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Can someone explain exactly what this material is? Microfiber? Is it cool in the summer, and warm in the winter?
Does it wear as well or better than leather? How about that steering wheel? They force you into a microfiber wrapped steering wheel if you select that for the seat inserts. I hear that it does not wear well, especially with human body oils. I guess you could wear driving gloves.
Alcantara, or GM's version of it, is a proprietary microfiber whose exact composition is not disclosed For the purpose of discussion, we'll just call it "alcantara". Every manufacturer has their own material. Alcantara is used in may high end Lamborghini's, etc. as well as racing cars like Formula 1. It has the advantages of being cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It holds up just fine, driving gloves are not needed. An occasional cleaning and quick brush and it is as good as new. I would suggest a spray bottle of Sonax Extreme Alcantara cleaner and a small brush. It will last as long or longer than the treated leather used in these vehicles.
Though it's sometimes called “Alcantara suede,” it is a completely synthetic product that is not actually related to real suede, despite the resemblance in texture. ... It is also lighter, more stain-resistant, and more durable than natural suede.
From my 3 years experience daily-driving with microfiber it wears very well. Even the steering wheel. You need to follow the maintenance instructions in the owner’s manual.
I find it very comfortable; definitely cooler in summer and warmer in winter. I like the “feel” on the steering wheel and shifter as well.
All that being said, I’m not sure it’s worth the upcharge and I might not specify it on my C8...
I'm on my third car with GM's Alcantara. I love it. As others have said, it's cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It also holds up better than the faux leather interior found in most GM cars.
If it gets dirty, usually a towel dampened with water and a soft-haired brush is all that's needed to clean it. Sonax makes an Alcantara cleaner for those stubborn stains that aren't removed with just water.
I have it throughout my ZL1 and upgraded to Alcantar seat inserts and steering wheel on my C8.
Thanks! I got it from Wildhammer. They take stock steering wheels from 6 cylinder gen 6 Camaros and skin them with carbon fiber. The wheel grip ends up being a little thicker than stock. I personally like the feel of the thicker wheel.
Wikipedia has a very good article on Alcantara, describing it as composed of about 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane, and produced using various mechanical procedures.
Alcantara is a company, a brand and a material name. The company Alcantara is Italian:
Based in Italy, the Company operates globally through two locations: its headquarters in Milan, and its site in Nera Montoro (Terni), in the heart of Umbria, where the production plant and the Research and Development Centre are located, spanning a total area of 586,180 square metres.
Sueded Microfiber is the generic version of Alcantara. Lots of makers of sueded microfiber.
Personally I don't like it on the steering wheel as the fur gets all clogged up with sweat and whatever. Kinda gross after a while. You need to clean it with special cleaners or you could damage it.
Alcantara is a company, a brand and a material name. The company Alcantara is Italian:
Sueded Microfiber is the generic version of Alcantara. Lots of makers of sueded microfiber.
This. I recently purchased 2 yards of Italian Alcantara in factory match color to cover the interior plastic trim pieces in my Carbon Edition. Instantly transforms the interior from the complained about “cheap” appearance to a more high-end appearance. Here are some examples. If you order that option and plan to keep the car for awhile, I’d recommend covering the plastics to give the interior an even more upscale look & feel.
Here is the concern, there are two camps. One says the steering wheel in micro-fiber is a non issue. The other says the fake suede will get dirty, matted, and will require constant attention.
I want a leather wrapped steering wheel, with micro-fiber seat inserts. But If that is not possible (it isn't), I'll go straight Napa.
Here is the concern, there are two camps. One says the steering wheel in micro-fiber is a non issue. The other says the fake suede will get dirty, matted, and will require constant attention.
I want a leather wrapped steering wheel, with micro-fiber seat inserts. But If that is not possible (it isn't), I'll go straight Napa.
I like the look of it, just not the feel. Leather on my steering wheels.
Here is the concern, there are two camps. One says the steering wheel in micro-fiber is a non issue. The other says the fake suede will get dirty, matted, and will require constant attention.
I want a leather wrapped steering wheel, with micro-fiber seat inserts. But If that is not possible (it isn't), I'll go straight Napa.
You can't get the micro suede inserts without paying for the steering wheel.
These discussions always have posts regarding the steering wheel material not wearing well and getting dirty easily, but i wonder if any of these folks have any actual experience with it.
I, for one, do. I drove an Audi TTRS for three+ years on a daily basis. When I sold the car, the steering wheel and shifter looked like the day I purchased the car. A cleaning every month or two with Sonax was the trick. I did not eat in the car.
I even "restored" the steering wheel on a friend's GT350 after two years of use/abuse, and it came back to "like-new" condition. Hot water, a clean microfiber towel, and some Sonax does the trick. I used a toothbrush after cleaning to raise the pile.
I have zero reservations ordering the micro suede seat inserts and steering wheel for my HTC. The seats will definitely be more comfortable - cooler, breathe better, and less slippery.
Best of luck with your purchase! I saw your other post on you and your wife's decision to go with Torch Red.
I had the microfiber wheel and seats in my 2015 Z51, my wife's ATS-V, and my 2017 Grand Sport. I tracked the Z51 and GS, put 20,000 miles on each car, including the V, and live in Texas where temps are hot and hands get sweaty. My wife even puts lotion on her hands regularly. I never saw any issues in any of my cars. Never had to use any cleaners, they still looked like new when I sold each car.
My C8 has TPW in July, I ordered 3LT with suede, and also the red stitching so that the console and additional pieces are also suede. Cant wait to see it.
Microfiber?
