CARBON FIBER: COMING TO A CAR NEAR YOU - AUTOLINE DAILY 1653

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This episode of Autoline Daily delves into the burgeoning use of carbon fiber in the automotive industry, driven by the need for lighter vehicles to meet fuel economy standards. The discussion highlights the 2013 SRT Viper as a prime example, showcasing how extensive use of carbon fiber in its upper body (hood, roof, decklid) contributed to a significant weight reduction of approximately 70 pounds, also lowering the car's center of gravity for improved handling. Experts from Dow Chemical, Plasan Carbon Composites, and Chrysler's SRT division explore the challenges and advancements in making carbon fiber more accessible for mass-market vehicles. Key hurdles include reducing manufacturing cycle times (from 90 minutes to as low as 17 minutes with new processes), lowering raw material costs, and developing resins that cure faster. While structural applications are seen as the most promising for weight savings and part simplification, challenges remain in predicting crash performance and establishing widespread repair infrastructure. The consensus is that collaboration between OEMs, suppliers, and material producers is crucial for carbon fiber to move beyond niche applications into mainstream automotive use.