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3LT uses real cow leather across all dash surfaces except the glovebox, driver knee bolster (under steering wheel), and passenger side endcap (hidden when door is closed). It also uses real leather on the console lid and extension piece, and real leather on all door pad surfaces that aren't hard plastic.
On a 2LT, all of surfaces are PUR vinyl.
The seats are basically identical between the different trim levels, they all use real leather in the portions that touch your body combined in some options with a simulated suede.
3LT also comes with suede A-Pillars vs the cloth covered A-Pillars on 1LT/2LT.
I think one thing to consider is that the tougher leather/synthetic/vinyl doesn’t typically crease as quickly. Since this is my first GM, let alone Corvette, I kind of applied BMW logic to the trims. BMW will use Napa or Dakota leather but their base synthetic leather actually looks newer longer and like with the 2LT looks pretty close to leather. Plus some people are anti-animal materials so 1LT/2LT is a more friendly option for them. I know we’re all carnivores in this forum though lol. I’m very happy with my 2LT pleather and feel like it’s pretty decent and resilient overall. Guys talking up the 3LT leather makes it sound like if you get anything less, you just bought a Hyundai.
As for the intoxicating leather smell, that’s easily replicated with leather cleaners or car air fresheners etc. It’s still better than the M4 with fabric seats on their base trim for an $80k car.
In actual fact the fake leather is more durable. It is so durable that most BMW and MB vehicles use it as their base seating. Real high quality leather may have a nice smell but after a few years it looks like the leather in a catchers mitt. I don't know how leather ever got the reputation as a premium seating surface when it requires extra care to keep it looking nice.
Agreed 100%. My 2012 Jetta has "Leatherette" that still looks like brand new. I'd rather have an interior that still looks good after 1000's of miles of use than one that "smells so nice".
Last edited by joeybsyc; Jul 25, 2017 at 08:01 PM.
I find the upgraded "Nappa Silk" leather in my Audi to be far less durable than the lower grade leathers, like the Mulan in my 1LT. The Nappa feels, looks (when new), and smells better, but is prone to getting creases in it, and puckering a bit on the bottom cushion where your butt is. And I am extra **** about getting in and out of the car, and keeping the leather clean. My wifes VW has "leatherette" (100% vinyl), and looks as good as any lower grade automotive leathers, but is far more durable...looks like new after 115000 miles, not a wrinkle or a crease, or abrasion wear of the surfaces.
I believe the Mulan is indeed 100% leather, a split hide (not top grain) with an embossed fake grain and a thick protective/color top-coat (which is what most furniture and automotive leather is). I don't think it is synthetic or reconstituted leather, "match leather", "bonded leather", "PU leather", "leatherette", "MB-Tex", "Sensatec", or "Naugahide". For many years, the FTC has had strict labeling requirements for the manufacturers description of a product sold as leather. GM would have to describe it as such, if the seating surfaces were not genuine, reconstituted, or synthetic leather. It is these type of consumer protection regulations that made all the car manufacturers change the description from "Leather Seats" to "Leather Seating Surfaces".
Last edited by ersatz928; Jul 26, 2017 at 10:11 AM.
I have often wondered what the take rate would be if GM offered all vinyl interiors on the Corvette or even a nice cloth. I am sure the leather smell sprays would be a hot item and people would not have to be so **** about every crease and wrinkle since vinyl would be more durable. It would also lower the cost of Corvette so it might be a good idea.
I agree, a high quality "leatherette" interior would be cheaper, require less care, and still look like new for far longer. Most people would not know the difference in appearance and "hand" (the feel of the leather). But, people think vinyl is "cheap".......
Yes you are correct and perception is hard to change. Funny that in Europe the BMW are MB interiors are mostly vinyl or synthetic leather as they like to call it.
I was amazed when I discovered that my Caddy came with animal skins from a female cow known as "leatherette". Paul
Funny, with the only real "cow hide" in a 3LT being on the seating surface, folks making a big deal if the other "soft torch" materials are better being shreaded pieces of leather bonded together or chemically made "stuff."
When I had the best custom interior shop in our area, some 50 miles from my home, make the interior for my ProStreet Rod had to wait 6 month as they did only one car at a time. I wanted leather.
The owner said, "I can use leather but for what I want to do, will have to split it for the contours planned, and frankly, really should use this patented UltraLeater product, it will look better. Showed us samples. Wife loved it, felt like the best, soft, unborn calfskin glove leather! Same price either way! Went with UltraLeather! It's a very high quality Naugahyde, Leatherette etc!
After 16 years still winning trophies at car shows and getting many compliments! Very soft and very durable. Looks new.
He Made the Armrests Into Flames Matching My Exterior
No room for a rear seat with the 8.2 Liter engine set back and between the tubs. made a sound wall in the back and they covered with UltraLeather.
A surprise when I picked up the car several weeks after they started was the contoured headliner matching my exterior flame motif! (All was done at a fixed price, no need to have made these extra's but was his artistic skill and pride and that of his two assistants!)
In actual fact the fake leather is more durable. It is so durable that most BMW and MB vehicles use it as their base seating. Real high quality leather may have a nice smell but after a few years it looks like the leather in a catchers mitt. I don't know how leather ever got the reputation as a premium seating surface when it requires extra care to keep it looking nice.
That is very true. Sensatec is the BMW leatherette and it looks and feels pretty much like leather. As stated, it is quite durable and unless you tell someone, they will believe it to be leather. The Dakota leather they uses in the lower series could pass for imitation (again if you told someone it was imitation they would believe you).
I always thought "leatherette" was just a fancy term for vinyl.
Yep, like Naugahyde, one of the first registered names! The UltraLeater I used on my Street Rod is also (or some chemical product) but cost the same as high quality leather and feels like unborn calf skin! There is such a thing and it is what the best women's gloves can be made from!
Plan leather from older cows is not all that expensive. We do eat a lot of McDonalds!
Met a fellow from the US that own's a production line that makes a product "like" the patented UltraLeather. He said his production line was well over a football field in length! His also was not cheap!
3LT vs 2LT/1LT
