Carbon fiber is a thin and fibrous material that is at least 5x lighter and stronger than steel by weight. It is rapidly becoming a manufacturing standard in high-performance vehicles, allowing for greater fuel efficiency and performance. The unique texture and appearance of carbon fiber are also great for providing the look and feel of an advanced performance machine.
This material was used for the first time in 1981 in the famous McLaren M81 supercar. The question is, how does carbon fiber stack up against other performance automotive materials and why?Â
How Carbon Fiber is Used in Performance Automotive Parts
To manufacture this material, filaments are carbonized and formed into a coil. This coil is bonded with a thermosetting plastic to endow it with strength. Finally, the product is formed into bundles that can be readily made into the desired car part.Â
Exterior body parts are the most common application including side mirrors, spoilers, hoods, bumpers, grilles, wheels, driveshafts, wings, air scoops, and more.Â
Carbon fiber is superior to most, if not all, other materials. Here are some of the ways it surpasses stock materials.
Greater Durability
For the types of impacts cars tend to endure, carbon fiber exteriors are the more durable choice. If you have ever had someone sit on your hood and dent it, you can relate. Where steel and aluminum will hold the deformity, carbon fiber will pop back into shape.Â
Superior Weight to Power Ratio
Far out-performing steel on weight characteristics, carbon fiber will take a massive burden off your vehicle's carry weight. In most cases, it is also lighter than aluminum parts. This means more power will be available for performance. A side effect of this is better fuel efficiency.
Heat Friendly
Carbon fiber is an excellent choice for traditional power plant vehicles, which can rapidly build up heat. Carbon fiber is transparent to certain forms of radiation and does not hold onto thermal energy like steel and aluminum do.
Improves Aesthetics
When looks matter, carbon fiber wins the day. When it comes to crowds that appreciate performance and speed, the look of carbon fiber is exactly what you’re looking for.Â
The best way to get started cutting weight and transforming your ride into a performance machine is with these outstanding exterior components. These are some of the largest exterior parts and will go the furthest in cutting weight and boosting performance. Options like the WRX carbon fiber trunk lighten the vehicle and optimize performance.Â
Other options include the BRX carbon fiber hood to modify your vehicle's body for lighter more efficient performance and an enhanced look.
If you’re looking for carbon fiber parts to take your vehicle to the next level, shop with JDMucle today!