Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Blackbird and Ferrari team up for carbon fiber acoustic guitar [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/blackbird-and-ferrari-team-up-for-carbon-fiber-acoustic-guitar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/blackbird-and-ferrari-team-up-for-carbon-fiber-acoustic-guitar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/blackbird-and-ferrari-team-up-for-carbon-fiber-acoustic-guitar/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lightweight. Compact. Exclusive. Carbon fiber construction. Red detailing. Built for the road. Beautiful sound. These are a few of the qualities listed on the special edition Blackbird Carbon Fiber guitar, but they could just as easily be talking about a Ferrari sportscar. And while the Prancing Horse marque has put its logo on everything from laptop computers to home gyms (and just about everything in between), here we give you the first Ferrari-branded musical instrument.

The Blackbird Rider Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar is the brainchild of Joe Luttwak, a designer who spent some time working for Ferrari in Maranello. The Ferrari edition is further distinguished by a red interior, a red A string and a Scuderia shield on the head. Although prices and production numbers weren't released, the model on which it's based sells for a whopping $1,499.

The entire run - each individually autographed by Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen - sold out shortly after it went on sale in Ferrari Stores. Which may be unfortunate, but we'll just have to content ourselves listening to Ferrari exhaust notes instead. Check out the video and press release after the jump, photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: Blackbird Rider Ferrari Edition Guitar


[Source: Blackbird Guitars]

Continue reading Blackbird and Ferrari team up for carbon fiber acoustic guitar [w/VIDEO]

Blackbird and Ferrari team up for carbon fiber acoustic guitar [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carbon fiber. It's light, it's strong, and it looks so darn cool. As such, we doubt we're the only ones who've wondered why we don't see more eyewear made out of the stuff. Well, there are a couple of good reasons - namely that it's expensive and difficult to work with. While it's complicated enough to lay it down in sheets to make a crash-resistant race car tub, for example, forming it into intricate shapes like sunglass frames is apparently on another level.

Enter Oakley, the eyewear company already plenty familiar with the challenges of using exotic materials. Oakley has teamed up with racing specialist Crosby Composites to make the upcoming C Six. But instead of laying down sheets in the complex form, Crosby and Oakley mill the frames out of solid blocks of carbon fiber, each 40 layers deep, using state-of-the-art Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) drills spinning at 10,000 rpm for 24 hours to create a single pair of these bad boys. The result could very well be the ultimate driving shades, but don't expect every wheel jockey on the turnpike to be wearing a pair. Oakley is only making 250 of 'em, and they're expected to sell for a cool four grand apiece when they hit the market.

[Source: Carbon Fiber Gear]

Oakley C Six shades: CNC-milled from solid carbon fiber billet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gress Grand Monaco - Click above for high-res image gallery

If Vertu thought they had the market for four-figure carbon fiber cell phones all to themselves, they can think again as Russia's high-end electronics firm Gresso has announced the new Grand Monaco.

Not only is Gresso's latest named for the most famous race in the world, it's also built using race-derived materials like PVD-coated titanium alloy, high-strength ceramics and of course carbon fiber. The sapphire crystal display resists scratches and the whole thing is vacuum-sealed. Multitasking junkies won't find all the functionality of a smart phone here, but the Grand Monaco does pack a 2MP camera and Bluetooth among its features and commands a princely $2,100 - a far cry from the nearly ten-grand Vertu, but a fair bit more than the average Nokia. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Gresso Grand Monaco

2009_08_13_12009_08_13_22009_08_13_3

[Source: Gresso]

Continue reading Gresso takes its cues from F1 with new Grand Monaco phone

Gresso takes its cues from F1 with new Grand Monaco phone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Those with deep pockets and a penchant for everything automotive need look no further for their mobile communications needs (and desires) than Vertu. The premium phone brand from Nokia takes the inspiration for its Ascent line from sports cars and has come out every year with a new special edition just for moneyed automotive enthusiasts and racing fans, from the Racetrack Legends series to the Ferrari editions. The company's latest offering, however, uses that most coveted of materials to give it that extra octane-infused edge.

The Vertu Ascent Ti Carbon Fibre Collection includes four individual editions, each with a different implementation of carbon fiber in its construction. The top of the range is the Carbon Fibre Limited Edition, of which only 1000 examples will be made, featuring the woven material all over, including the side grips, battery cover and pouch case. But in case that's not automotive enough for some tastes, it also comes with very automotive $9,800 price tag, with sales beginning this month. Other editions incorporate carbon fiber in various designs and applications, including a carbon-copper weave, all of which you can read about more in the press release after the jump and view in the gallery below.


Gallery: Vertu Ascent Ti Carbon Fibre Collection

Continue reading Vertu launches new Ascent Ti Carbon Fibre Collection

Vertu launches new Ascent Ti Carbon Fibre Collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sir Stirling Moss' carbon fiber elevator - Click above to watch video after the jump

F1 drivers tend to accumulate a great deal of money over the course of their careers, and few have had careers quite as distinguished as Sir Stirling Moss. Over the course of only ten years in professional racing, he competed in about 500 races and won some 200 of them. So what did Sir Stirling do after he retired? He built himself a house that would make James Bond drop his martini.

Situated in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood in London, the Moss residence includes such gizmos as a giant tray that lowers from the ceiling to bring him his dinner in front of the television, a remote-controlled jacuzzi tub, an automated inbox/outbox for his office, and - the piece de resistence - a carbon fiber elevator made especially for him by the Williams F1 team. But in case that's not enough, Moss is in the process of building himself a new high-tech, environmentally-friendly residence in Deerfield Beach, Florida. (Where else? The man's over 80 years old, for crying out loud.) Check out the video footage of Moss Manor in Mayfair after the jump.

[Source: The Independent and Sunday Times via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sir Stirling's House in London, complete with carbon fiber elevator

VIDEO: Sir Stirling's House in London, complete with carbon fiber elevator originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Gemballa doesn't strike us as a company that would be easily deterred by minor details. Things like the end of a production run, for example. So while the Porsche Carrera GT may have finished its run, that doesn't mean the German exotic tuning house is about to stop having fun.

We initially reported on the latest Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition back in February, when details and images were scarce, but both have now emerged. As you'd expect from the name, the modified Carrera GT features a lot of carbon fiber trim, but unlike some other weave-clad tuner cars, the carbon on the latest Mirage isn't just for show: the aerodynamic elements aim to improve the car's performance by channeling airflow in and around the supercar's svelte shape to keep it breathing free and stuck to the tarmac.

Of course, Gemballa hasn't stopped there. Porsche's free-revving V10 has been tuned to produce 670 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the rocket-sled up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 208 mph. There's also an electro-hydraulic adjustable suspension to keep that carbon fiber lip spoiler clear of curbs and speed bumps. The package costs just shy of 300,000 euros ($425k), which doesn't include the cost of the donor car, and production will be limited to just five examples, which may keep moneyed Porschephiles satiated until the rumored roadgoing RS Spyder hits the road. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-resolution image gallery below.


Gallery: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition


[Source: Gemballa]

Continue reading Details and Pics Aplenty: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Details and Pics Aplenty: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you're going to drop six figures on a new supercar, you're not going to put just any old piece of luggage in that tiny trunk, are you? Of course not. That's why Ferrari turned to Schedoni. The 125-year-old Italian leather-crafters makes all the fitted luggage for Ferrari roadcars. They even make that little pad at the back of the Scuderia's F1 cockpit to keep Felipe and Kimi's helmets from knocking against the carbon fiber as they speed around the circuit. But that's not the only interaction Schedoni has with the lightweight exotic material.

This carbon fiber briefcase is crafted from the choicest material and painstakingly baked to perfection like a frat-boy in Amsterdam. Schedoni then works its magic, lining the case with the finest tanned suede and leather trim. Of course it don't come cheap, retailing for $4,400. They offer a carbon fiber backgammon board with titanium pieces for $5,800. Seems ridiculously extravagant to us, but when you've got the cash to spare, why not lighten up a little?

[Source: Carbon Fiber Gear]

Ferrari's leathercrafters make a carbon fiber briefcase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, vulcanized rubber...it was only a matter of time before somebody made a watch out of carbon ceramic. And who better to do it than Brembo and Meccaniche Veloci? The former you'll know well as the most recognized name in brakes. The latter may be known to some of you as the Italian watchmaker that designed the Quattro Valvole timepiece, named and styled after the four-valve cylinder head and incorporating four individual automatic Swiss watch movements. Now the two have come together to produce a special edition Quattro Valvole Carbon Ceramico (CCM), unveiled at the 2009 Baselworld watch show, that could be the ultimate car watch even among a rapidly expanding sub-segment.

The carbon-ceramic watch case is made by Brembo using the same process as it uses for producing racing brake discs. Short fibers of carbon are combined with high-strength ceramics and formed using high-pressure water jets. The result is incredibly strong yet lightweight construction that is also highly resistant to corrosion or deformation. Like Brembo's brake calipers, buyers can choose between different color combinations of red, black, yellow or silver, and the watch comes with interchangeable straps in rubber and alligator leather. As well it should, at $15,000 apiece...another element this unique timepiece shares in common with a set of carbon ceramic brakes.

[Source: Meccaniche Veloci via Gizmag]

Stop Time: Mecchanice Veloce and Brembo team up for carbon-ceramic watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There are lots of watchmakers that cultivate relationships with automakers and Formula One teams, but few have managed to establish themselves quite like TAG Heuer, whose sponsorship of F1, among other motorsport disciplines, has made their products synonymous with racing. Now TAG is hoping to carry its status into the optics industry, and this is their latest effort: the TAG Heuer C-Flex.

If you were wondering why more eyeglass companies haven't made frames out of carbon fiber, this is the answer. The C-Flex is made of the lightweight, high-strength (and high-cost) wonder-material, with fixtures from titanium in a flexible design said to be inspired by the suspension on an F1 car that, along with the patented nose pads, instantly adjusts to your face. The TAG Heuer C-Flex was unveiled at the recent Silmo optical show in Paris, where it won the Golden Award for its innovative design, and will become available (for an assuredly princely sum) in Spring 2009.

[Source: TAG Heuer via acquire]

TAG Heuer outlines its vision with carbon-fiber frames originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive-themed cell phones are nothing new. We've reported on mobiles branded by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche... even Fiat and HUMMER. But some phones don't need a licensing agreement and a flashy little badge to appeal to automotive enthusiasts.

Take, for example, the new Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte. Based on the already-slick-in-its-own-right 8800 series, the Carbon Arte edition is constructed of the same stuff you're likely to find in the most desirable of supercars: carbon fiber, titanium, stainless steel and polished glass. The sleek mobile packs 3G connectivity, a 3.2-megapixel camera, 4 gigs of memory and a new "turn to mute" feature that automatically kills the ringer when the phone is placed upside down on a table. At $1,600, it ain't cheap, but it looks like a relative bargain next to the $6,400 limited-edition racing-themed cell phones from Nokia's upscale brand Vertu.

[Source: acquire]

Forget the Branding: Nokia's new 8800 Carbon Arte originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you were looking at carbon fiber as the magical lightweight solution to the parallel automotive woes of low power-to-weight ratios and high fuel consumption, we have some potentially disappointing news for you. Two of the world's largest suppliers of carbon fiber have announced that they are raising their prices. And not by a little, either, with the going rate for the high-tech material rising by 10 to 30 percent in one shot.

The simultaneous announcement from Toray Industries Inc. (the #1 supplier of carbon fiber) and Mitsubishi Rayon Co. (the third largest) marks the first time both companies have universally raised their prices at the same time. The development would border on price-fixing if not for the fact that the second biggest carbon fiber manufacturer, Teijin Ltd., didn't participate. However Teijin is expected to announce its own price hike sometime this week, as well.

We all expected prices to drop as use of the exotic material became more commonplace in automotive, aerospace and commercial applications. However the rising costs of raw materials have contributed to the higher price. They're at Y4,000 (~$37) per ton now and are expect to go up by between Y400 and Y1,200 per ton. Because of the high demand for carbon fiber, the price increase is expected to take immediate effect. As for the impact on he automotive industry, it could mean price increases for cars using the material, while the development of new cars is likely to forgo employing carbon fiber in their construction for other materials like aluminum and plastic. Hopefully Honda and Nissan finish developing their mass-market carbon fiber sooner rather than later.

[Source: TradingMarkets.com via Carbon Fiber Gear]

Manufacturers raise the price of carbon fiber originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On the surface, carbon fiber sounds like a wonder-product which can replace much of the heavy metal, especially steel, that makes up the vast majority of nearly every automobile's structure. Dig a bit deeper, however, and there are a few flies in CF's ointment that make it very difficult to use in vehicles: price, supply and the time it takes to mold a the weaved material. Japan's big three carbon fiber producers are tackling each of these issues in a number of ways. First, the price of CF is expected to become more competitive as both carbon cloth goes down and rolled sheet steel goes up. What's more, as additional CF producing plants come online in the coming years, both the price and availability should improve. Third, new molding processes are being developed which could reduce the time it takes to produce a CF part from hours to minutes.

Carbon fiber is expected to ease the transition to more fuel efficient vehicles as it weights a fifth of what steel does for a part of roughly the same strength. As Automotive News points out, the overall weight of any given vehicle could be halved by replacing major structural steel components with CF, so expect to see CF move down market from the exotics to more mainstream models in the next decade or so.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Japanese firms working to make carbon fiber mainstream originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 May 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carboncarbon fibercarbon fibrecarbon-fibercarbon-fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibrecfMon, 12 May 2008 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz reveals SLR McLaren Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/04/officially-official-mercedes-benz-reveals-slr-mclaren-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/04/officially-official-mercedes-benz-reveals-slr-mclaren-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/04/officially-official-mercedes-benz-reveals-slr-mclaren-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the image above for a gallery of images.

We've seen it in spy shots, but now we get to officially see the newest hotness from Mercedes Benz: the SLR McLaren Roadster.

In an effort to inject some more life into the slow-selling Mercedes/McLaren halo, engineers lopped off the roof to make one of the fastest open-air motoring experiences this side of a sportbike. Naturally, they just didn't whip out the sawsall and go to town. Instead, the new roof is made from that most delectable of materials - carbon fiber. The retractable roof isn't the only thing that gets the C.F. reinforced plastic treatment, as all but two of the body frames, made of aluminum, utilize the exotic compound. Lightweight and untwistable strength are the features du jour.

As for motivation, the SLR Roadster doesn't benefit from the 722's 650 HP V8. Instead, it has to make due with the standard SLR's 617 HP supercharged mill, allowing the drop top to hit its velocity climax of 207 MPH - blow drying has never been made easier, or more fun.

Those willing to drop the coin on the McMerc convertible will be able to choose from three different roof colors, and according to Mercedes, two passengers can have a comfortable conversation at 125 MPH with the top down. Before doing so, the occupants will have to manually (for shame!) unlatch the roof, push upwards, then let the motor bring the roof down into its home - and underneath an aluminum cover - in a scant 10 seconds.

Only 1,000 of the roof deprived, a-pillar reinforced, and rollover hoop equipped SLR Roadsters will be available and customers will begin taking delivery this September. Pricing: £350 large.

The press release is available after the jump and be sure to check out our gallery below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz reveals SLR McLaren Roadster

Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz reveals SLR McLaren Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 04:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When it comes to exotic automotive composites, you won't find a bigger name than Gordon Murray. Murray who led the design team that birthed the McLaren F1 and who was up to his elbows in the development of the McMerc, has made the move to Caparo, producers of the T1 supercar.

The move mainly centers on Caparo's development and marketing of lightweight materials to be used by automakers to reduce emissions and improve fuel mileage. If the Caparo team and Murray are at the forefront of that development, there is no doubt that the fiscal impact would be epic and the design element would be a revolution for passenger cars.

Murray's biggest ambition at this point isn't the development of another elite, physics-defying road rocket, but the pursuit of an affordable, highly efficient city car for the masses.

Here's to hoping that you too can buy a car designed by a legend.

[Source: World Car Fans, who also have photos of Murray and the T1]

Ex-McLaren F1 designer, Gordon Murray joins Caparo team originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caparocarbon fibercarbon fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibrecompositef1gordon murrayGordonMurraymclarenmercedest1Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Carbon fiber... don't believe the hype?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/11/carbon-fiber-dont-believe-the-hype/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/11/carbon-fiber-dont-believe-the-hype/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/11/carbon-fiber-dont-believe-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a new entry over at TheTruthAboutCars.com, writer Johnny Lieberman trips the rant fantastic, lambasting carbon fiber-- material of choice for racer and poseur alike. So, what does the writer have against the sought-after weave? Well, it's impact properties, for one (Lieb' recons its accident constitution is a one-and-done proposition), and its indulgent cost for another.
Granted, Lieberman doesn't spill his vitriol on the carbon fiber's motorsports applications, he mainly calls to task the trend where the shiny plaits (or knockoffs thereof) are employed in everything from dashboard appliqués to parking brake handles, the vast majority of which offer few tangible benefits in production cars beyond aesthetics.

What do you think... is carbon fiber over-hyped, or does it remain a desirable material?

[Source: TheTruthAboutCars.com]


Carbon fiber... don't believe the hype? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carboncarbon fibercarbon fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibrekevlarlightweightresinSun, 11 Jun 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Goodyear Eagles take flight with carbon fiber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/goodyear-eagles-to-take-flight-with-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/goodyear-eagles-to-take-flight-with-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/16/goodyear-eagles-to-take-flight-with-carbon-fiber/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Goodyear is adding carbon fiber to its latest generation of Eagle tires. Dubbed 'ResponsEdge Technology with Carbon Fiber,' the company's new shoes match a carbon fiber sidewall ring with a Kevlar overlay and an asymmetrical tread design. According to the company line, the exotic construction enables the tire to offer better ride and all-season capability for sport sedan owners seeking a performance edge.

H and V-rated tires are at tire stockists now, with Z-rated rubber expected later this fall.

[Sources: AutoWeek; media.rin.ru]

Goodyear Eagles take flight with carbon fiber originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 May 2006 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carbon FiberCarbon FibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibreEagleGoodyearH-RatedKevlarRubberSidewallSport SedanSportSedanTireTyreV-RatedZ-RatedTue, 16 May 2006 14:57:00 EST