Considering a 2011 Carrera GTS and contemplating the standard Alcantara vs. smooth leather. Any thoughts? I have full leather on my 997 and like it, however the Alcantara may be a nice change/option. Don't believe you can order leather seats and go Alcantara on the doors, steering wheel, shifter and console cover?

 

I have alcantara inserts in my leather seats and really like it - looks and feel. However, I didn't like the alcantara steering wheel and shift **** - these are high wear/contact points and after 2 years didn't look good at all so I replaced with leather.

 

Go with the alcantara. It's different and found mostly on high end cars.

I've had my alcantara steering wheel and shifter (plus other parts) for about 8,000 miles and they still look perfect.

 

definitley leather it wipes clean and wears much better alcantra is a nightmare to clean when stained

 

For some reason I've never been a fan of alcantara but you have to consider the source as I also don't like black wheels!

 

I am not a fan of alcantara. It's basically fake suede. The idea of having a cloth covered steering wheel does not appeal to me. I would also prefer vinyl seat cover material to alcantara cloth. I just do not think it wold be as durable.

I do not mind the alcantara headliner as much in my Carrera but it does flap a bit if the windows are open. Here, I would prefer a molded cloth headliner rather than alcantara.

 

have alcantara on seat inserts, steering wheel, shift **** & handbrake. looks great, feels great & never gets hot. highly recommended.

 

Alcantara or ultra suede is great because it wears better and is less prone to staining vs. real suede. Suede/alcantara is lighter material hence why Lamborghini uses it so plentiful in their vehicles is.

 

If ventilated or heated seats are important to you, I believe they are not available with the Alcantara seats...

See 'ya,
John

 

I realize that alcantara is hip ,happening, and quite functional in terms of sport driving .. but i don't like it . The texture feels like peach fuzz and I find that sensation awful ( scratching finger nails on a chalk board --type of chills). Plus it absorbs dirt and sweat and cleaning it is different than leather .

 

Depends on how you are about your interior car rules. If you ever eat in your car go leather, if not go alacantra.

 

Report back after 2 years, 15,000 miles and see if you still like the way it looks and feels.

 

+1! It wears quickly for sure... I had them installed after purchasing the car, it cost me a fortune and about a year and a half after, I had to swap back

 

3rd pcar with it. repeat.

 

Heavy use / DD = leather
Weekend car or dedicated track duty = Alcantara