Carbon Fiber
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 474
Likes: 33
Carbon Fiber
Do we know if any body panels are carbon fiber? Someone at the reveal mentioned the targa top was noticeably heavier than the carbon fiber C7 targa top. I’m curious if the need for carbon fiber panels for weight balance went away with the new ME platform.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 196
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From: Texas
I would bet the body panels on the C8 are similar to the C7 in that they are a reinforced composite plastic. Carbon fiber looks cool and is really hard but its not much lighter than the composite plastic panels.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2019
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Maybe even the rear diffuser in exposed carbon fiber too. Maybe even painted carbon flash plastic trim around the engine glass, if that is even possible.....
In effect everything that is carbon flash plastic I want in exposed carbon fiber.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: North Dallas 40 TX
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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There is structural carbon fiber as used to build fighter jets and race car components which is incredibly strong, light, and very expensive.
Then there is non-structural carbon fiber which looks cool
but is not strong, light, and not very expensive.
Then there is non-structural carbon fiber which looks cool
but is not strong, light, and not very expensive.
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
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Interestingly, the top is offered in a visible carbon fiber option, as did the C7. However, the "Engineering the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette" by Don Sherman published by SAE (see other threads) has the following:
.
This would seem to imply the the roof is TPO, not carbon fiber as the C7 was. Or, it could just be a poorly worded/incorrect article.
Two key C7 body-systems suppliers return to C8. According to GM engineers, Continental Structural Plastics supplies the primary molded-SMC exterior panels, while the car’s triangular engine-bay panels are sourced from Plasan Carbon Composites. The exterior fascias, in TPO, are from Magna, as is the Stingray’s removable roof panel. The rear bumper beam is a carbon-fiber pultrusion to save weight.
This would seem to imply the the roof is TPO, not carbon fiber as the C7 was. Or, it could just be a poorly worded/incorrect article.
