chill_dog

Saw this article earlier this morning on carbon fiber...

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2005-07-25-carbon-fiber-usat_x.htm

1) Interesting - at least to me - that it's being used a OEM body parts on cars more and more.
2) Weight reduction...duh.
3) As strong as steel? Or close to as strong? So there's no structural or safety loss to replacing your hood, trunk, etc?

Just wanted to share the article and see if you guys had any interesting thoughts or insight on this...




Remember kids, carbon fiber - it's not just for riced out Civics any more!

special-ed

well for at least those of us with sport bikes, carbon fiber not only looks trick but it's very durable as well. from carbon fiber clutch cases, frame coverings, fenders and rear tire huggers, they're very durable. also, in my SPIDI jacket, gloves and boots alone, i've got carbon/kevlar inserts on my shoulders, back, elbows, fingers, ankles, shins and they're hard as hell. you wouldn't want to get punched by a sportbike/motocross glove with these inserts.....i keep a pair in my car just in case.

carbon fiber definitely important when you find yourself low-siding your bike and sliding across the track. very strong and durable.

I believe both the hoods and roofs would have some sort of steel frame for support since it's really the support beams that absorb the impact in a collision right? You'd basically be replacing a big piece of sheet metal with carbon fiber in this case but still retain the metal framing. It also really depends on how many layers of weaved carbon fiber we're talking about. The more layers, the more rigid, an yet still significant weight loss compared to metals.

cM3go

The RL has parts that are made from carbon fiber