I going through the options lists for this car, I am debating whether or not to switch out (at extra cost) the Alcantara seat inserts on my 2011 GT3 for leather. I'm not a real fan of the alcantara look and I'm concerned that when I treat the leather bolsters that it might be near impossible to ensure that none of the leather cleaner/rejuvinator (I use LEATHERIQUE) touches the alcantara inserts...and if so...what then. What is the care and feeding of alcantara and are those who have these cars finding it wears and cleans well? Thanks

 

It is quite easy to clean alcantara, its like regular cloth. But be aware: alcantara wears pretty quick!

I had to switch my steering wheel and shifter in about a year and a half, I went back to leather... I would upgrade to leather if I were you

 

I found the seat wear is ok but the steering wheel deteriorates quickly,,get sort of clumpy.

 

Porsche and MBZ have the best Alcantera. Good for garage queens (like my turbo), bad for daily drivers.

 

Wear driving gloves to keep the steering wheel free of hand oil and wear.

 

What if it's you dd?

 

A trick of mine to upkeep the Alcantara:

I keep a 'microfiber body glove' in the glove compartment of my car. Every once a while or everytime after a long sweaty-palm driving, I put the glove on and wipe the Alcantara surface (steering wheel, shifter, handbrake, inside door armrest, seat surface, etc.) It takes only seconds, and it works wonder to upkeep the Alcantara surface.

With best regards,

P.S. Here is a sample picture of the 'microfiber body glove'. It is shown in pink color but they also came in other colors like green or orange to match our cool RS exterior colors If we don't know where to buy them, just ask our wife/girlfriend/significant-others and they will know.

 

http://www.alcantara.com/en_US/exper...icazioni.shtml

 

There you go - just buy 2 of these and use them as driving gloves - problem solved

 

I didn't mean track gloves but leather driving gloves. I've had my Alcantara steering wheel for about a year now and it still looks new because of wearing gloves.

 

You mean you don't wear gloves in your DD? I wear a Nomex racing suit in my DD. You should see the impressed looks the drivers in the cars next to me shoot my direction. I toss on my helmet for days I want to really impress the ladies.

 

Are you allowed to do that in public in your part of the world...

 

Nothing better for alcantara surfaces than alcantara gloves

Lightweight and ventilated, so seems appropriate for warm weather too (though you risk looking like a tool lol), to use as driving gloves, daily, away from the track.



http://http://www.beretta.com/Apparel/Spring-Summer-Man/Cloth-Access-Caps-Hats-Gloves/Gloves/Alcantara-Mesh-Gloves/index.aspx?m=82&f=2&id=1125

 

i wish i had gone with just leather.

 

steering wheel in smooth leather is a no cost option.