Has anyone had a GT3 long enough to know if the Alcantara steering wheel holds up under heavy use? Intuitively you would think that it would degrade more quickly than the leather.

 

I had alcantara on my 996GT3.
For me its more durable to leather.
Most people make the mistake of assuming that alcantara is much like suede. It's not. Although it feels the same alcantara is man-made and much more durable than both leather and a suede steering wheel for me at least.

 

The alcantara wheel will probably "bobble", like the alcantara wheel on the BMW CSL, but it can then easily be shaved. Seriously! And if it's like the CSL's alcantara, it can also be wiped with a damp soapy cloth to get it feeling newer again.

 

I've been using the alcatara wheel in my 996 gt3 for 1 1/2 years daily driving and it has held up very well. doesnt look new but i love the tactile nature of it.

 

FWIW, I have a factory alcantara ///M wheel on my 330i perf pkg and it looked like crap after 2 years and 30K miles. I had it replaced under warranty and ever since, whenever my hands aren't clean I wear leather driving gloves. 15K miles and 2 years later it looks like new.

 

I've got an alcantara s/w.

Thought I might regret it, but actually love it - always feels special.

Mind you, only used it through winter. Might feel different by July.

 

Have the RS Alcantara in my 996GT3, awesome mod. Durability is not an issue