TheLex

My 2011 GTS alcantara steering wheel has also gone smooth, which is actually fine by me. It's still way more comfortable than a traditional leather steering wheel.

The rest of the alcantara interior however, still looks new.

beden1

Tell that to Ferrari. They use Alcantara in their $200K+ cars.

BIG smoke

That finish would never work in any of my cars. Wife is always smothered in sun tan cream or moisturizer. I'm constantly De-zincing the door panels and center arm rest.

Fairy Services takes care of all vehicular issues.

gota911

I don't care if it is used in a $200,000 Ferrari or a $1,300,000+ Bugatti Veyron, it is cheap looking, IMO.

beden1

That's good you got the S then. I don't think they offered Alacantara in the base series models.

Austin997.2

Are they any advantages to Alcantara? Do they just throw it in cars because most customers are none the wiser as to what it actually is and can make a larger profit compared to leather. I would think that on a higher end car that natural leather would be preferred.

Most people probably think "Alcantara" wow that sounds fancy and Italian must be like a special suede. And I thought this myself until I got my first 996 and actually looked up what it actually was.

Thedips

Only thing I can see is superior grip when compared to leather. However every one seems to agree that it wears in horribly and is still a manufactured synthetic material

beden1

The primary benefit I feel is that it is very comfortable in both cold and hot weather temps. I also like how it feels to the touch. I personally don't think it is "fancy", but more high end car manufacturers are using Alcantara, so there must be some people who like it.

I guess the ones who don't like it, don't have it.

beden1

Mine is holding up very well so no complaints so far.

D.Kinsey

BOOM...

richard181

Love the Alcantara. Its all over my C2S and GT3. Wearing very well at 10,000 miles per car. I think it looks sportier than leather. Add some deviated stitching and you have a winner.

Cbst09

I have the alcantara seats in mine and love them. My seats came from a fellow rennlister with a GT3. Main benefit is that they are not hot or cold during the summer and winter months. considering I only put about 5k miles per year I'm really not concerned about wear and tear. No complaints here

sandwedge

Seems like Porsche reserves it for the upper end of their offerings too. GT3, GT3RS and GT2 all get plenty of it. At least the ones I've seen. I like it, at least as long as it holds up which it has so far. At 30K miles it looks new.

Speeds5

It provides better grip that's why its used on seats and steering wheels for the most part. That's the benefit and that's why you see it in high end cars. Nothing to do with luxury or wear benefits.

Wayne Smith

A major limitation in my cars handling is based on the inability to stay anchored in the seat ...