I was reading this article on Foxnews

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/...ntcmp=features

Saying with the new EPA regulations auto makers are now looking at carbon fiber for just about everything to make the car lighter. Which in turn would require less power to make the car move. Lotus has been doing this with their cars for a long time now. I once read that Lotus uses a special paint that is supposed to be super light weight compared to traditional paint.

They even showcased a company that had carbon fiber rims.

It's no secret that carbon fiber is a much better material to use. But it has always been so expensive, so what will that do to the prices of cars? Maybe now would be a good time to invest in Carbon Fiber manufacturing places.

I would be interested in seeing how cars handle crashes though. Will it hold up as well?

I thought it was a good article.

 

interesting read.

 

wheel will break apart instead of bend?

I don't think you want that

 

After doing some research I always knew carbon fiber was extremely strong I just didn't realize how strong. It's already used in motor sports and aero space. So for the rims, the likely hood of them breaking is less.

Here are some sites I read up on:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-...forced_polymer
http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/webproject...chemistry.html

My only major concern is how would if affect the price of a car? Can you make an all CF car for under 25k? Let's face it a lot of people can't afford 30K+ cars. Hell I got my 08 Lexus for 17k

 

The LFA has many many carbon fiber parts... and it cost $375,xxxx

 

The LFA had a ton of technology built into it. Which also drove up that cost. For 375k it was not that fast compared to other super cars but technology wise that was the dream machine!

I agree though CF cars will cost initial cost a lot. But lets say Toyota starts making the Camry with carbon fiber parts it might drive the price down on CF. The demand will be higher so it will force them to become more competitive and drive down prices.

 

The LFA isn't a straight line type car. It's more like an all arounder. Plus with the tech knowledge gained from it, we should be seeing CF make it's way down to future Lexus, maybe Toyota vehicles.

 

And yet they lose money on every single one of them. People who complain about the cost do not understand the purpose of the car (serves as a halo) to inspire tech, innovation and engineering in Toyota/Lexus mainstream, nor comprehend how owning the LFA buys into a certain exclusivity that even Ferrari and Lambo don't have save for one-offs. Not to mention they are envious the GT-R can't rev to 9K lol

 

FT-HS concept had carbon fiber wheels

 

looks like carbon revolution is seeking funding/partnership to get started on mass production
hence the PR

initially, these must be expensive as #$*#($%*


edit:
oh and what do you know, HRE is coming out with a carbon fiber series that uses carbon fiber in its rim barrel
http://www.hrewheels.com/carbon-series/

 

^^^ that's a gorgeous wheel IMO

 

Those that complain of the cost are the ones that can't afford it. I just loved the interior and the tech they put into that car. I hope to see Toyota get a bit more adventurous with their cars in design and tech. Even pushing the hybrid system further.

Can you chrome Carbon Fiber? That is the one thing I like about CF, by itself it can look sexy or your can paint it and hide the fact that it is CF.