Whats so great about "alcantera"?

[smellyborrelli]

I have just gotten to the point that I could a afford a newer, nicer car...I Noticed something odd while shopping around..

It seems like automakers are making a big deal out of "Alcantera" interior and accents and such.. including the new Z4 and 07 GT3s that I have been looking at..

I Guess I just expected it to be something more than a Synthetic Fake version of suede leather..

In all honesty it just seems like a fancy way to re-market cloth interior...

Am I missing something?

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by smellyborrelli

I have just gotten to the point that I could a afford a newer, nicer car...I Noticed something odd while shopping around..

It seems like automakers are making a big deal out of "Alcantera" interior and accents and such.. including the new Z4 and 07 GT3s that I have been looking at..

I Guess I just expected it to be something more than a Synthetic Fake version of suede leather..

In all honesty it just seems like a fancy way to re-market cloth interior...

Am I missing something?

I like some of the Alcantara accessories for the M3 and Z4M. Its like a suede soft material almost like microfiber to some extent. I have the Alcantara shiftknob on my Z4M (these fade quickly though) and at one time had the steering wheel but I have seen full dashboards and door panels and it looks a lot better but its costly IMO. To much for what its worth. I have a full interior shot of an M3 I saw at HPF's. Looks 10X's better than an all leather/black interior. I will post it when I get home.

[Spaceman Spiff]

It has better grip, is cooler in the summer/warmer in the winter and ages better than leather in most cases but you're right, it's basically synthetic cloth. I think leather is more luxurious and alcantera is more sporty/low maintenance.

[smellyborrelli]

Yeah thats what I kinda figured. I just read that its much more durable than real suede and leather.. I think they just advertize it the way they do because the word sounds cool/fancy haha

[Spaceman Spiff]

Not only it looks good but also it's cheaper than leather. Maybe I am too jaded but I think where leather is now standard, manufacturers will move first to Alcantara/leather as standard and then to just Alcantara interior and charge more for leather as a package.

[wyatth]

Not sure I'd agree that alcantara is low-maintenance.

[BTM]

oils from your skin also tend to make it look like shit. Ever seen pics of an E46 ZHP with 60k and a ratty looking steering wheel?

[smellyborrelli]

is that alcantera or suede?

[BTM]

alcantera, which is basically synthetic suede

[dazed^]

Inferior to leather IMO, particularly in a roadster.

I think there has been some weird obsession growing with cloth interiors in American E36 internet communities, simply because there were fewer cars delivered over there with cloth (deemed to cheap for that market, I guess, like some of the 4 cyl models). Now the rarity is prized, and fugly cloth interiors with 80s-looking color patterns are sought after...

[Mirko]

Originally Posted by wyatth

Not sure I'd agree that alcantara is low-maintenance.

From all I've read it wears a lot faster than leather. I had an alcantara shift boot and e-brake boot on my ZHP and they were nicer looking than leather. Don't think I'd want seats or a steering wheel though. A little is nice but too much and its over done and ugly.

[dreamingat30fps]

I hate the alcantara! I was actually looking at a used 370z a few weeks ago with low miles. The alcantara looked like crap. And it was a light color so you could see all the dirt and stains on it. I want my leather!

[smellyborrelli]

great info guys. Im glad that I asked . I think ill go for a full leather interior. just like my M coupe

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by Mirko

From all I've read it wears a lot faster than leather. I had an alcantara shift boot and e-brake boot on my ZHP and they were nicer looking than leather. Don't think I'd want seats or a steering wheel though. A little is nice but too much and its over done and ugly.

Yup you are correct, a lot faster if used everyday.

[ZStig]

A lot of mis-informed people here, and everywhere else because of incorrect marketing. Alcantara is a brand of a microsuede that is a very high quality, with a very good wear rating, and a very plush texture. http://www.alcantara.com/content/en/...ons/automotive

It is NOT cheaper than leather

Most "alcantara" steering wheels coversare actually just reversed leather, and since the fibers sticking out are no longer fed by the animal's nutrients, they quickly dry off and fall off. Thats why many "alcantara" steering wheels look like shit to soon.

Now, a lot of car manufacturers use real Alcantara (tm), and it lasts a long time. MANY others have some bullshit microsuade thats made by monkeys in someone's attic.

Basically, if its actual real brand Alcantara ultrasuede, it will look and feel great for many years, and people are starting to prefer it because of the sporty look it gives while giving a VERY nice texture to the touch. Its also easy to maintain. It is rated to 200k rubs

[BIMMERGUY91]

I like it but the steering wheels get nasty. My buddies ZHP steering wheel is so gross

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by BIMMERGUY91

I like it but the steering wheels get nasty. My buddies ZHP steering wheel is so gross

its not Alcantara.

[BTM]

Good info on "real" alcantara vs. substitutes. Alcantara has become the brand name to define the product...just like Kleenex or Windex. Point remains that whatever BMW has used for alcantara type surface, whether real or not, ends up wearing poorly IMO.

[ZStig]

good analogy

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

A lot of mis-informed people here, and everywhere else because of incorrect marketing. Alcantara is a brand of a microsuede that is a very high quality, with a very good wear rating, and a very plush texture. http://www.alcantara.com/content/en/...ons/automotive

It is NOT cheaper than leather

Most "alcantara" steering wheels coversare actually just reversed leather, and since the fibers sticking out are no longer fed by the animal's nutrients, they quickly dry off and fall off. Thats why many "alcantara" steering wheels look like shit to soon.

Now, a lot of car manufacturers use real Alcantara (tm), and it lasts a long time. MANY others have some bullshit microsuade thats made by monkeys in someone's attic.

Basically, if its actual real brand Alcantara ultrasuede, it will look and feel great for many years, and people are starting to prefer it because of the sporty look it gives while giving a VERY nice texture to the touch. Its also easy to maintain. It is rated to 200k rubs

While I agree, the OEM Alcantara shiftknobs wear out in 6 months. I have went through 5-10 of them with my M3 and Z4M over years of ownership. lol
$100+ a piece gets old. LOL

[ZStig]

are you 100% sure they're not just suede?

[BTM]

It appears BMW uses Alcantara brand

http://int.alcantara.com/#/en/menu/a...otive/bmw/info

Alcantara maintenance info:

http://int.alcantara.com/#/en/menu/t...ry_maintenance