any Inside info (or informed speculation) about new / expanded interior choices on these models? Cheers.
#25
#26
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 9,291
Likes: 4,800
From: Victoria, BC, Canada
#27
1) I’ve gone through all the options but can’t see - Is there ANY way to delete the ‘Race-Tex’ on the seats? You can at least get it off the steering wheel.
That stuff is the **** carpet of the modern era IMHO.
2) Does anyone have inside info RE the possibility of additional (leather) interiors on the Spyder / GT4? It’s really slim pickings now.
Thanks in advance.
That stuff is the **** carpet of the modern era IMHO.
2) Does anyone have inside info RE the possibility of additional (leather) interiors on the Spyder / GT4? It’s really slim pickings now.
Thanks in advance.
Have a tough time comparing this to **** carpet...
The following users liked this post:
Westcoast (10-16-2020)
#28
[QUOTE=Jim Rockford;16967730] I love me some Alcantara...
Hey Jimmy
You still got your place on Paradise Cove, over by The Sand Castle? I’d love to see that decorated in soft gold alcantara. Way better than ****. You’re right about that.
Anyhow, I left a message on your answering machine. I’ve got a line on some hot TVs. Gimme a call.
Angel.
Hey Jimmy
You still got your place on Paradise Cove, over by The Sand Castle? I’d love to see that decorated in soft gold alcantara. Way better than ****. You’re right about that.
Anyhow, I left a message on your answering machine. I’ve got a line on some hot TVs. Gimme a call.
Angel.
Last edited by RennlistTomE; 10-16-2020 at 02:04 PM. Reason: Clarity