Serious question for once: What is the advantage of alcantera over leather? Seems it commands a premium over the same part covered in leather.
I kind of wondered the same thing. I wouldn't like it, I don't like the feel, it's like MicroFiber, that is just too soft.
Here's a marketing piece about Alcantara http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/process/design_services/display/store4/item132499/ P.S. It's Alcantara (all "a")
I think texture and durability are the main selling points. The next is for animal lovers such as me that would rather go with a non leather option if available. Don't get me wrong I love a nice leather interior and I wear leather shoes. But, just as I only eat organic free range meat (when I can) and drink organic milk, if given the choice I'd most likely get the Alcantara. When I do choose leather goods I try to find companies that are inline with my views. Wilson Leather and Sued use meat packing leathers, so any coat sold by them isn't being killed solely for its hide. Unfortunately how that animal was treated before and during it got there I can't tell you.
" its high coefficient of friction locates the occupant more securely in their seat than any other car furnishing material," yeah I guess my headliner is alcantra, lot of good it does! Will my head not slide? ha! It does look nice though
Feels good looks good marketing gimic like Diamonds<< vast quantity monopolized indursty. senna21 a little of topic free range does not gauratee safety like kosher/halal, another words the blood has to come out(cut at the neck instead of zapped or twisted.lol) in order for the meat to taste good and stay pure from microbacteria and toxins.
It is very comfortable in hot and cold climate. It keeps your ass glued to the seat when needed without the need for an elaborate racing seat.
Its on the roof because it's light and it's used on many racing applications. It makes the interior look more like a purpose built racer instead of a luxury sports ride. Whether it works is debatable, but its primary purpose is for show when its not on seating surfaces. Mark PS: It is pretty excellent for holding you in the seat....but does try to untuck your dress shirts if you move even the slightest inch.
I had Alcantara seats in my Lexus IS200. Loved it! I'd chose Alcantara over leather any day. It has to be "maintained", or else it won't age well. It's also great on steering wheels.
OK so the stuff is just the mutt's nuts. I'll concede. But. You have the homecoming queen in your passenger seat: HCQ: Wow! I love your car! FerrariStudThatsYou: Thanks, Its a Ferrari and it increases my testosterone 300%. HCQ: Kewl! FSTY: <Tenses arm muscles to show definition> HCQ: I love this leather! FSTY: It's not leather, its alcantara. HCQ: Huh? FSTY: It's a man-made product thats combines most of the properties of petro-chemicals with a leather-like look. HCQ: Oh! Like Naugahyde! FSTY: No! Not at all like Naugahyde! This is a modern product thats lighter than leather and more stable and breathes. HCQ: Oh! Pleather! FSTY: No! Not like pleather at all! It cost a lot! HCQ: I think I should get out now.
Headliners don't show heelprints. Muffles screams of terrified passengers better too. Really easy to care for, holds you in place better, and is actually quieter, leather doesn't creak as much. Handles heat. Have had is for years in cars, E39 M5, E38 750, Lexus, W12 Audi, 599, etc. Look at cheap headliners in some cars- my old 911 had the holed white pleather, and new Jag XF has a waffle pattern substance that belongs in a Crewcab Dodge. Far better than mousefur in Dino or my old Daytona, or that stuff they used in Stradales- that stuff fades like crazy in TX sun.
I thought they used Alcantara in Stradales, guess I've been mistaken. I've only been in an STi which has Alcantara, and I just didn't like the feeling.
i was pleasantly surprised to find an alcantra steering wheel in the used audi tt i bought this summer...really like the feel and look of it and wouldn't mind a full interior of the stuff... the days of leather being exclusive or ,in many applications, even desirable are long gone.
I was recommended to have my dashboard top and instrument binnacle on my 308 GTB recovered in Alacantara to reduce the dangerously blinding reflection of the leather on the windscreen which 308/328 owners are fully aware of when the sun is at a certain level,sometimes even street lighting can affect visibility. I do not know if it works as I have learnt to live with it as I want to keep my car as orignal as possible. Regards, Tom.
My 2008.5 Mazdaspeed3 GT has leather and Alcantara seats and door panels and I think it looks and feels great...