Are Suede inserts durable.
Pro
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 566
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From: Madison WI
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,913
Likes: 395
From: Cary NC
Many of us have Alcantara seats on our C6s. Wears like iron, cleans up with water. And there are plenty of Alcantara steering wheels as well. My experience, for what it's worth, is not the same as yours.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,226
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From: Thomas Texas
Ultra suede is a synthetic material used on sofas and lots of other furniture. Great stuff. I would never use real leather suede on a car seat. It wouldn't last a month.
Google Ultra suede or Alcatera (same stuff) and you will find lots of information. Its spun polyester. Its tough and easy to clean. Probably more easier to clean and more wear resistant than real leather.
Some people like the look and feel. I don't like it myself but if you like the feel and look, get it.
Google Ultra suede or Alcatera (same stuff) and you will find lots of information. Its spun polyester. Its tough and easy to clean. Probably more easier to clean and more wear resistant than real leather.
Some people like the look and feel. I don't like it myself but if you like the feel and look, get it.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
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From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Had suede in an airplane, once, that was real leather. It looked good when new but went down hill from there. Ever hear of a suede brush? Not sure of the material used on the new Corvette but from past experience would not be the first on the block to acquire suede. I am open minded and will watch with interest.
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 39,077
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From: DFW Area TX
Had suede in an airplane, once, that was real leather. It looked good when new but went down hill from there. Ever hear of a suede brush? Not sure of the material used on the new Corvette but from past experience would not be the first on the block to acquire suede. I am open minded and will watch with interest.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,913
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From: Cary NC
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
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I am very seriously considering them for my C7 and would love to see some first hand pictures/info.
Thanks!
--C
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 366
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They stay much cooler, you don't stick to them in shorts, so far they are holding up great. With the wheel and the center console in the suede they don't get as hot in the sun which is always a plus living in Florida.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,412
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The first time I ever experienced Alcantara (brand name for microsuede) was my mother's IS300 back in 2001.
This is what that interior looks like after 135k miles.
Microsuede will hold up just as well, if not leaps and bounds better than the factory leather alone.
This is what that interior looks like after 135k miles.
Microsuede will hold up just as well, if not leaps and bounds better than the factory leather alone.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,682
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From: Coatesville PA
Those that are bashing it odds are have never sat on it for any amount of time.
Also, as some have pointed out, it may be called suede, but odds are it is alacantara. Suede is great, but far from indestructible. Man made suede(alacantara/micro-suede) is designed for high touch areas like seats, shift *****, and steering wheels.
If you want to get an idea how it will stand tq, check out used CTSV's and ZL1's. They have it on their shifter, wheel, and I believe seats. Im sure the c7 will be of the same quality or better.
Also, as some have pointed out, it may be called suede, but odds are it is alacantara. Suede is great, but far from indestructible. Man made suede(alacantara/micro-suede) is designed for high touch areas like seats, shift *****, and steering wheels.
If you want to get an idea how it will stand tq, check out used CTSV's and ZL1's. They have it on their shifter, wheel, and I believe seats. Im sure the c7 will be of the same quality or better.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,066
Likes: 4,148
From: Bergen county NJ
If we could order a 1lt or 2lt with alcantara seats and steering wheel it's a great way to go.
Leather is slightly over rated and a bit slippery where as alcantara does grip and feels cool as hell...
Not all alcantara but sections of the interior do offer a warmth that's often missing in all leather interiors.
Personal opinion only
Leather is slightly over rated and a bit slippery where as alcantara does grip and feels cool as hell...
Not all alcantara but sections of the interior do offer a warmth that's often missing in all leather interiors.
Personal opinion only
Last edited by JerriVette; Jun 18, 2013 at 07:05 AM.