Why does GM use Alcantara?

protovack · 07-20-2018, 02:38 AM

Okay, after having my SS 1LE for a few weeks, I finally broke down and admitted to myself that I don't like Alcantara. I tried to like it. I really did. But I couldn't kid myself any longer.
I contacted Matt at Wildhammer Motor Sports and he sent me out a base SS leather wrapped wheel and shift knob. He also informed me that he has had multiple people request this switch. So much better! The car was just not right and this change fixed it.

Why? While I know that many people like it, I have a hypothesis that there are a good number of people out there who have convinced themselves they like it but actually don't. Alcantara is not a natural material and it feels that way. It has an artificially slick texture. Absolutely nothing like real suede. I think the reason they do it is just a textural thing--its a different texture, novel, and it differentiates the 1LE and ZL1 as unique products.

If your hands are wet, it does grip well. But my hands are never wet while I'm driving so that's not really an advantage for me. Perhaps people who sweat a lot need it?

I just think overall, that the leather wheel and knob are just really nice and I'm really glad I made the switch. If there is anyone else out there in the process of trying to convince themselves that they "like" alcantara, take my advice, just go ahead and find a leather wheel. You'll be a lot happier.

motorhead · 07-20-2018, 04:47 AM

I never liked it either. Other manufacturers use it as well to somehow try and make their customers that buy the highend models feel special. It doesn't hold up well either and getts very ratty looking as it ages.

Vtor_ZL1 · 07-20-2018, 05:31 AM

I have same opinion. My hands get "tired" as you have to squeeze wheel to maintain any sort of grip. Unlike leather, where there is, let's call it natural stick. With that said, I would have preferrred elbow armrest pad to be suede and wheel in leather.

Are 2016 steering wheels interchangeable with 2018 ?

Timbo-1LE · 07-20-2018, 07:16 AM

Works great with gloves at track

ST1LE · 07-20-2018, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo-1LE

Works great with gloves at track

This! Also really helps keep you from shifting in the seats. It isn't ideal for bare hands though, that is for sure. That said, I love it and am buying an alcantara wheel for my M.

Vtor_ZL1 · 07-20-2018, 08:32 AM

What I find odd is that material in the seats does not feel the same as steering wheel. Steering wheel - slipery, seats, grippy, leather arm rest - even grippier.

ToeKnee Sea · 07-20-2018, 09:22 AM

After getting my 1LE I lasted a month with the alcantara steering wheel. I searched for a long time for a steering wheel cover that fits a 14" wide steering wheel. Finally found one made for 13.5 to 14.5. Motor trend brand - goofy as it sounds, was only one that is small enough. I like it much better now.

BradfordCamaro · 07-20-2018, 09:33 AM

Not to be captain obvious but it is used in the Track/Performance model of the Camaro.
The attributes that some, as you say, do not like are wanted when performance driving.

Cgocifer · 07-20-2018, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradfordCamaro

Not to be captain obvious but it is used in the Track/Performance model of the Camaro.
The attributes that some, as you say, do not like are wanted when performance driving.

Yup

Grippier than slick leather or leatherette. Many sports and high performance cars use it for this purpose. And, I also like it because it doesnt burn your hands or arse when it is oven hot in the car after sitting out in the sun.

kropscamaro16 · 07-20-2018, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo-1LE

Works great with gloves at track

yup i love the look of it but when i used to daily it with bare hands it sucked lol but on the track with gloves its awesome and now its not my daily anymore so not too bad

WILWAXU · 07-20-2018, 10:40 AM

I love it

Ryanbabz71 · 07-20-2018, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WILWAXU

I love it

Me too

Ryan B.

Alpha1BC · 07-20-2018, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo-1LE

Works great with gloves at track

Ditto. I have gloves for track use, and for street use I picked up a set of leather driving gloves for cheap online. Feels great with those, too.

Ebbsnflows · 07-20-2018, 11:29 AM

I like it too. It doesn't hold/transmit extreme heat or cold like leather does.

My only complaint about the steering wheel is the size. It feels tiny in my hands - like it would be better suited in a Mini-Cooper for some other microscopic vehicle.

07-20-2018, 02:38 AM	#1
protovack Drives: 2019 2LT 2.0T M6 Riverside Blue Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: WA Posts: 847	Why does GM use Alcantara? Okay, after having my SS 1LE for a few weeks, I finally broke down and admitted to myself that I don't like Alcantara. I tried to like it. I really did. But I couldn't kid myself any longer. I contacted Matt at Wildhammer Motor Sports and he sent me out a base SS leather wrapped wheel and shift knob. He also informed me that he has had multiple people request this switch. So much better! The car was just not right and this change fixed it. Why? While I know that many people like it, I have a hypothesis that there are a good number of people out there who have convinced themselves they like it but actually don't. Alcantara is not a natural material and it feels that way. It has an artificially slick texture. Absolutely nothing like real suede. I think the reason they do it is just a textural thing--its a different texture, novel, and it differentiates the 1LE and ZL1 as unique products. If your hands are wet, it does grip well. But my hands are never wet while I'm driving so that's not really an advantage for me. Perhaps people who sweat a lot need it? I just think overall, that the leather wheel and knob are just really nice and I'm really glad I made the switch. If there is anyone else out there in the process of trying to convince themselves that they "like" alcantara, take my advice, just go ahead and find a leather wheel. You'll be a lot happier.

07-20-2018, 05:31 AM	#3
Vtor_ZL1 Who Needs to KNOW? Drives: 18 ZLE Join Date: May 2018 Location: Left Side of the Moon Posts: 1,771	I have same opinion. My hands get "tired" as you have to squeeze wheel to maintain any sort of grip. Unlike leather, where there is, let's call it natural stick. With that said, I would have preferrred elbow armrest pad to be suede and wheel in leather. Are 2016 steering wheels interchangeable with 2018 ? __________________ ing for grip. Are you in the NY/NJ/PA/CT region? Join us for autox fun at MetLife Stadium. HUGE lots, tons of runs. http://www.motorsportsne.com/

07-20-2018, 08:32 AM	#6
Vtor_ZL1 Who Needs to KNOW? Drives: 18 ZLE Join Date: May 2018 Location: Left Side of the Moon Posts: 1,771	What I find odd is that material in the seats does not feel the same as steering wheel. Steering wheel - slipery, seats, grippy, leather arm rest - even grippier. __________________ ing for grip. Are you in the NY/NJ/PA/CT region? Join us for autox fun at MetLife Stadium. HUGE lots, tons of runs. http://www.motorsportsne.com/

07-20-2018, 09:33 AM	#8
BradfordCamaro SABIO Drives: 2016 CAMARO 1SS Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Bradford, ON Posts: 5,012	Not to be captain obvious but it is used in the Track/Performance model of the Camaro. The attributes that some, as you say, do not like are wanted when performance driving. __________________

07-20-2018, 10:40 AM	#11
WILWAXU Drives: 2019 Crush ZL1 1LE Join Date: May 2009 Location: League City, TX Posts: 544 View My Garage	I love it __________________ John Brown Instagram @wilwaxu Facebook @wilwaxu

07-20-2018, 04:47 AM	#2
motorhead Drives: Love the one you're with Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Downtown Charlie Brown Posts: 11,850	I never liked it either. Other manufacturers use it as well to somehow try and make their customers that buy the highend models feel special. It doesn't hold up well either and getts very ratty looking as it ages.

07-20-2018, 07:16 AM	#4
Timbo-1LE Drives: 2017 SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Florida Posts: 617	Works great with gloves at track

07-20-2018, 09:22 AM	#7
ToeKnee Sea Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Harrisburg, NC Posts: 96	After getting my 1LE I lasted a month with the alcantara steering wheel. I searched for a long time for a steering wheel cover that fits a 14" wide steering wheel. Finally found one made for 13.5 to 14.5. Motor trend brand - goofy as it sounds, was only one that is small enough. I like it much better now.

07-20-2018, 11:29 AM	#14
Ebbsnflows Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1-1LE Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Western NC Posts: 405	I like it too. It doesn't hold/transmit extreme heat or cold like leather does. My only complaint about the steering wheel is the size. It feels tiny in my hands - like it would be better suited in a Mini-Cooper for some other microscopic vehicle. __________________ 2018 Camaro ZL1/1LE

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