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Alcantara Steering Wheel

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by valentin, Dec 4, 2015.

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  1. valentin

    valentin Rookie

    Mar 20, 2012
    9
    #1 valentin, Dec 4, 2015
    Hello there,

    I'm really considering to upholster my F430 steering wheel in Alcantara. The real deal, not just some imitation, and the special material for steering wheels.

    Can you please post pics of your steering wheels, as well to tell me if it really feels much more grippy than leather, even without gloves, or it was only me (I drove M4 with such a wheel).

    Thanks.
     
  2. absent

    absent F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa

    Nov 2, 2003
    8,810
    illinois
    Full Name:
    mark k.
    #2 absent, Dec 6, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I just used Nexon to make a steering wheel for my S8 Plus that is arriving later this month:
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  3. valentin

    valentin Rookie

    Mar 20, 2012
    9
    #3 valentin, Dec 8, 2015
    That looks super sweet!
    However I am based in Europe.

    I'm interested in the wear and tear. I have very good connections with the Alcantara S.p.A. and the guy swears their thing is the best and super-durable, however it's like Lambo, Ferrari and Porsche - they all say their cars are the best, so I will rather get unbiased opinions. I see a lot of complaints on the boards, however they concern "microsuede" so just various imitations of Alcantara, and I have seen Alcantara doing pretty well with fading - there was practically none.
     
  4. absent

    absent F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa

    Nov 2, 2003
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    mark k.
    #4 absent, Dec 8, 2015
    I have a 2014 E63S with original OEM alcantara steering wheel.
    It has about 20k miles and it is starting to show very, very small signs of wear but probably no more then regular leather would.
     
  5. Robin

    Robin F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,931
    Arlington, VA
    #5 Robin, Dec 8, 2015
    My 355 came from the factory with a suede/alcantara steering wheel. It actually felt pretty slippery, although I have a feeling that driving gloves would stick like glue. I liked the look but after long drives I'd have black marks on my thumbs. You can sorta see where it was being worn down in the pics:

    http://i.imgur.com/B9yhMLD.jpg
    http://i.imgur.com/wzU8rpL.jpg
     
  6. valentin

    valentin Rookie

    Mar 20, 2012
    9
    #6 valentin, Dec 8, 2015
    Robin - that's really badly worn :O

    Since you got it directly from Ferrari, i guess it is genuine material. Possible causes:

    1.It is not actually Alcantara, and back then Ferrari worked with another supplier for the micro-suede.

    2.Alcantara's quality back then sucked big time.

    I might send you a piece of the material if you are keen on reupholstering your steering wheel, once I get it. I'm getting the Multilayer variant (specifically made for steering wheels). I'm not sure when it was introduced. If not you gotta get a whole yard.

    Everyone who decides to get an Alcantara steering wheel - ask the guys doing it, if they work with Alcantara Multilayer, Alcantara Cover or Panel. Sadly, most use Cover, since it is offered in many different colors (and is 20% cheaper than Multilayer). Other colors than black from the steering wheel variant (so Multilayer) are sold only to manufacturers, or you need to know somebody who works for Alcantara for them to arrange some for you.
     
  7. Entropy

    Entropy Formula 3
    Owner

    Jul 10, 2008
    2,149
    #7 Entropy, Dec 8, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I've had a few cars with Alcantara covered steering wheels. Mostly Porsches; I've also had a wheel done with (real, actual) Alcantara.

    In my experience, the alcantara material in a steering wheel feels nice, but it shows wear and matting, and gets smoothed out over time. I also think the oils from your hands affect the finish. For street driving and even "just fun" track driving, i find leather to be both more durable and to feel just fine.

    As reference, most race car wheels are either covered in actual suede, or a heavier artificial suede. (see attached pic). Hard to see, but the dash is actual (real) alcantara, the wheel is a Sabelt with suede cover. Wearing race gloves, the grip is great, however this also shows matting and wear.

    If you like the feel, go for it. If you drive a lot, I think you'll find the durability where your hands rest to be questionable. We alcantara carpets, they are awesome; we also have alcantara floor mats and the pressure points (i.e. where my heel rests and rotates) is clearly wearing more quickly - but replacing floor mats is easy.
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  8. valentin

    valentin Rookie

    Mar 20, 2012
    9
    #8 valentin, Dec 8, 2015
    Hello Entropy,

    very interesting entry, indeed.

    I have also heard about body oils having a bad effect on Alcantara, especially if you put some cream before driving - it can make it look nasty. I thought most of the racing cars use Alcantara, since it is widely used in F1 for both seats and steering wheels - the FR version doesn't burn. i.e. it takes a lot of time till the material starts to actually burn.

    Out of interest, I got into leather and stuff (I actually have Ferrari leather at home, like actual hides). I never knew they might use real suede for the steering wheel - it has a lot less tensile strength than smooth leather, depending on how it was sanded, the depth of the split, the tanning process etc. Overall it is said to be a lot less durable than normal nappa leather, but it makes sense for the grip with gloves, due to the fibers.

    My steering wheel looks nice as of today. Have to see if I can get the Alcantara only stitched around the steering wheel, so I can take it off after time, f.e. before putting it up for sale.
     
  9. Robin

    Robin F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,931
    Arlington, VA
    #9 Robin, Dec 9, 2015
    Thanks! I actually sold the car a few years ago. The new owner promptly blew up the transmission and as far as I know it's been parked ever since.. But yea it definitely wore out a LOT where I hold the wheel. I do believe the body oils thing played a factor as the leather dye wore off onto my hands and the areas I grip turned perfectly smooth. My current car has a factory optioned "thick" steering wheel covered in leather and I definitely prefer the feel.
     

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