[Porsche2018]

Now that you are proud owners of the GTS models let us know your feelings about the Alcantara interior finishes. Some people love it but others not so much.......What is the feel, comfort, and wear characteristics of the Alcantara in the cabin, and I am especially interested in your thoughts about an Alcantara finished steering wheel? Would you prefer more or less Alcantara and why?

 

[photonscience]

I had a 2015 carmine red 981 GTS with the alcantara black interior and carmine red stitching. Over time I began to dislike the alcantara because it always had a worn look to it. It wasn't really worn, just the flattening of the "nap" where I sat contrasted to the direction of the nap where there was less contact. When I brushed it a bit, I could get the naps to match, but I was too lazy to do so very often. Another reason I didn't like the alcantara is that it is too grippy. That's a positive if you intend to track the car, but for my 70 year old body, getting out of a Cayman with leather is relatively easy since it is "slippery". The alcantara made the effort just a bit higher. The steering wheel alcantara definitely showed signs of frequent use after about a year including some light staining.

I much prefer Porsche's leather interiors to alcantara (especially the natural leather interiors). OTOH, if someone took some reasonable care of the alcantara interior, I'm sure it would continue to look fine.

 

[GusRandall]

Before I got my 718, I was looking for a 981GTS without Alcantara because I play basketball 3 times a week and really didn't want something so absorbent. As it is, I wrap myself with towels but some moisture inevitably gets through - on regular leather, that is not an issue but I'm sure it would look bad with Alcantara. Also, you can't have ventilated seats in Alcantara and I LOVE ventilated seats (living in Austin).

 

[NXM]

Too early to tell about any wearing issues as I have only had my CGTS for a couple of weeks.

First impressions of it are very good. It looks and feels absolutely fantastic. It elevates the cabin and lifts it so it feels even more premium than the normal cabin (which is pretty special to begin with).

It makes the GTS feel like a different car to the other 718 models.

I was aware of some people having issues with the wear of the alcantara but did my research and others have had no problems. I also looked at a used 911GTS they had in the showroom with the GTS interior pack. That had done 50,000 miles and the interior looked brand new.

I also had a bit of alcantara on a previous car, although only on small parts of the interior and not on the steering wheel which obviously will be most susceptible to wear. I didn't find it an issue there provided I was careful and kept it clean.

Hopefully it will wear well. It's Porsche so I'm expecting/hoping it should be robust and I was happy to take that chance as I loved the look and feel of the GTS interior pack so much.

Ask me again in a year or two and see how I feel then!

 

[Porsche2018]

If anyone has recommendations on the care and maintenance of the Alcantara that would be helpful. Car detailing is of particular interest to me and possibly others so if there are any cleaning products or cleaning aids you have found useful please feel free to share that information. I have read where some cleaning products (cleaners and brushes) are useful while others recommend nothing more than a damp microfiber towel.

 

[NXM]

If anyone has recommendations on the care and maintenance of the Alcantara that would be helpful. Car detailing is of particular interest to me and possibly others so if there are any cleaning products or cleaning aids you have found useful please feel free to share that information. I have read where some cleaning products (cleaners and brushes) are useful while others recommend nothing more than a damp microfiber towel.

These guys know what they are talking about https://www.autofinesse.co.uk/alcantara-cleaning-guide/

 

[dpcompt]

Alcantara

I had an Audi A4 S-Line with Alcantara seating and after 35,000 miles, the cloth looked like new. I really like the leather in my '17CS, but wouldn't mind Alcantara.

 

[panda]

Not an owner but we had alcantara in the now gone Macan. It wasn't bad as it looks nice for the contrast, but 100% we would pick the sport-tex seats (current interior). If the alcantara wheel really helps with your enjoyment on the track then I would just get one on the side and swap them out for those track days. The 981GTS I sat in that had it was gross, the wheel was definitely soaked in oils and sweat. Instant turn off.

 

[GregW]

I know people who prefer the alcantara steering wheel but I like the leather--especially with a good pair of driving gloves for consistent grip.

I also agree with photoscience regarding entry and exit.

 

[FiscNad]

After what I read, I deleted the alcantara when I ordered my CGTS (should get it shortly). The sales representative showed me few used cars with alcantara interior... they all looked faded. Since I want to keep my car for 7-8 years, I only kept alcantara for the ceiling and ordered Sport-Tex (which comes with the full leather interior and silver contrasting stitches). Very nice and confortable. I got the carbon fiber multi fonction steering. The resin on the carbon fiber is very grippy. I loved the feel in my friend's Ferrari 488 GTB. I know its not a popular option, but I personally love it.


But yes! IMO Alcantara looks and feels great.

 

[Porsche2018]

I have been reading about the care of Alcantara and a product that is recommended by several car detailers is: Sonax (206141) Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner 8.45 Fl oz. Not sure if this product is available in all countries but here in the USA it is. There is a video of Sonax being used by the owner of Obsessed Garage* but he is rubbing a little harder than is generally recommended. Though, I posted the video* to illustrate the method of application and to demonstrate how effective the cleaner is. The second video is by Larry Kosilla of AMMONYC products his approach is a little to fastidious but that will balance out the first video. My intention is to use an application method somewhere in between these two gentlemen. All the people discussing the care of Alcantara recommend a blotting technique and gentle rubbing is best. The other consistent recommendation is the use of white microfiber towels to avoid dye transfer. Probably only need to use the cleaner every 6 months to a year. During my routine detailing I will gently vacuum the Alcantara and use both a dry and damp white microfiber towel.

 

[OldJedi]

Thanks for the videos. I have had Alcantera in a couple of my cars for years. I have used damp black microfiber towels on my black Alcantera seats and wheels to keep them clean.