Financing a new car doesn’t have to be hard. Learn more about applying for auto loans.
General Motors plans to use the 2009 Corvette ZR1 as a test platform for the incorporation of carbon fiber parts in high-volume vehicles. Carbon fiber, a material first used in the racing world, has the advantage of weighing 50% less than steel. Although it is expensive, carbon fiber could be the answer to bringing down body weight, a crucial component in meeting the new federally mandated standards for higher fuel efficiency. The recently set corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) levels call for a fleet average of 35 mpg to be achieved by 2020.
Designers at General Motors predict that it may take as long as a decade to truly understand the potential carbon fiber holds for vehicle manufacturing. The company's first use of carbon fiber was in the 2004 Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition, where the outer hood was fabricated of the material. The 2009 ZR1 will include the use of several key carbon fiber parts including: hood and roof, front and back spoilers, front fenders, and side rocker panels. Overall, the weight of the sports car will be brought down 35 lbs. For instance, the roof panel and roof bow, come in 7.7 lbs. less than the same components on a conventional Corvette. Engineers will be studying the durability of the experimental material over the life of the ZR1s and using the data to improve placement of carbon fiber parts to achieve mass efficiencies.
The ZR1, unveiled in January at the Detroit Auto Show, is a good test bed for the carbon fiber components as it is a high-end sports car to be produced as a limited edition only. Interestingly enough, however, most people will not be able to recognize the presence of the carbon fiber with its distinctive weave pattern on the ZR1 because it will be well hidden beneath a shell of paint. Carbon fiber is highly susceptible to yellowing under ultra-violet light.
The ZR1 will be powered by a 6.2 liter, supercharged V8 and will be capable of producing 620 horsepower making it GM's most powerful car. It will go on sale late in 2008 and will have an annual production run of approximately 2,500. The exact price of the two-door, hatchback coupe (fixed room, rear-wheel drive) has not been nailed down, but it is an exclusive machine on all levels, including the use of its revolutionary carbon fiber components.
Designers at General Motors predict that it may take as long as a decade to truly understand the potential carbon fiber holds for vehicle manufacturing. The company's first use of carbon fiber was in the 2004 Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition, where the outer hood was fabricated of the material. The 2009 ZR1 will include the use of several key carbon fiber parts including: hood and roof, front and back spoilers, front fenders, and side rocker panels. Overall, the weight of the sports car will be brought down 35 lbs. For instance, the roof panel and roof bow, come in 7.7 lbs. less than the same components on a conventional Corvette. Engineers will be studying the durability of the experimental material over the life of the ZR1s and using the data to improve placement of carbon fiber parts to achieve mass efficiencies.
The ZR1, unveiled in January at the Detroit Auto Show, is a good test bed for the carbon fiber components as it is a high-end sports car to be produced as a limited edition only. Interestingly enough, however, most people will not be able to recognize the presence of the carbon fiber with its distinctive weave pattern on the ZR1 because it will be well hidden beneath a shell of paint. Carbon fiber is highly susceptible to yellowing under ultra-violet light.
The ZR1 will be powered by a 6.2 liter, supercharged V8 and will be capable of producing 620 horsepower making it GM's most powerful car. It will go on sale late in 2008 and will have an annual production run of approximately 2,500. The exact price of the two-door, hatchback coupe (fixed room, rear-wheel drive) has not been nailed down, but it is an exclusive machine on all levels, including the use of its revolutionary carbon fiber components.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Cars for Sale – Buy New & Used Cars – Repossessed Cars on Sale
- Cars For Sale, Cheap Cars For Sale
- Best Used Cars - Get The Best Deals On Repossessed Used Cars For Sale
- Find Used Cars Online - Used Cars For Sale
- Cars - Used Cars - Best Deals On Repossessed Used Cars
- Car Rental & the Environment
- Cars For Sale – Repossessed Used Cars – Collection Of New And Used Japanese Cars
- Cars For Sale – Car Auctions Online – Used Car Auctions
What To Do When You Want To Buy A Used Car?
By: Rudy Silva | 30/11/2009If you want to buy a car, then try a used car. Your friend would be your good source of information. Before buying the car, check it out thoroughly. Take the used car to an auto shop to have them check it. When testing the car, check all exterior areas. Read this article to get some guidelines on buying a used car.
Used UK Cars
By: karl williams | 29/11/2009Used UK Cars of which there is an abundance of online these days, have with the recent global ressesion droped in price. And theres never been a better time to get the best used car prices as there is on todays used car market. Providing us all with a great chance to pick up a complete bargin, at a very low price compared with a year ago.
Exotic Sports Car
By: karl williams | 29/11/2009What is an exotic sports car? Indeed it brings to mind the words, Fast, Expensive and Desirable in all most anyone who thinks of one. But in truth what is it that makes a sports car an exotic spots car, whats the difference?. For me the difference is theres much less exotic sports cars out there, than there is sports cars.
Auto Classifieds
By: karl williams | 29/11/2009When preparing your used car for sale via an online auto classifieds website.Its very important to inspect the vehicle prior to placing it within your auto ads, check for any rust or damage. ie, scratches to the bodywork, any dents, or faded body-work. If you find any you may even look to getting them fixed, it would give you an overall better chance of selling your used car. As online there are many auto classifieds sites with many autos for sale within them.
The Durable and Long-lasting Radiator Parts now on sale at Parts Train are a simple and elegant solution
By: Nikunj M Patel | 28/11/2009Your car radiator is the primary cooling mechanism for your engine. Parts train's Radiators are a simple and elegant solution to the need for engine cooling. Parts train's Radiators are mostly made of aluminum. Light and strong, aluminum is great for making radiators. It is the material of choice for most of today’s radiators. Light and intelligently designed, aluminum radiators are standard on many of today’s new cars and trucks.
Here Is Why Honda Cars Are Some Of The Most Popular In The World
By: Shop On Sale | 28/11/2009If you are looking for a new or late model used vehicle, consider Honda Cars. Here is why I thank they are a great choice.....
Why You Should Use A Car Payment Calculator
By: Shop On Sale | 28/11/2009Buying a car can be confusing, especially when it comes to getting an affordable loan to fit your budget. Read on to learn how using a car payment calculator can help to understand the numbers in a simple way...
What You Need To Know About Attending A Car Auction
By: Shop On Sale | 28/11/2009Many people already know that buying a car from a car auction can save you money. Here are some facts you should know before you attend one.....
Malaysian Rubber Wood, and Why is it a Good Choice for Bathrooms
By: Leaftech | 01/07/2008 | Home BrewingBathrooms come 2nd after kitchens in what we look at when buying a new home, so make sure you renovate your's with the best materials.
Benefits of Leather Versus Cloth Laptop Cases
By: Leaftech | 30/06/2008 | Computer GamesWhen it comes to protecting your laptop do you kmow what type of laptop bag will suit you best.
Why it is Important to Check if a Contractor Has Liability Insurance
By: Leaftech | 30/06/2008 | Home BrewingWhen it comes to getting your home improvements completed, make sure your contractor has liability insurance
Hang Up and Drive!
By: Leaftech | 27/06/2008 | Carsstop risking your neck and everyone elses when you drive today, hang up those devices and go hands free.
2009 Corvette Zr1 to Incorporate Carbon Fiber Components
By: Leaftech | 25/06/2008 | CarsThe new 2009 Corvette will incorporate the latest in carbon fiber technology.
Burglary 101 - How to Protect Your Home and Belongings
By: Leaftech | 25/06/2008 | Home BrewingBy taking a fw simple precautions you can better protect your home and belongings
Volvo Embraces Holistic Approach to Environmentally Sound Cars
By: Leaftech | 12/06/2008 | CarsVolvo is now one of the most environmentlaly friendly vehicles when it comes to their build.
Are There Canadian Guidelines for Tamper Evident Seal Use?
By: Leaftech | 28/04/2008 | BusinessYou've seen those seals when you open a carton of juice, aor a bottle of vitamins. But who regulates whether we are really safe.