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Posts tagged carbon fiber
Report: VW developing carbon fiber roof for performance Golf models
May 7th
Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen
According to Edmunds, Volkswagen is currently developing a carbon fiber roof option for performance versions of its Golf hatchback. This feature would not only save weight, but could slightly improve fuel economy as well.
Adding the carbon fiber roof could shed anywhere from 18 to 20 pounds off the porky little hatch’s curb weight, Edmunds reports. At this point in development, Volkswagen is currently working out how to develop a set of waterproof joints to seal the roof to the car’s body sides and windshield.
Pricing or specific launch timing for the carbon fiber roof has not been released, nor have any details about what specific models will receive the option. Of course, it stands to reason that the hottest Golf of the bunch, the R, will have this weight-saving feature, but the perennial favorite GTI, pictured, would also be a good match for something like this.
VW developing carbon fiber roof for performance Golf models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem
Apr 25th
Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi, Specialty, Luxury
Audi is celebrating the 2013 Wörthersee Tour with a special concept version of the company’s TT. The Audi TT Ultra Quattro concept tips the scales at just 2,449 pounds thanks to some extensive engineering work. The company pulled nearly 95 lbs from the car’s body structure and used carbon-fiber reinforced plastics for many of its detachable body components. As a result, the concept weighs in at a full 220 pounds lighter than its production counterpart. Throw in a wicked turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and you get a machine with the power to weight ratio in the supercar realm. 0-60 comes up in 4.2 seconds and top speed is listed at 173 mph.
Inside, the TT Ultra Quattro features plenty of carbon fiber trim, and designers also fitted the seats from the R8 GT to save a little weight. The buckets use CFRP for the seat frames, saving nearly 50 pounds in the process. In a world where automakers seem blind to the negative effect of throwing more heft at a vehicle, we’re in love with the Ultra Quattro concept. Check out the full press release below for more information.
Continue reading Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem
Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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New York: 2014 SRT Viper TA attacks Manhattan [w/video]
Mar 27th
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, SRT
As if the 2013 SRT Viper GTS hasn’t stirred up enough excitement, SRT has created a more specialized version of the car designed to attack any track. On display at the New York Auto Show, the 2014 Viper TA has been enhanced for even better track duty, but production will be limited to just 33 units when it goes on sale later this year.
Obvious changes to SRT’s flagship performance car include upgraded Brembo brakes, a carbon fiber x-brace under the hood and carbon fiber front and rear spoilers – the latter aero changes providing about 300 pounds of additional downforce at speed. Oh, and if you didn’t notice, the car will only be offered in this eye-blazing Crusher Orange paint job with black, lightweight wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. The black-only interior gets similar contrasting orange stitching all over to bring some color indoors.
Less obvious changes include a revised two-mode Bilstein suspension that is firmer than the standard Viper GTS to begin with, and has a “smaller spread between the modes,” suggesting that even though the car is road-legal, it’s likely to be a pretty extreme ride. Asis the case with “lesser” Vipers, the TA relies on the 8.4-liter V10 to churn out 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. Scroll down to watch a new video of the TA and to read the official press release.
Continue reading 2014 SRT Viper TA attacks Manhattan [w/video]
2014 SRT Viper TA attacks Manhattan [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva: Spania GTA Spano packs 900 hp, acres of carbon fiber
Mar 6th
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe
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.
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Geneva: The Mansory Speranza proves that money can buy taste and good sense…
Mar 5th
Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury
…Just kidding.
No one in their right mind has ever accused German tuners Mansory of being subtle. So, when our Geneva team wandered across the Mansory Speranza – A Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen that has been denuded of its roof and spackled inside with quilted leather and red carbon fiber - they didn’t ask a lot of existential questions. Why does the Speranza exist? Because Germans are weird sometimes, that’s why.
Forget for a moment that you’ll have to pay Mansory hundreds of thousands of euros (we’re guessing, no pricing information has been revealed) for the privilege of converting your G-Class into something that looks like a Suzuki Samurai, and prepare to be impressed by the details. The tuning house has increased the output of the Mercedes V8 to a healthy 700 horsepower and 668 pound-feet of torque. The wheels are 24-inches, and wear almost unbelievable 305-section ultra-high performance Vresdestein tires. Carbon fiber can be found nearly everywhere one looks, including making up the housing for the spare tire. Oh, and there are leather pillows for the backseats… no word on whether they’re standard or optional, but we’re looking in to it.
Quench your ghoulish curiosity about the Mansory Speranza below, with a satisfying gallery of images from the show floor, as well as the official press release. Nothing in the press release covers why Mansory has used “Speranza,” the Italian word for “hope” as the name of this beastie, however. Our best guess is that when you see it for the firsts time, you’re overcome with a sincere hope that it not run you over (feel free to guess for yourself, in comments).
Continue reading The Mansory Speranza proves that money can buy taste and good sense…
The Mansory Speranza proves that money can buy taste and good sense… originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: Ferrari LaFerrari is beautifully redundant [w/video]
Mar 5th
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Technology, Ferrari, Luxury
The successor the Ferrari Enzo has officially bowed. Ferrari pulled the sheets back on the oddly named LaFerrari at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, calling the machine the “maximum expression” of what defines the automaker. In this case, that includes a 6.3-liter V12 engine with 789 horsepower married to a 160-hp electric motor. The combination is good for a full 949 hp and 663 pound-feet of torque, and Ferrari says the LaFerrari can punch to 62 miles per hour in under three seconds. Keep your foot planted and 124 mph will click by in a scant seven seconds, while top speed sits at a lofty 205 mph.
Engineers turned to a total of four different types of hand-laminatated carbon fiber to create a chassis that’s both stiffer and lighter than would have otherwise been possible. With a 41/59 weight distribution, carbon-ceramic brakes and ultra-light calipers, the LaFerrari is unlike anything we’ve seen from the company to date. The automaker says its creation is the fastest in its long history. You can take a look at the in-depth press release, as well as a video, below for more information, and be sure to check out the model’s new site here.
Continue reading Ferrari LaFerrari is beautifully redundant [w/video]
Ferrari LaFerrari is beautifully redundant [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: Ferrari LaFerrari is beautifully redundant
Mar 5th
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Technology, Ferrari, Luxury
The successor the Ferrari Enzo has officially bowed. Ferrari pulled the sheets back on the oddly named LaFerrari at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, calling the machine the “maximum expression” of what defines the automaker. In this case, that includes a 6.3-liter V12 engine with 789 horsepower married to a 160-hp electric motor. The combination is good for a full 949 hp and 663 pound-feet of torque, and Ferrari says the LaFerrari can punch to 62 miles per hour in under three seconds. Keep your foot planted and 124 mph will click by in a scant seven seconds, while top speed sits at a lofty 205 mph.
Engineers turned to a total of four different types of hand-laminatated carbon fiber to create a chassis that’s both stiffer and lighter than would have otherwise been possible. With a 41/59 weight distribution, carbon-ceramic brakes and ultra-light calipers, the LaFerrari is unlike anything we’ve seen from the company to date. The automaker says its creation is the fastest in its long history. You can take a look at the in-depth press release below for more information, and be sure to check out the model’s new site here.
Continue reading Ferrari LaFerrari is beautifully redundant
Ferrari LaFerrari is beautifully redundant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva: Koenigsegg Agera S Hundra is a carbon fiber and gold leaf party
Mar 5th
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Luxury, Koenigsegg
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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Official: McLaren reveals P1 interior shots
Feb 12th
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, McLaren
We’ve had several chances to get up close and personal with the McLaren P1 since its debut back in September at the Paris Motor Show, but McLaren has literally kept us in the dark about the car’s interior thanks to a heavy tint covering all of its windows. With the company preparing the car for its production debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show, we’re finally getting our first look inside the car courtesy of a few official images.
Opening up the P1′s butterfly doors reveals an interior that was designed to be as close to a racecar as possible, so the lack of amenities and the amount of exposed carbon fiber inside the car are not surprising. From the fixed driver’s seat, which is custom to each buyer and weighs just 23 pounds, the car definitely looks the part of a street-legal racecar with features such as the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, reconfigurable digital gauge cluster and a carbon fiber waterfall center stack with navigation, audio system and HVAC controls. The long windshield and panoramic roof are meant to give the P1′s cabin a feel similar to the cockpit of a fighter jet.
There’s only a few more weeks to wait to see the car in its full glory, but until then, enjoy the new pictures from McLaren and scroll down for an official press release on the car’s interior.
Continue reading McLaren reveals P1 interior shots
McLaren reveals P1 interior shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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ETC: Engineer father builds son amazing electric toy car
Jan 30th
Filed under: China, Toys/Games, Electric
We had some pretty entertaining automotive toys growing up, but trust us when we say we had nothing quite like this. A father in China whipped up an amazing mini electric car for his son, complete with a custom frame, disc brakes, fully functional suspension and a rear differential. With a carbon fiber body and LED light system, the machine is a step up from your typical Power Wheels. Hell, it’s a step up from most production vehicles on the road. An electric motor is mated to a small transmission just behind the seat.
What kind of dad whips up something like this in his spare time? One who engineers custom mini cars for a living. In this case, Pops started with a simple CAD drawing before bringing the little EV to life, and he says buyers pay as much as a BMW 3 Series to get their kids in equivalent little runabouts. In this case, the builder says he has around $15,000 in materials alone. Just remember kids, all things are possible with time and money. Check out the full reddit discussion for more information.
Engineer father builds son amazing electric toy car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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