Yeah, my luck with worn bolsters or interior things has never been that generous on any car.. Porsche historically in my experience likes to claim normal wear on most things no matter how crappy the original part was.

It just all depends on how you use the car and how long you intend to keep it.. If I was leasing, then I wouldn't care much.... If I didn't DD, I probably wouldn't care all that much either.. But for me , I DD and intend on keeping the car for several years (5+) so I tend to be very mindful of materials in cars that tend to deteriorate and show wear over longer periods.

But of course everyone should get what appeals to them..

 

I really like the feel of Alcantra and the seats and steering wheel in Alcantra along with the center lock hubs were things I really like about the 997 GTS. In fact, I was ready to buy one then decided to go with the 991 instead.

As the center lock wheels have proven problematic and the Alcantra does not seem to wear well, two more things to love about the 991.

 

center lock wheels are problematic in the fact people don't like how much arm strength it takes to lock them. I mean if you don't change your wheels and take your car to a dealer this is irrelevant. And if you do change your wheels use this as an incentive to hit the gym. And like the above poster said, if you aren't keeping your car for 5+ years then get alcantera if you want.

 

I remember a couple of years ago reading posts about the hubs failing, wheels falling off and a recall of GT3's with center locks, which was due to more than just a lack of elbow grease and using the correct tools. In fact, there seemed to be several people who converted back as it was so much simpler to deal with lug-nuts. If you google "Porsche 997 center lock wheel problems" you will find more info. Perhaps the new ones are better, don't really know.

As I take my wheels off regularly and plan on keeping the car for 10+ years, this applies directly to me, but I am not implying that everybody has had a bad experience with center lock wheels. Especially those who always have their cars serviced by the dealer, so are immune to any of the challenges while enjoying the ascetics.

With regards to Alcantra, maybe I'll use it for a race car steering wheel as I always wear gloves and the grip is great, but not on the 991 or a street car in general.

 

Exactly. I have had the CL wheels on my GTS for three years and never had any type of issue with them. I will say that I don't change the wheels myself, or frequently track my car. If I did, I might feel differently. And the extra maintenance requirements your hear about for the CL wheels, are for cars used at the track.

 

Thanks for all the input...it is a DD for me, but historically I don't keep cars beyond 25-30k miles. However this may end up being different... if I like it well enough, I may make it a third vehicle after a couple years and buy a Macan. So I am concerned with wear. I really like the looks of it but I think I will take the advice of the consensus and go leather. Then the only thing I'll have to worry about is missing my 991!

 

Don't look up

 

They will have to pry my cool butt of those vented leather seats....