Alcantara Steering Wheels?

[allenyao09]

I've had leather steering wheels on all my previous cars, so I went with alcantara. I tried alcantara steering wheels from Porches and they felt really good. The alcantara from Lotus didn't disappoint me either. It's more grippy and more special.

 

[KCDarkV]

I make sure I don’t eat and drink in the car and love the alcantara on my steering wheel. I make sure I wash my hands before driving my car and it’s staying pretty clean.
Once a year I make a very weak solution of washing up liquid and water to clean it. I use a white towel that doesn’t shed fibres and wipe it down with clean water and clean part of the towel. Comes out like new.

Well that’s just reasonable behavior when you own a nice car.

 

[Speedy Emira]

Alcantara vs Leather, so few choices. If only Lotus were to also offer Synthetic Resin, hmmm View attachment 53596...

That sounds like a great idea but I’m not sure Lotus would want it described as having that, like having faux leather.
I’m sure the Porsche owners would love to pick up on that when comparison reviews are made.

 

[meenboli]

Alcantara just feels better to me - not sure it warrants 400 quid though - but it must do, because I spent it.

I'll update you in 5 years when it's absorbed a bit of McDonald's grease and dead skin... might change my mind then!

 

[seriously]

I have a confession to make. I too wanted to get alcantara for the sexy feel.

After talking to my cousin who tried and failed to keep his wheel clean I chickened out and went with leather. If I went with alcantara seats I would 100% go alcantara wheel and just do my best. I am OCD about keeping my car clean especially my wheel.

 

[meenboli]

I have a confession to make. I too wanted to get alcantara for the sexy feel.

After talking to my cousin who tried and failed to keep his wheel clean I chickened out and went with leather. If I went with alcantara seats I would 100% go alcantara wheel and just do my best. I am OCD about keeping my car clean especially my wheel.

There is always the option of having it re-covered when it's knackered - and then I can have yellow stitching on it too.

Why that was only an option on the auto I'll never know? (wheel's made at different factories I believe - but still...).

 

[pbhjelle]

Has anyone found a steering wheel cover/wrap that fits the emira well? I have the alcantara as well and I like it but I just know it won't hold up for long!

 

[Orchardbike]

This is the 3rd car I’ve had with an alcantara steering wheel and they’ve all held up fine

 

[Rapture]

Has anyone found a steering wheel cover/wrap that fits the emira well? I have the alcantara as well and I like it but I just know it won't hold up for long!

Alcantara is extremely durable and cleanable.

 

[seriously]

Alcantara is extremely durable and cleanable.

Fun fact is that alcantara is a synthetic material originally introduced not only for grip but durability. My cousin who is a designer told me that.

I think material costs are much cheaper than leather but it tends to be an upcharge for the consumer.

 

[daSchtick]

I switched out my leather wheel for a custom alcantara wheel from Greg's Racing Parts. This is the first car that I have owned with one, and I really like it, as it looks amazing and feels fantastic. To me, it adds to the special experience of the car. I still have the leather one, which will be perfectly preserved for the next owner, but I will be rocking the alcantara during my tenure.

 

[cyanmauve]

I switched out my leather wheel for a custom alcantara wheel from Greg's Racing Parts. This is the first car that I have owned with one, and I really like it, as it looks amazing and feels fantastic. To me, it adds to the special experience of the car. I still have the leather one, which will be perfectly preserved for the next owner, but I will be rocking the alcantara during my tenure.
View attachment 71381

Looks great!

 

[MapleOreo]

I put miles on my cars.
I don't want to spend a lot of cleaning.
So with how quickly the Alcantara gets dirty in my GT, I knew all leather in the Lotus was a must.
A quick wipe down, and I'm off.

 

[Toomanyloti]

Hopefully this might help.
After seeing this thread I thought I would nip in the garage and try the Sonax Alcantara/Upholstery cleaner i got for the Emira wheel cleaning.
6600 miles in two years and the 9 and 3 o'clock positions were almost flat shiney as most choosing an alcantara wheel fear will happen. I was so keen to have a go with it i forgot to take a photo of before - sorry
So this is after about 15 mins rubbing with a clean cotton cloth (old bedsheet)

Like new. Didnt brush it either thats still damp...

 

[Toomanyloti]

I think all options are interesting...

Race-tex in the new Taycan. Feels very luxurious compared to the leather I had in the previous one (4S CT)

Bently Leather on the old girl (very nice). Same guy upholstered the next three...

A bit unusual this is a rough suede on the Exige wheel. I really like it but its probably not as hard wearing as any other option...

I had the Esprit Momo done in leather with alcantara centre. Again it came out really well and suits the car (I think anyway).

 

[NJemira85]

Right. OK thanks. Far as I can see of the 80 or so Emira's on auto-trader right now (in the UK) around half have alcantara steering wheels. I can't believe half of the people are going to track these cars so regularly that such a thing would be seriously useful.

I can only think it's a fashion statement.

How is leather any less of a fashion statement?

Using your logic, for road driven cars, *all choices* are fashion statements…

 

[robrmon]

My opinion on this is to use the wheel as intended and enjoy it, and when ready for a refresh get @GRP to get me a new one.

 

[MapleOreo]

Hopefully this might help.
After seeing this thread I thought I would nip in the garage and try the Sonax Alcantara/Upholstery cleaner i got for the Emira wheel cleaning.
6600 miles in two years and the 9 and 3 o'clock positions were almost flat shiney as most choosing an alcantara wheel fear will happen. I was so keen to have a go with it i forgot to take a photo of before - sorry
So this is after about 15 mins rubbing with a clean cotton cloth (old bedsheet)

Like new. Didnt brush it either thats still damp...
View attachment 71405View attachment 71406View attachment 71407

Sonax is the best!