I was more interested in the steering wheel then the seats. Apparently the Alacantra wheel is only available for a manual transmission, as they do not make the PDK wheel with Alacantra trim, unless I completely missed the option for a "alacantra PDK wheel" in the guide.

Camhabib-
I looked at the oem alcantra wheel before I bought mine. At that time it was just the standard gt3 wheel . It was nice yet I wonder how easy it is to keep clean . At least the seats are not a constant hands on control . On a Gt3 it makes sense as the grip is great and the cars are not usually daily drivers. Plus the wheel was not expensive .

I didn't like the thickness of any of the 0em Porsche wheels. If there is one thing an m3 has over Porsche amidst those debates is that the M3 wheel is thicker . Then I found the Techart wheel and I had never seen anything like it . That's what I had been looking for.
Whether its leather, carbon , alcantra or a combination it really changed the way the interactive driver /machine experience . It's my favorite interior mod.

I have had the GT3 alcantara wheel on my car for 8 months now. Before I mounted it, I coated it with numerous coats of Scotchguard spray. Same for the shift **** and boot, and the center console cover. There was a modest concern that the spray would affect the texture of the material but it did not. I can't say with absolute certainty that it has helped (because I tend to be pretty careful about keeping myself and the car neat) but so far the wheel looks great and I really like it. My sons think that the texture is odd, but it feels perfect to me.
That said, there was a thread some time back about a company (in Dallas I believe) that re-skins wheels - changing the material and thickness. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gone that route - to get a thicker and more padded version. Just would have sent my stock wheel. For the OP, I suggest that you search for that thread and have your soon-to-be wheel sent for an upgrade.

I was under the impression that Alacantra, as a man-made material, was significantly more durable then the leather alternative. Is that not the case? It appealed to me for the wheel and shifter simply because they were parts that I would be coming into contact a lot with, and the increased grip and durability of the surface seemed appealing. Apparently Porsche will not make you a multifunction PDK for any amount, so it looks like I may have to go with aftermarket.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. This has been very helpful and has prompted me to take another look at some of the options. This can only be resolved one way...

Field trip!

This week we will go take another look at the interior colors and the wheels to see if we can come to a conclusion. Once we get that done, I'll post an update for everyone.

Thanks again!

Seems like an awesome car -- very personalized. Looks like we will be using our cars for similar things, might want to check out my topic posted 2 days ago for some more information.

Thanks to everyone for their inputs. My wife and I had a field trip to a dealership and checked on colors and options. As promised, here's our updated feature list for your review. Feedback is welcome!

I updated the option codes to match the 2010 Options Guide...

Carrera S Cabriolet
PASM, 10mm lowering and aluminum dials are standard

Optional Metallic Paint
D2 Aqua Blue Metallic

Convertible Top Colors
V9 Cabriolet roof in Black

Special Leather
05 Dark Grey Natural Leather

Floormats
810 Floor Mats in Interior Color (05 Dark Grey Natural Leather)

Seats
342 Heated Seats
P01 Adaptive Sports Seats with Driver Memory (05 Dark Grey Natural Leather)

Audio and Communications
618 Bluetooth Interface for Mobile Phone with Phone Holder
635 Park Assist System
640 Sport Chrono Package Plus
672 Navigation Module for PCM
680 BOSE High End Sound Package
686 XM Radio
870 Universal Audio Interface

Technical
250 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
267 Self Dimming Mirrors
603 Dynamic Cornering Lights
X51 Carrera S Powerkit - This is new for 2010.

Wheels
XRR 19" Carrera Sport Wheel
These had been Sport Design, but Cpa4S had a good point that Sport was less busy looking.

Interior Options in Leather
844 3-Spoke Multifunction Steering Wheel in Smooth Leather

Interior Options in Aluminum Look
XFP Handbrake Lever in Aluminum
XCW B-Pillar Belt Outlet in Aluminum Look

Interior Options in Exterior Color
XME Rear Center Console in Exterior Color
XSA Sport Seat Backs Painted in Exterior Color

Custom Tailoring and Deviations - Exterior Color
DAM Exterior Package Painted (front air intakes and side skirts)

Custom Tailoring and Deviations - Other
25491 Front and Rear Seat Inlays in Deviating Color - 06 Natural Brown
25961 Door Center Panel in Standard Leather, Deviating Color - 06 Natural Brown
Note that these had been Carrera Red inserts. But, we agree with yrralis1, sin911, and dinorocz that that was a bit too much. The Natural Brown looks good.

Thanks, in advance, for the feedback!

As was discussed in a thread that I started a few days ago, you may want to look at a Turbo if thinking about X51. I was originally going to purchase a C4S, but am changing it to a Turbo as it's actually going to save me some money - not to mention be a whole lot cooler.

Thanks a lot for the note. I just finished reading that thread and the thread you posted over in the turbo forum.

This is getting very interesting...

For those who wonder what I am talking about, take a look:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...rth-price.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...010-turbo.html