Aurion Sportivo ZR6 Leather Interior

[SlayerT]

Hi there,

Don't suppose anyone knows what kind of leather is used on the ZR6? Are the whole seats made of leather, or is it only the door trims that are leather. My bro reckons the Seats are actually vinyl/leather (50/50).

I was given some Swissvax Leather conditioner and was thinking of using it on the seats, but it says not to use on Buffalo or suede, and is mainly for nappa leather which I believe is the leather used in high end cars like ferrari's and stuff.

[Steve]

I tried looking this up and all i am getting is Leather Accented Seats and Interior

[SlayerT]

Yeah I found the same description. That essentially means that there are small parts of leather (mainly door trims and sides of seats. I'm just not sure what material the base of the seats are and what type of leather. I was reading in some previous threads that toyota use Japanese leather sourced from India, which would suggest cow hide but is there any distinction between cow and buffalo leather. Very limited info on this, hard to decide exactly how to car for the leather.

I've been using motor one leather conditioner which gives a really nice smell of genuine leather but it doesn't really soften the leather much. Does everyone find that the base of their leather seats are a bit stiff? Or is that how they're meant to be? I was thinking of using some dubin wax which I use for my shoes, to try and soften the leather. What's everyone's thoughts .

[VIPZR6]

I was actually thinking about this the other day, after reading a thread on a BMW forum regarding leather care products. http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=167085

More or less though, that thread is going on about Nappa leather, which as you said was used for higher end europeans etc.

But if someone could enlighten us as to what the seats are actually covered in, would be helpful :)

(Currently, I use Meguiars Gold Class Leather Conditioner on all seats and leather trim)

[SlayerT]

Looks like this has become a too hard basket :g: topic. I wonder if anyone from Toyota even knows the answer.

[nzzr6]

Would be helpful to know, the leather seats in my ZR6 are looking a bit tired...

[Steven]

The seats ARE leather, but a very cheap low grade thin leather. It's a typical thing done by manufacturers of non-luxo brands.

[VIPZR6]

Need to acquire Lexus seats maybe? :D

[SlayerT]

Does anyone here have a Lexus. If so where do you live and what times of the day are you out..... LOL

[VIPZR6]

GS350 interior looks to be the go :)

[SlayerT]

Me like big time!!!!!! I wonder if they have any at the wreckers. Wonder if they fit perfectly or if you need to make mods.

Anyhow I've kinda tested out the Swissvax Leather conditioner (actually applied some to a small section last night but didn't mention it) and I would have to say that I'm pleased with the results. Initially after applying it I thought it was a bit too glossy, as the instructions say not to wipe excess off (unlike the Motor One stuff) just leave to let the leather soak it up. I've just taken a look and the area appears to have absorbed it and has gone from gloss to mild matte finish which I prefer. I also noticed that the applied section is more supple than the untreated area. Additionally, there is hardly anymore leather squeak noise when you sit down and its not so slippery as well. My verdict..... this is GOOD Sh*T

[SlayerT]

I'll try and attach some pics later tonight.

[VIPZR6]

Just had a look at their Aus distributor website, which one have you got?

http://www.swissvaxa...de=LEATHER-CARE

ED: wouldn't mind getting the kit as it looks to be pretty good value

Edited January 11, 2013 by VIPZR6

[SlayerT]

My mate said he got my kit from these guys: http://www.zas.com.au/product/627/swissvax_leather_care_kit.html

[SlayerT]

Freaks me out though how much Swissvax price their products. I have no doubt that it's premium stuff, but to pay $1469 for some Wax is beyond me. I suppose if you own a million dollar car, $1469 would be small change, they probably spend that much just to fill their tank once a week :D

[SlayerT]

Sorry correction, It was actually the Swissvax Leather milk which I used, that came with the kit. The leather cleaning product is also pretty good as it also provides a moisturisering effect at the same time. I also used some of the Elephant fat on the leather door trims.

[Redmac]

Hi Folks, First post, so apologies for any transgressions!

I have a 2008 Aurion Touring (NZ), and was also interested in the leather - where it was used and what treatments. Local Toyota could not recommend any treatment - surprised me as they are also the Lexus agents!

From inspection I would suggest that on the Touring model the leather is used on all the "touch" or "contact" surfaces, i.e. the surface you sit on and that you back goes against PLUS the area on the door panel on the arm rest and inside the arm rest handle. The sides and backs of the seats, etc. all appear to by vinyl. Fairly typical, from my experience, even with some higher end cars.

No guarantees implied, but having owned some 10 to 15 cars with leather trim over the years, I have found that a product called Effax Leather Balm does a real good job of keeping the leather looking and feeling good. Used it in a RR Silver Shadow I had as a chauffeured car with brides in white dresses with no problems!! A 500 ml pot cost me $NZ35 from the local saddlery (horsey people's shop!). As always, try it on a small area first. Hope that helps

[SlayerT]

Thanks redmac for the info, I'll have a look.