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So, I'm in line to order a 2021. I'm ordering a 3LT, but conflicted on the alcantara steering wheel with the suede seat inserts on the GT2 seats and around the drive mode selector area. I've thought about getting the leather instead as this would likely hold up better over time. For those that have their cars equipped with the alcantara steering wheel, cupholder area and seat inserts, do you have any regrets with that decision and how has it held up thus far?
I have microsuede (GM's version of Alcantara) set inserts on my 2015, with over 35,000 miles, and they look pretty much like new. And I love them. Warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and they seem to breath better for the ventilation. I don't have a suede steering wheel, however, so can't comment on that.
A well-worn topic. The GM micro-suede is exceptional. Had it on my C7 and also have it on my CTS-V (92,000 miles). Never an issue, even when you mess up with a milk shake!
Microfiber "suede" is actually a very durable and easy to clean material. It will hold you in your seat better than the leather seat does. I had the suede on my 2014 C7 daily driver and had zero issues with it. My C8 also has it.
Speaking of the sueded-seats, does anyone have the grey interior with sueded inserts? I'm curious if the console area is also sueded, as it is with, for example, black in 3LT. Thanks.
Speaking of the sueded-seats, does anyone have the grey interior with sueded inserts? I'm curious if the console area is also sueded, as it with, for example, black in 3LT. Thanks.
I have the “alcantara” interior in my ‘11 Carbon Edition & it looks brand new. In fact, with only 18k mi, the “leather” portion of the driver’s seat is already showing significant creases from the previous owner. I’ll probably purchase a new seat bottom skin to replace it. All the alcantara surfaces look perfect. I’m planning to cover all interior plastics & headliner with the material
I have the Alcantara seat inserts and steering wheel. I like them both! My Lamborghini had an Alcantara interior with leather. Interestingly, my research showed that the Alcantara was much more expensive than the leather. Regardless, it is very comfortable.
Last edited by Scott Leonard; Oct 27, 2020 at 11:02 AM.
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by fpfaeth
Speaking of the sueded-seats, does anyone have the grey interior with sueded inserts? I'm curious if the console area is also sueded, as it is with, for example, black in 3LT. Thanks.
Originally Posted by Zymurgy
Yes, it is.
This thread has gotten me interested in the "sueded microfiber" when initially I didn't think I'd want it.
When you choose the "Napa leather seating surfaces with perforated sueded microfiber inserts" in the Builder, it requires that you add the "Sueded microfiber-wrapped steering wheel" so it sounds like you get both of those and the sueded console area for $595 (the cost added with the steering wheel)? If so, I assume that's the case for all the available colors, not just the gray that was asked about.
My impression is this "sueded microfiber" is not as smooth and is more porous than leather. In the age of Covid, when people are wiping down surfaces with wet disinfecting wipes, does anybody know what that would be like on this material? Would the cleaning solution soak in?
Sueded microfiber is composed of about 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane, giving increased durability and stain resistance. The appearance and tactile feel of the material is similar to that of suede.
Did not like it at all.
It just looks like cheap crap. Get the leather!!
Does this same material look like "cheap crap" when it is used in Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, etc.?
This stuff looks fantastic, wears like iron, and can be cleaned easily with a wet rag.
I was going to get the alcantara steering wheel when I was building my last Porsche, but the sales dude told me that it wouldn't look good after a few years because of the oil on your hands. Seating surfaces apparently hold up well, but not high touch surfaces like a steering wheel. After that, I never chanced it and always went with leather on future builds.
I disagree with those that say the sueded microfiber shows early wear, even on the steering wheel my 2015 still looks like new. Now, if your prone to get into your Vette with greasy/dirty hands, anything you touch will get the same. IMHO, the perforated leather seat inserts on light colored interiors look dirty even when brand new. Not so with the sueded microfiber and, as stated above more comfortable in hot or cold.
Note how the perforation patterns add a shaded/dirty look to the leather only seats. Again, MHO.
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by foreverfuelie
I disagree with those that say the sueded microfiber shows early wear, even on the steering wheel my 2015 still looks like new. Now, if your prone to get into your Vette with greasy/dirty hands, anything you touch will get the same. IMHO, the perforated leather seat inserts on light colored interiors look dirty even when brand new. Not so with the sueded microfiber and, as stated above more comfortable in hot or cold.
Note how the perforation patterns add a shaded/dirty look to the leather only seats. Again, MHO.
I've certainly noticed that, but what I haven't been able to find is a close-up photo of a sueded seat... or steering wheel, for that matter, but I'm particularly wondering what the perforations look like on a sueded microfiber seat.
I first got suede/Alcantera on my 2012 Camaro ZL1 and loved the way it kept me in the seat while driving or tracking the car. Since then I have ordered it with my 2015 Z51 Corvette, 2018 Cayman GTS and our 2021 Z51 Corvette. All have had the the sueded steering wheel and seat inserts. Very easy to keep clean and a great feel. It might not be for everyone but I think it is great.
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
Alcantara vs. Leather
