Autoblog

Oakley C Six shades: CNC-milled from solid carbon fiber billet

Noah Joseph — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST

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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Gresso takes its cues from F1 with new Grand Monaco phone

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

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

[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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Dodge Viper ACR wing stronger than your average spoiler

Michael Harley — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Technology, Dodge, Design/Style

The elephantine rear airfoil bolted to the rear deck of the Dodge Viper ACR is not only highly functional, but it gets credit as being the first mass-produced carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) wing on a production car. Rear wings on high performance vehicles are designed to counter lift. Without aerodynamic aids, most vehicles become less stable and have reduced grip as velocities increase (worst case, the vehicle actually flies as did the Mercedes CLR at Le Mans in 1999).

Chrysler's SRT Performance Group was tasked with building a faster variant of the Dodge Viper with the ACR, yet cutting weight at the same time. The team did extensive studies of wing profiles before settling on a 72-inch wide wing manufactured out of CFRP. While most wings have a structural core or ribbing, the ACR's hollow wing is comprised of just four layers of epoxy/carbon fiber weave with an outer UV-resistant clearcoat.

The wing is amazingly strong (as evidenced by the picture at right), yet it weighs just 7.5 lbs, 50 to 80 percent less than an aluminum or thermoplastic counterpart. Working in conjunction with a variable-geometry front splitter and dive planes, the oversized rear wing helps the Viper ACR achieve its targeted 1,000 lbs of downforce at 150 mph. That's enough to help Dodge's supercar sustain a cornering load of 1.5 Gs at speed - superior to many GT racing cars.

[Source: Composites World]

Dodge Viper ACR wing stronger than your average spoiler originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vertu launches new Ascent Ti Carbon Fibre Collection

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Toys/Games

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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Carbon Motors picks Connersville, IN for new HQ, E7 police car production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Police/Emergency, Diesel

Carbon Motors E7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Carbon Motors, soon-to-be makers of a dedicated police cruiser known as the E7, has finally chosen a new place to call home: Connersville, Indiana. Taking up residence in an abandoned plant from auto parts supplier Visteon, Carbon intends on investing $350 million to renovate the 1.8 million square-foot facility that it plans to use for production of the E7. The company could bring 1,500 new jobs to the area and plans to have the E7 into production by 2012.

Now that a production plant has been procured - and assuming there aren't any major snags along the way - it's expected that Carbon Motors will make an application to the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, which is intended to help spur the development of new fuel efficient vehicles. Carbon Motors' E7 was developed from the ground-up for police duty and features a 3.0-liter diesel that the company claims could cut police fleet fuel usage by 40% along with a barrage of other high-tech goodies perfect for fighting crime. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Carbon Motors E7 police car

[Source: Carbon Motors]

Continue reading Carbon Motors picks Connersville, IN for new HQ, E7 police car production

Carbon Motors picks Connersville, IN for new HQ, E7 police car production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details and Pics Aplenty: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

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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Ferrari's leathercrafters make a carbon fiber briefcase

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

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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Stop Time: Mecchanice Veloce and Brembo team up for carbon-ceramic watch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Technology

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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TAG Heuer outlines its vision with carbon-fiber frames

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets

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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Japanese firms working to make carbon fiber mainstream

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Japan, Technology

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.

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Porsche steps up, will legally fight London's gas guzzler tax

Michael Harley — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Green, Porsche, UK

It's the mayor of London in one corner and Porsche, the maker of thoroughbred sports cars, in the other.

In the green trunks, Mayor Ken Livingstone has decreed that a $50 daily tax shall be levied against all gas-guzzling, emission-spewing vehicles that drive through his city beginning in October. His logic says that it will fight global warming, and the money raised will help implement a Paris-style bicycle plan for the city. Re-election is around the corner, so this initiative is imperative to his tenure.

In the black trunks, Andy Goss, the Managing Director of Porsche Cars GB, rejects the tax as unjust. The automaker claims it is a disproportionate fee that will have a very limited effect on CO2 emissions. Its plan is to write Livingstone a letter requesting that he reconsider the proposal, and if nothing happens after 14 days, take the matter to the courts, which could throw out Livingstone's tax altogether.

And the winner is... neither side. Both are unable to deliver a knock out punch, so the winner will likely be chosen by decision.

[Source: Automotive News Europe]

Porsche steps up, will legally fight London's gas guzzler tax originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Genaddi keeps a lid on the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster

Noah Joseph — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click on the image above to view in high-resolution

How do you top a car like the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster? It's simply one of the most desirable supercars on the market. But while the terms "practicality" and "Lamborghini" don't belong anywhere in the same sentence, the topless Raging Bull's roof is something best considered only for emergencies - just when the contraption's complicated installment procedures prove most frustrating (or so we hear).

Coming to the rescue are the American coachbuilders at Genaddi, who've designed a special roof for the special supercar. If the name rings any bells, Genaddi is responsible for such intriguing open-air conversions as the Corvette LSR Roadster, Maybach 62 cabriolet and the (limited) production version of the Ford GTX1 concept.

Genaddi's design for the Murcielago is far less complicated, but from the description, its simplicity could be its most redeeming quality. Made of carbon fiber, the six panels are designed to fit under the front hood of the roadster so it can be taken along with the car. They can be mounted in different configurations - completely open, completely closed, T-top or targa - and include a rear glass window. Genaddi expects to put the roof into production in May, when it will sell for $26,000.

Yes, that's enough to buy a decent complete car, but it's a small price to pay if it means getting more use out of your Lamborghini. And that's a worthy cause which we here at Autoblog support whole-heartedly.

Check out the press release after the jump and more images in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Genaddi Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster

Continue reading Genaddi keeps a lid on the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster

Genaddi keeps a lid on the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Breathe easy: British website lists low CO2 emitters

Dan Roth — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Green

British buyers have been able to glance quickly at their color coded environmental labels since 2005, a convenient way to assess the footprint they'll be leaving on things green or furry. Now buyers can head to the Department for Transport's website, and the DfT's ACT on CO2 program will provide a list of the top 10 cars in 14 different categories for low CO2 emissions. Providing this information in an accessible manner has the potential to spur drivers to purchase more fuel-efficient (and thus more CO2 efficient) vehicles. The categories were laid out by What Car? and the rankings were created using data from the Vehicle Certification Agency, which conducts the official emissions tests for the DfT. The website can be found here.

[Source: DfT via autoindustry.co.uk]

Breathe easy: British website lists low CO2 emitters originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buy a VW Rabbit, get a bike... if you live in Chicago

Dan Roth — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Volkswagen, First Drive

Volkswagen has been down this road before with the Jetta Trek back in the late '90s. This time, though, they're putting a green spin on it. Lime, to be exact. Chi-town Volkswagen dealers are giving buyers a bicycle and roof rack for the next month. The premise is that the dealer will encourage you to take your bike on quick, short-distance jaunts. Not driving a car at all by riding a bike is super effective at reducing fuel consumption, gridlock, and CO2 emissions. Biking is also way cheaper than exotic technological solutions; plus, you'll get some exercise, which is hard to come by in stop and go traffic. The cycle is still a Trek, dubbed the Lime, which is one of their newest models and has a three speed automatic transmission that automatically changes gears for you, in the hopes that you'll find it a more enjoyable way to ride. We'd probably hate it. It really is a great, simple solution that could work for a lot of folks. We know this is Autoblog, and this has turned into a bicycular love-fest, but we have to applaud the marketing stunt as an elegant (if gimmicky) way of focusing on our vast appetite for fuel.

[Source: VW via AutoblogGreen]

Buy a VW Rabbit, get a bike... if you live in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TVR Typhoon takes shape

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Supercars

It ain't over till the fat lady sings, and although it promises to be a real screamer, TVR's seductress is anything but fat. We were pleased to bring you earlier information on the upcoming Typhoon, and now more details and computer-generated preview images have surfaced.

Once it hits production, the Typhoon will be TVR's first completely computer-designed car, helping the automaker fine-tune the aerodynamics to a more efficient extent. Power will come from TVR's 4-liter inline-six, only with a big nasty supercharger pumping horsepower up to 600 and torque up to 500 lb-ft. Supercharger or no supercharger, six hundred horses out of a six-cylinder engine is no mean feat, and the engine specialists at Ricardo helped along the way.

Follow the jump for the rest of the story and some additional renderings of the Typhoon.

[Source: evo]

Continue reading TVR Typhoon takes shape

TVR Typhoon takes shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Track Special: Ascari's new 625-hp A10, ready for MPH show

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows

Last December, Ascari announced it was producing a new track-ready model more hard-core than its already quick KZ1. Now the British sportscar manufacturer of the KZ1 is ready to take the wraps off its new supercar in just a few days at the 2006 MPH show in England, and is giving us a sneak peek at its new crown jewel.

Unlike the FXX, which, technically at least, is a track-only car and not certified for road use (the Ferrari doesn't even have side-view mirrors), the A10 is road legal, though we suspect the ground-scraping ultra-low ride height and the race-spec suspension will mean it's more suitable for the track. The new Ascari is also a great deal less expensive than the FXX - about a third the price, actually: the FXX costs about €1.5 million, and the A10 costs "just" €522k. (Though, to be fair, the FXX price incorporates participation in a development program and includes storage, transportation, and upgrades to the equipment as they're developed.) Only ten of the super-quick Ascaris will be built to order for fortunate customers, who can also specify electronic "luxuries" like power windows, locks and mirrors, climate control and alarm system.

Now for the good stuff: the new Ascari ups the power from its 5-liter V8 from about 500 in the KZ1 to 625 horsepower in the A10. With carbon fiber body panels, the car weighs just 1200kg and is said to be capable of hitting 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and 100 in under 6. Those are some impressive claims, but with that much power and such low weight...well, let's just say we're dying to see it in action.

[Source: Ascari via AutoMotorPortal]

Track Special: Ascari's new 625-hp A10, ready for MPH show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carbon fiber... don't believe the hype?

Chris Paukert — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Technology

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.

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