GM has an ulterior motive with the launch of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The sports car offering is not only meant to be the company's ultimate display of performance, but also an experiment in carbon fiber. The ZR1 is a test mule to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing carbon fiber parts in mass production vehicles. It also provides a means for GM to monitor the degradation of C.F. parts over time. The ZR1 is built with a carbon fiber roof, hood, front splitter, front fenders, side skirts, and spoiler. They make for a 35-pound weight saving over the standard Vette's fiberglass pieces.
GM hopes that carbon fiber will be the answer to vehicle weight reduction as safety requirements, among other things, have caused automobiles to pack on the pounds over the years. However, carbon fiber is currently not an economical solution. But with increasing demands for the material from the aerospace and automotive industries it is expected that cost will eventually decrease as more production sources become available. It may take ten years for the light weight material to tickle down into vehicles of a lower price range though.
Aside from GM, other auto manufacturers are also exploring further use of the substance. Toyota has already teamed up with a carbon fiber company for their own needs. It is also well known that BMW greatly incorporated the material into the design of the new M3.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
dknight211 @ Jan 22nd 2008 11:46AM
The trick to CF longevity is perfecting the clearcoat layer that protects the CF from UV damage. CF is very susceptible to breakdown from UV.
Tim @ Jan 22nd 2008 11:52AM
They should use it on the vertical body parts then and maybe the spoiler for UV testing. Stay away from the roof and hood until they are certain it will withstand the elements. The vertical panels would not be abused as much by UV rays. I would be pissed if my roof and hood needed replaced, the spoiler though, no big deal.
But, I'm not the engineer. I'm sure they have good reason for why they are putting CF where they are...
Russell @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:41PM
There is no need to keep CF exposed or clear-coated.
CF will last indefinately if painted.
Also, I thought Z06 was a test mule for CF since it has CF fenders and roof only painted.
John P. @ Jan 22nd 2008 11:48AM
Bicycles and the Boeing 787 use extensive CF, so I can't see why a car can't be made for the long haul (not just race cars) using the stuff. Weight reduction for sports cars can't be a bad thing.
Brent @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:16PM
Half of my bike is carbon fiber. The material is going to skyrocket in price in the coming years.
Mr. Oak @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:20PM
But with increasing demands for the material from the aerospace and automotive industries it is expected that cost will eventually decrease as more production sources become available.
-----------------------------------------------
Here's the problem: Yes cost will eventually decrease, but appearently not in our lifetime. Demand by far outstrips supply. AirBUS, Boeing's Dreamliner (787), Military jets, Openwheel and Sports car racing, most executive jets are also headed in that direction. Along countless RICED out Honda Civics.
Read a report in Business Week sometime back that says cost per pound (yes, even though it is a woven fabric, it is sold by the pound not the yard) is going to go up before it goes down.
....and OH, is CF petroleum derived? So, we are trying to move away petroleum by consuming more of it?
OPEC has the world by the BALLS, and they're squeezing as hard as they can.
naggs @ Jan 22nd 2008 1:35PM
demand outstrips supply because the supply is low
the raw materials for carbon fiber are not finite natural resources like oil and iron, all you need is carbon and a bunch of crazy ass machines
it will take a few breakthroughs in production technology before the cost comes down to the point that it is usable for volume auto manufacturing.
honestly, i think that magnesium has a better chance of taking a few hundred pounds off of every car sold in the next 10 years than carbon fiber does.
and seriously, wtf is wrong with fiberglass for volume passenger models?
Seoultrain @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:00PM
actually, the trick to CF is replacing the heavy components with CFRP, not already-lightweight fiberglass. seriously, 35 lbs is not worth it. How about building a CF monocoque and seeing how much weight you save?
Ed @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:00PM
I would imagine the most weight saving application of carbon fibre would be to use it as a structural element, reducing the weight of the chassis, safety cell and stuff.
nick @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:07PM
How much weight does it save vs non fiber glass body panels? 35 pounds is a lot in a vette, but what about a malibu???
tankd0g @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:12PM
Call me when they replace the bell housing or the drive shaft with CF.
caddy dave @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:22PM
You still at the same number? 1-800-toy-losr? Or at the old one, 1800-nda-life?
tankd0g @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:30PM
Calls from idiots are not toll free.
pmiddle5 @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:45PM
driveshaft in the 350z is and always has been c/f
MikeW @ Jan 22nd 2008 1:18PM
The mitsubishi montero had a CF driveshaft about five years ago.
willc @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:18PM
If the next Z06 Corvette is
willc @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:24PM
My comment was truncated. The whole thing is:
If the next Corvette is less or equal to 2800lbs and 350-400hp I'll pre-order one now.
Mr. Oak @ Jan 22nd 2008 12:33PM
One other problem with CF. Yes the structure made from CF is more rigid and lighter that steel\aluminum.
This is great for aviation, and racing, their rate of accidents are low compared to the carnage that takes place on the public roads worldwide.
Once compromised, CF has catastrophic failure. This is why we probably won't see mass produced automobiles made entirely of CF.
Imagine spinning out and hitting a sturdy old oak with a CF car, and watching it shatter into a million little pieces.
Andrew @ Jan 22nd 2008 1:00PM
What are you talking about?! Currently, urethane bumpers, outside of the 5mph bump, are scrapped if dented. Most metals are scrapped as well. The only place where cf would be ill advised is the unibody or frame. But let's face it, cars are getting more disposable every day. If the skateboard fuel cell frame takes off, the body on your vehicle will be totally disposable.
Oh, and you don't think Corvette has been using fiberglass that likes to splinter if you bat your eye at it the wrong way?
naggs @ Jan 22nd 2008 1:47PM
he is right, it doesnt bend or give like steel or aluminum
it shatters like glass, it is still possible to make super strong and super safe racecar tubs out of the stuff but street cars need crumple zones and need to be able to bump a post at 5 mph without causing $50k in damage.