Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spania GTA Spano packs 900 hp, acres of carbon fiber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/spania-gta-spano-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/spania-gta-spano-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/spania-gta-spano-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Spania GTA Spano

Spania landed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with its GTA Spano. The latest take on the company's supercar packs a 900 horsepower twin-turbocharged 8.4-liter V10 with a similarly impressive 737 pound-feet of torque. With just 2,976 pounds to move around, that big mill has no trouble hustling the car to speed. Spania says the GTA Spano can blink to 62 miles per hour in under 3 seconds and knock out a top speed of 217 miles per hour thanks in part to a 7-speed sequential gearbox.

Engineers managed to keep weight at bay thanks to plenty of carbon fiber. In addition to comprising all of the exterior bodywork, the composite joins a titanium honeycomb and Kevlar to make up the vehicle's monocoque. Stopping duty falls on the shoulder of a set of AP Racing carbon-ceramic brakes pressed by six-piston calipers. There's no word on how much this creation will cost you, but we're betting it's more than a few piggies worth of pennies. Scroll down for the full press release.

Continue reading Spania GTA Spano packs 900 hp, acres of carbon fiber

Spania GTA Spano packs 900 hp, acres of carbon fiber originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibergenevageneva 2013geneva motor showgta spanospaniaspania gta spanov10Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490588/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/spania-gta-spano-geneva-2013/20490588/article-detail.xml 20490588 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/spania-gta-spano-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/spania-gta-spano-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Koenigsegg Agera S Hundra is a carbon fiber and gold leaf party]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/koenigsegg-agera-s-hundra-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/koenigsegg-agera-s-hundra-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/koenigsegg-agera-s-hundra-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Koenigsegg Agera S Hundra

Koenigsegg took to the 2013 Geneva Motor Show to celebrate a milestone in the company's history. The Swedish supercar manufacturer has officially built 100 units over the past ten years, and to mark the occasion, designers whipped up the Agera S Hundra. Swedish for - you guessed it - one hundred, the Hundra heralds the arrival of the latest flavor of Agera. While the standard Agera S features a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 engine good for 1,040 horsepower, carbon fiber wheels that tip the scales at around 14.5 pounds and a total dry weight of 2,821 pounds thanks to a full carbon fiber body, the Hundra offers up a few additional tricks.

A one-off creation, the commemorative edition delivers hand-laid 24-karat gold leaf along the exposed gel-coated carbon body. Various other bits of the hypercar get the precious metal treatment as well, including the exhaust, rear deck struts and even the coil springs themselves. How much is all this insanity worth? A cool $1.6 million. Money may not be able to buy you happiness, but it can surely put your tail in an Agera S. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Koenigsegg Agera S Hundra is a carbon fiber and gold leaf party

Koenigsegg Agera S Hundra is a carbon fiber and gold leaf party originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW has been at the forefront of volume automakers looking to invest in carbon fiber technology. The latest development in the German automaker's efforts is in the form of a joint venture with aircraft giant Boeing. According to a joint press release, the two companies will collaborate on further development of the lightweight material, including production methods and carbon fiber recycling.

The partnership is a fitting one, as Boeing and BMW have both been pushing carbon fiber development in their respective industries. BMW has invested in carbon fiber producer SGL Group, and created the i3 and i8 concepts with heavy use of the material. Meanwhile, Boeing has developed the 787 Dreamliner (seen above), which is 50 percent carbon fiber.

The recycling of these materials, including recycling excess byproduct as well as the product at the end of its use, is essential. According to the press release below, the two companies will together look for ways to reclaim the material at the end of its product life.

Seattle, WA is the corporate home for Boeing, and is a little over 2.5 hours from BMW's Moses Lake facility. Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire helped BMW secure the location for that facility, and and played a roll in putting together this joint venture. "This exciting partnership between two global players was an industry win for our state," said Gregoire, "this will help Washington further develop our capabilities and leadership position in the game-changing technology of carbon fiber."

This development will hopefully yield less expensive production methods, and the proliferation of carbon fiber material in both the aeronautical and automotive industries. Check out more on this development in the press release below.

Continue reading BMW, Boeing weave agreement on carbon fiber recycling research

BMW, Boeing weave agreement on carbon fiber recycling research originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>787bmwboeingcarbon fibercarbon fiber recyclingi3i8sgl groupThu, 13 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401299/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/13/bmw-boeing-weave-agreement-on-carbon-fiber-recycling-research/20401299/article-detail.xml 20401299 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/boeing-787-dreamliner-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/boeing-787-dreamliner-628.jpg <![CDATA[Manufacturing advances bring carbon fiber closer to mass production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/manufacturing-advances-bring-carbon-fiber-closer-to-mass-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/manufacturing-advances-bring-carbon-fiber-closer-to-mass-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/manufacturing-advances-bring-carbon-fiber-closer-to-mass-product/#commentsFiled under:



There's no one single breakthrough, but rather a combination of improvements that make this possible.

Automakers have dreamed of using carbon fiber in mass production for decades. But sky-high raw material prices and painfully slow manufacturing cycle times meant that dream was always more like a fantasy. Not anymore. Several recent advancements mean that carbon fiber could soon play an important role in the automotive industry.

Carbon fiber has been used in race cars, exotic sports cars and in automotive aftermarket parts for years. But now automakers believe they've identified the path of how to use it in mass production, and do so by the second half of this decade.

There's no one single breakthrough, but rather a combination of improvements that make this possible. And they're coming just in time for automakers who face the daunting task of boosting their average fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon.

John McElroyJohn McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every month he brings his unique insights as a Detroit insider to Autoblog readers.

Continue reading Manufacturing advances bring carbon fiber closer to mass production

Manufacturing advances bring carbon fiber closer to mass production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibercarbon revolutiondow automotivefeaturedoak ridge national labratoryplasanTeilkaskotorayTue, 27 Nov 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20382263/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/27/manufacturing-advances-bring-carbon-fiber-closer-to-mass-product/20382263/article-detail.xml 20382263 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mp013002sr-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/mp013002sr-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Caterham to expand beyond sports cars; city cars, CUVs possible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/caterham-to-expand-beyond-sports-cars-city-cars-cuvs-possible/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/caterham-to-expand-beyond-sports-cars-city-cars-cuvs-possible/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/caterham-to-expand-beyond-sports-cars-city-cars-cuvs-possible/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Caterham SP 300 R - front three-quarter studio view

Caterham may be looking to expand its product scope beyond its current offerings. After the company announced an alliance with Renault yesterday, Caterham Chairman Tony Fernandes was quoted as saying the partnership is "the start of a line of products from Caterham." Fernandes went on to say the purist sports car manufacturer could move to begin producing crossovers and city cars in the same way that Porsche has evolved its position in the market. Don't start crying at the thought of a five-door Caterham just yet, though. The would-be product explosion may also include the addition of a new supercar.

CEO Graham Macdonald has said he envisions the brand as being capped with a halo project, complete with a carbon fiber chassis and KERS system on board. Of course, none of this translates directly into a new model on the road. As of right now, Renault and Caterham have only agreed to produce one vehicle under their budding partnership.

Caterham to expand beyond sports cars; city cars, CUVs possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibercaterhamcaterham supercarcity carcrossovergraham macdonaldkersrenaultsupercartony fernandesTue, 06 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20372090/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/06/caterham-to-expand-beyond-sports-cars-city-cars-cuvs-possible/20372090/article-detail.xml 20372090 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/caterham-sp300-r-studio_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/caterham-sp300-r-studio.jpg <![CDATA[HRE carbon fiber wheels for all your customizing desires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/hre-carbon-fiber-wheels-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/hre-carbon-fiber-wheels-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/hre-carbon-fiber-wheels-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: ,

HRE Carbon Fiber Wheel

HRE has brought some pretty excellent wheels to market in the past, such as the retro-tastic Vintage Series, bridging old and new in fantastic fashion. The wheel-maker's latest offering is the Carbon Series CF2 Concept, now on display at SEMA.

The wheels are not entirely made up of carbon fiber, as you can see. HRE's forged aluminum center is fitted with a rim made of the exotic material. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 22 inches, and widths from 9 to 12 inches. HRE claims a weight savings of 25 percent over typical aluminum wheels.

According to HRE president Alan Peltier, "Our most discerning customers have been pleading with us to go further and introduce another Carbon Series." He continued, "These customers don't care about price. They only want the coolest, most exclusive wheels they can buy and from a brand they can trust, hence the creation of the Carbon Series CF2 Concept." Exclusive and super expensive? SEMA is indeed the right place to be pushing this new rim.

HRE says this line is engineered to not only withstand use at speeds over 200 miles per hour, but can also handle extreme track use. They would also look quite fetching on a number of modern supercars. To read more on these lightweight lookers, check out the press release below.

Continue reading HRE carbon fiber wheels for all your customizing desires

HRE carbon fiber wheels for all your customizing desires originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibercarbon series cf2hresemasema 2012wheelsThu, 01 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366741/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/hre-carbon-fiber-wheels-sema-2012/20366741/article-detail.xml 20366741 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hre-carbon-fiber-wheel-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hre-carbon-fiber-wheel-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Ford working on mass-market carbon fiber components to save weight, improve efficiency]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/ford-working-on-mass-market-carbon-fiber-components-to-save-weig/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/ford-working-on-mass-market-carbon-fiber-components-to-save-weig/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/ford-working-on-mass-market-carbon-fiber-components-to-save-weig/#commentsFiled under: ,



Carbon fiber has been in use for many years in the automotive industry in the name of performance, but Ford is trying to bring this lightweight material to the masses in the name of fuel economy. As a part of the German-funded Hightech.NRW project that began in 2010, Ford and Dow Automotive Systems have been trying to come up with a way to make carbon fiber feasible for everyday cars.

To demonstrate how important carbon fiber could be in non-performance-car applications, Ford installed a carbon fiber reinforced plastic hood on the Focus wagon shown above. Ford says carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel yet is just one-third the weight. This prototype hood weighs about half of what a conventional steel hood would weigh, and it still passes all of the safety needs required from a vehicle including dent resistance, pedestrian protection and during frontal crashes.

CFRP parts are apparently more time consuming to paint, so the project is also trying to find a faster way to finish the parts while keeping the same quality standards in place for steel components.

CFRP is an ideal material to use on hybrids and EVs, but Ford also has a plan to reduce the weight of its vehicles by about 750 pounds each by the end of the decade. Currently, resources and production methods make carbon fiber an expensive material, so the biggest test will be getting these costs down to make it economical for use in a sub-$20,000 car. There's no word how much this prototype hood cost Ford to produce, but in a day where automakers are trying to squeeze every last pound out of a car's curb weight, carbon fiber could become a very important material in future vehicles.

Scroll down for Ford's press release.

Continue reading Ford working on mass-market carbon fiber components to save weight, improve efficiency

Ford working on mass-market carbon fiber components to save weight, improve efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibercarbon fiber reinforced plasticfocusfordweight reductionFri, 12 Oct 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20345898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/12/ford-working-on-mass-market-carbon-fiber-components-to-save-weig/20345898/article-detail.xml 20345898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ford-focus-carbon-fiber_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ford-focus-carbon-fiber.jpg <![CDATA[Historic Ermini brand relaunching with Barchetta Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/historic-ermini-brand-relaunching-with-barchetta-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/historic-ermini-brand-relaunching-with-barchetta-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/historic-ermini-brand-relaunching-with-barchetta-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ermini Seiottosei sports car - front three-quarter rendering

It's been fifty years since Italian automaker Ermini shuttered its doors, but it looks as if that hiatus has come to an end. The Florence-based sportscar manufacturer plans to launch a new creation, possibly called Seiottosei or 686, by the end of next year. The rear-engine, rear-wheel drive sportster will feature a space frame construction wherein the engine and the sequential transmission serve as structural members. The company isn't saying what sort of powerplant the car will use, though the questionably translated press release seems to indicate Ermini will eschew large displacement options for something lighter and more sprightly. Even so, the company plans to give its creation a power-to-weight ratio on par with most supercars.

The carbon fiber body panels for the "Barchetta Sport" model were penned by Giulio Cappellini, a designer from outside of the automotive sphere, and Ermini promises the finished product will be easy to maintain, offer low emissions and responsible fuel consumption. Check the full press run below for more information.

Continue reading Historic Ermini brand relaunching with Barchetta Sport

Historic Ermini brand relaunching with Barchetta Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>686barchettabarchetta sportcarbon fibererminiermini barchetta sportermini seisttoseigiulio cappelliniseiottoseiWed, 03 Oct 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20339122/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/03/historic-ermini-brand-relaunching-with-barchetta-sport/20339122/article-detail.xml 20339122 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-ermini-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-ermini-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari's Enzo successor laid bare with carbon fiber chassis display]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/ferrari-f70-enzo-carbon-fiber-chassis-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/ferrari-f70-enzo-carbon-fiber-chassis-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/ferrari-f70-enzo-carbon-fiber-chassis-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ferrari F70 (Enzo successor) bare chassis revealed at 2012 Paris Motor Show

Ferrari is quick to point out that while output across its lineup has jumped roughly 100 horsepower in the last four years, fuel consumption and emissions are down nearly 30 percent. Such gains in efficiency are made through a holistic approach, including engine tuning, aerodynamics, tires, and so on.

A a good part of any gain in efficiency can be made through the use of exotic materials and lightweight structural components. With the F70 Enzo successor still in development, the folks from Maranelo chose Paris to display a carbon-fiber architecture, apparently for the limited-run roadcar. Developed with help from Ferrari's Formula One Chief Designer, Rory Byrne, the carbon fiber structure looks to support a mid-engined layout and provides spaces for upward-swinging doors (see: Enzo butterfly doors).

Ferrari says that it sought for alternatives to conventional carbon fiber manufacturing techniques. Instead, methods and materials were shared by Scuderia Ferrari, using four different types of carbon fiber - all hand-laminated.

According to Ferrari, the chassis of the limited-run vehicle is 20 percent lighter than the Enzo, even with the added weight necessitated by hybrid components (though it isn't clear if the completed car will also be 20 percent lighter). All we know is, few automakers can get us excited about a substructure like Ferrari.

Continue reading Ferrari's Enzo successor laid bare with carbon fiber chassis display

Ferrari's Enzo successor laid bare with carbon fiber chassis display originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ferrari f70carbon fiberchassisenzof70ferrari enzoferrari f70parisparis 2012paris motor showscuderiaFri, 28 Sep 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20336048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/ferrari-f70-enzo-carbon-fiber-chassis-paris-2012/20336048/article-detail.xml 20336048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ferrari-carbon-fiber-chassi-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ferrari-carbon-fiber-chassi-paris.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin V12 Zagato production cut from 150 to 101]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/aston-martin-v12-zagato-production-cut-from-150-to-101/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/aston-martin-v12-zagato-production-cut-from-150-to-101/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/aston-martin-v12-zagato-production-cut-from-150-to-101/#commentsFiled under: , ,



One of the most exclusive upcoming supercars has just become a little bit more... exclusive.

Aston Martin has announced that the production run of its stunningly badass V12 Zagato will be cut from 150 to 101 units. Whether or not this is in response to low demand is not known, but for those who have signed on to purchase the €400,000 coupe, the value of their bounty is likely to increase.

The V12 Zagato was not penned by the famous design house. Rather, it was the result of an internal design competition. The car consists of an aluminum and carbon fiber body, and the underpinings of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage. Each car will take 2,000 man hours to build, with 100 hours alone spent on the paint job.

The combination of extensive carbon fiber use and the 510-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 means it will be one super fast - and ultra rare - supercar.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato production cut from 150 to 101 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 aston martin v12 zagatoaston martincarbon fibersalesv12v12 zagatoWed, 25 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20284054/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/25/aston-martin-v12-zagato-production-cut-from-150-to-101/20284054/article-detail.xml 20284054 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/aston-martin-v12-zagato-galpin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/aston-martin-v12-zagato-galpin.jpg <![CDATA[BMW banking on carbon fiber costs to broaden M range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/bmw-banking-on-carbon-fiber-costs-to-broaden-m-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/bmw-banking-on-carbon-fiber-costs-to-broaden-m-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/bmw-banking-on-carbon-fiber-costs-to-broaden-m-range/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

BMW M Power

There once was a time when BMW only produced a handful of its models in high-performance M guise. There was the M3, the M5, and that was pretty much it. Now, however, it offers M models based on the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X5 and X6. And that's only expected to grow.

The first on the docket, says BMW North America CEO (and former M chief) Ludwig Willisch speaking with TheDetroitBureau.com, will be an M7. The Bavarian automaker has long resisted going down the same road as the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and Audi S8, but that's slated to change in the near future. But while the X5 M and X6 M have been hot sellers, Willisch rules out the possibility of M versions of the smaller X1 and X3 crossovers, as well as bringing the M550d xDrive super-diesel-sport wagon (or presumably its crossover counterparts) to North America.

Of course, BMW could opt to apply a similar sub-M formula to the 7 Series like it's doing with the M135i. Either way, BMW is counting on the reduced cost and labor involved in manufacturing carbon fiber components for the viability of both its performance vehicles and its environmentally friendly i range.

As our compatriots at the Bureau note, the engineers at McLaren needed some 3,000 hours of labor to produce the carbon fiber components for the McLaren F1 over a decade ago. By the time it started building the SLR for Mercedes-Benz, it had cut that down to 400 hours. And with the new MP4-12C, it takes them less than six hours. As a result, costs have come down too, resulting in a lower street price for each successive model: $1 million, $400,000 and $250,000, respectively. And that's a model on which other automakers - like BMW - can seek to capitalize.

BMW banking on carbon fiber costs to broaden M range originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw mbmw m7carboncarbon fibermm7Wed, 30 May 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/30/bmw-banking-on-carbon-fiber-costs-to-broaden-m-range/20244456/article-detail.xml 20244456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/13-m-stillborns-live_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/13-m-stillborns-live.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Alpine A110-50 concept does its papa proud]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Renault has officially released details on its Alpine A110-50 Concept. Designed to pay homage to the original Alpine A110, the machine wears a body crafted from carbon fiber and dipped in a shade of the same iconic Alpine Blue we all know and love. Up front, designers worked in a set of half-ring yellow LED lights reminiscent of the hood-mounted fog lights found on the original. That's pretty much where the similarities end, however. Based loosely on the crushingly-sexy Renault Dezir Concept, the new machine boasts proud fender arches, a wild split-wing rear spoiler and scissor doors.

As we'd heard before, the A110-50 Concept rolls on the same chassis as the Megane Trophy, complete with adjustable Sachs dampers, 21-inch wheels and the notable absences of on-board nannies like ABS or traction control. Hefty 14-inch front brake discs are pressed by six-piston calipers, while the 13-inch discs out back make due with four-piston units.

Renault placed a 3.5-liter V6 mid-ship with a full 400 horsepower on hand. A roof mounted-intake funnels air from outside the engine bay into the machine's carbon-fiber intake. Meanwhile, a dual-clutch six-speed gearbox allows the driver the choice of disengaging the transmission via a floor-mounted clutch pedal or shifting via steering-wheel mounted paddles.

Scroll down to check out the full press release as well as a couple videos.

Continue reading Renault Alpine A110-50 concept does its papa proud

Renault Alpine A110-50 concept does its papa proud originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a110-50alpinealpine a110-50alpine a110-50 conceptcarbon fiberconceptconcept carledmegane trophymonaco grand prixrenault alpine a110-50renault alpine a110-50 conceptrenault dezirrenault dezir conceptFri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245135/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/20245135/article-detail.xml 20245135 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/remault-alpine-s110-50-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/remault-alpine-s110-50-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford, Dow Chemical partner on carbon fiber composites, hope to shed up to 750 pounds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/ford-dow-chemical-partner-on-carbon-fiber-composites-hope-to-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/ford-dow-chemical-partner-on-carbon-fiber-composites-hope-to-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/ford-dow-chemical-partner-on-carbon-fiber-composites-hope-to-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s carbon fiber RTR-C Mustang from SEMA 2009

Ford is getting religion when it comes to light-weighting its vehicles. The company has entered into a new partnership with Dow Chemical to develop carbon fiber that can be manufactured at affordable prices for high-volume applications. That, of course, is the holy grail of weight reduction, which is why other manufacturers like General Motors are also partnering with suppliers to try and achieve the same ends.

Now before you get too excited about the carbon-fiber Mustang in the photos, understand that it was just a limited-production car shown at SEMA in 2009, and it carried a price tag of $135,000. That's the problem with carbon fiber parts - they are expensive because they are much more difficult to manufacture in volume than steel.

But if Ford and other carmakers are going to achieve the sorts of fuel economy improvements required by new regulations, they're going to have to either scale carbon fiber or dramatically shrink the size of most vehicles. Ford says it's targeting a 750-pound weight reduction per vehicle by the end of the decade.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Ford, Dow Chemical partner on carbon fiber composites, hope to shed up to 750 pounds

Ford, Dow Chemical partner on carbon fiber composites, hope to shed up to 750 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fiberdowdow chemicalfordlight weightlightweightFri, 13 Apr 2012 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20214654/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/13/ford-dow-chemical-partner-on-carbon-fiber-composites-hope-to-s/20214654/article-detail.xml 20214654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/carbor-fiber-mustang-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/carbor-fiber-mustang-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Pagani Huayra Carbon Edition is all things right in the world]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/pagani-huayra-carbon-edition-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/pagani-huayra-carbon-edition-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/pagani-huayra-carbon-edition-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pagani Huayra with carbon fiber finish

When American automakers release Carbon editions of their sports cars, buyers are treated to a few carbon fiber veneers, some fancy wheels and a few badges. When Pagani builds a Huayra Carbon Edition, the Italian manufacturer simply constructs every last piece of body work out of the composite and slathers everything in clear coat.

Pagani unveiled its latest sculpture at the Geneva Motor Show this week, and the vehicle is very possibly the definition of sinister sexy. Buyers can look forward to enjoying the same lethal drivetrain found in the "base" Huayra, which means there's a 700-horsepower AMG-sourced 6.0-liter V12 behind the seats.

While the standard Huayra boasts a carbon-titanium monocoque, the wild carbon fiber body work on the Carbon Edition is something new entirely. We dig it in every way possible.

Pagani Huayra Carbon Edition is all things right in the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carboncarbon editioncarbon fibercarbon titaniumgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showhuayrahuayra carbon editionpaganipagani huayra carbon editionWed, 07 Mar 2012 12:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20187689/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/pagani-huayra-carbon-edition-geneva-2012/20187689/article-detail.xml 20187689 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pagani-hyayra-carbon-fiber-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/pagani-hyayra-carbon-fiber-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[2012 GTA Spano steals the show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2012-gta-spano-steals-the-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2012-gta-spano-steals-the-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/2012-gta-spano-steals-the-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 GTA Spano

The Spanish automaker GTA has returned to the Geneva Motor Show, this time with a production version of the company's Spano supercar. The coupe boasts a laundry list of exotic materials on hand, including a unibody shell constructed of titanium, kevlar and carbon fiber. All told, the package tips the scales at a scant 2,970 pounds.

A total of 840 horsepower comes courtesy of an 8.3-liter V10, all of which is dumped on the rear tires through a seven-speed transmission. According to GTA, the Spano can hit 62 mph from a dead standstill in just 2.9 seconds. If you're keeping track, that's faster than the just-unveiled Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

As impressive as the go specs are, the vehicle has some stout stop-ware to match. AP supplied a set of front discs that are nearly 15 inches in diameter squeezed by mighty six-piston calipers. Too cool.

Of course, you'll pay for the privilege of being faster than the new Prancing Horse. No list price has been announced just yet, but with the stack of wild materials and heady horsepower on hand, you can bet your last penny this thing won't come cheap. GTA expects to deliver the first models by late 2012.

2012 GTA Spano steals the show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 gta spanocarbon fibergenevageneva 2012geneva motor showgtagta spanokevlarspanotitaniumTue, 06 Mar 2012 20:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186981/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/2012-gta-spano-steals-the-show/20186981/article-detail.xml 20186981 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-gta-spano-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-gta-spano-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Next gen. BMW 7 Series to use carbon fiber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/next-gen-bmw-7-series-to-use-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/next-gen-bmw-7-series-to-use-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/next-gen-bmw-7-series-to-use-carbon-fiber/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The next BMW 7 Series, said to be arriving in 2015, will reportedly use more CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in its build. In two interviews R&D head Dr. Klaus Draeger said the big sedan will introduce the expanded use of CFRP components into the mainstream BMW line.

Draeger made sure to say that he believes in the right material mix, making structural items like the engine cradle and crash structures in high-strength steel and using aluminum for pieces like the doors, front fenders and roof. It is thought that carbon fiber will supplant some aluminum parts like the hood, roof and trunk.

Next gen. BMW 7 Series to use carbon fiber originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 seriesbmw 7 seriescarbon fibercfrpWed, 29 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/next-gen-bmw-7-series-to-use-carbon-fiber/20181407/article-detail.xml 20181407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bmw7cfrp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bmw7cfrp.jpg <![CDATA[GM gets serious about widespread use of carbon fiber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/gm-gets-serious-about-widespread-use-of-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/gm-gets-serious-about-widespread-use-of-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/gm-gets-serious-about-widespread-use-of-carbon-fiber/#commentsFiled under: ,

General Motors Carbon Fiber

General Motors has announced a partnership with a leading carbon fiber producer in an effort to research the possibility of widespread use of the material in its vehicles. Teijin Limited has pioneered a new manufacturing process for carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic that allows for cycle times of under one minute. Typically, creating carbon fiber parts from molds requires the use of slow-setting resin that simply takes too long to be practical for use on a large scale. As part of the tie-up with GM, Teijin will set up a new technical center in the northern United States to support development.

Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics have the benefit of being up to 10 times stronger than conventional steel while offering one quarter of the weight. Of course, carbon fiber can also come with a suitably steep price tag, though Teijin's techniques will likely help curb costs significantly. As manufacturers continue to push for ever more efficient vehicles, ditching the weight will become increasingly important. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading GM gets serious about widespread use of carbon fiber

GM gets serious about widespread use of carbon fiber originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibergeneral motorsgmteijin limitedFri, 09 Dec 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20124467/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/09/gm-gets-serious-about-widespread-use-of-carbon-fiber/20124467/article-detail.xml 20124467 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/gm-carbon-fiber-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/gm-carbon-fiber-628.jpg <![CDATA[DP Motorsport drapes 1973 Porsche 911 in carbon fiber gorgeousness]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/dp-motorsport-drapes-1973-porsche-911-in-carbon-fiber-gorgeousne/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/dp-motorsport-drapes-1973-porsche-911-in-carbon-fiber-gorgeousne/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/dp-motorsport-drapes-1973-porsche-911-in-carbon-fiber-gorgeousne/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

1973 Porsche 911 by DP Motorsport

Though the modern Porsche 911 has retained much of the same style as the original, there's still something about a classic Carrera that attracts a certain breed of enthusiast. That's what led to the creation of the Singer 911, and what has apparently motivated a German tuning outfit called DP Motorsport to retrofit a 1973 model to lightweight specification.

The modifications start with a complete carbon fiber rebody. The front and rear bumpers, hood, fenders, doors and whale tail have all been replaced with the lightweight weave, while the windows and lamp covers have all been ditched in favor of lighter-weight replacements. The result is a 870-kilogram (1,918-pound) curb weight instead of 1,080 to 1,335 kg (2,380-2,943 lbs) stock. But that's only half of the less weight, more power ratio equation.

DP Motorsport has also fitted a 3.6-liter flat-six with 310 horsepower, enhanced by a new carburetor and filters, fitted to a G-50 gearbox and limited-slip differential. It rides on 16-inch Fuchs wheels on a coilover suspension with adjustable stabilizers, and they've fitted the brakes from a 964. The interior has likewise been lightened, fitted with bucket seats and swathed in grippy black Alcantara.

In short, the DP 911 is like the air-cooled original, only more so. Check it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading DP Motorsport drapes 1973 Porsche 911 in carbon fiber gorgeousness

DP Motorsport drapes 1973 Porsche 911 in carbon fiber gorgeousness originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1973 porsche 911911carbon fiberdpdp motorsportporscheporsche 911whale tailFri, 18 Nov 2011 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20106902/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/18/dp-motorsport-drapes-1973-porsche-911-in-carbon-fiber-gorgeousne/20106902/article-detail.xml 20106902 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/web911-dp-motorsport1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/web911-dp-motorsport1.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz working on carbon fiber E-Class?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/benz-working-on-carbon-fiber-e-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/benz-working-on-carbon-fiber-e-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/30/benz-working-on-carbon-fiber-e-class/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

A few years ago if you wanted a Mercedes-Benz Coupe your only choices were the dandyish CLK two-door or spending the GDP of a Polynesian island on an SL or CL. The options have grown - and grown more manly - lately, and according to a story in Auto Bild there's another one coming: the E-Class Superlight.

With a rumored arrival of 2015, this rethink of the E will weigh just 2,860 pounds, meaning it would shed 770 pounds compared to the current E Coupe. How? By being "made of super lightweight carbon fiber." Powerplants for the model are suggested to be a six-cylinder gas with a hybrid motor, or a fuel-cell hybrid.

If true, this is presented as Mercedes' response to BMW and Audi moves into plastics and light weight. And this wouldn't be the only challenger from Benz, with a lightweight B and an SCS also said to be in the works.

Mercedes-Benz working on carbon fiber E-Class? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibere-classe-class superlightmercedes e-classmercedes e-class superlightmercedes-benz e superlightSun, 30 Oct 2011 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20093460/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/30/benz-working-on-carbon-fiber-e-class/20093460/article-detail.xml 20093460 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/e-classsuperlight_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/e-classsuperlight.jpg <![CDATA[Could bamboo resin be a good alternative to carbon fiber for cars?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/could-bamboo-resin-be-a-good-alternative-to-carbon-fiber-for-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/could-bamboo-resin-be-a-good-alternative-to-carbon-fiber-for-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/could-bamboo-resin-be-a-good-alternative-to-carbon-fiber-for-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2002 Ford MA Concept

The quest for ever-better lightweight manufacturing materials has led one electric vehicle builder to consider using woven bamboo fiber and vegetable resin in the place of costly carbon fiber or heavy fiberglass. The material is already being put to use in the surfboard industry, and Greg Abbott, a guy who spends his days converting internal-combustion vehicles to EVs, says that in the future, EV kits may have bodies that use bamboo for their body structure. Abbott says the material is strong enough to fall somewhere between fiberglass and carbon fiber on the strength-to-width ratio scale.

Bamboo has a number of fairly obvious appealing traits as a manufacturing material. The crop is quick-growing, stout and easily replenished, which makes it inexpensive as well. The plant is used in everything from flooring to textiles, paper and water processing, so the thought of turning to bamboo for car bodies isn't that far fetched.

Could bamboo resin be a good alternative to carbon fiber for cars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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