Corvette ZR1 shows carbon fiber

Chevrolet engineers have found a way to create a durable exposed-weave carbon fiber and are putting it to use on the mighty Corvette ZR1. Until now this type of material was unavailable to consumers for exterior use due to its susceptibility to sun damage and degradation. Any exterior carbon fiber had to be treated or painted to protect it from the elements.

“Everyone said it couldn’t be done, and we were crazy for trying,” said Mark Voss, senior design engineer for the ZR1. “Our challenge was finding a way to give our customers exposed-weave carbon fiber with the durability they have come to expect from a Corvette,” Voss said. “Other automakers have opted for fake attempts at a carbon-fiber look. With the Corvette ZR1, we wanted to give customers the real deal.”

The ZR1 features exposed-weave carbon fiber on the roof panel, roof bow, rocker moldings, front fascia splitter, and the underside of the hood. The ZR1 has carbon fiber floor panels as well, although not in the exposed-weave format. For the Corvette Z06, carbon fiber fenders and floor panels come standard with an optional package that includes splitters, rockers and roof panels.

This high performance material reduces weight and improves stiffness compared to steel. Carbon fiber is approximately one-fifth the weight of steel and one-third the mass of traditional composite panels. For a consumer vehicle, exposed-weave carbon fiber, with its honeycombed appearance, offers the fuel efficiency of painted carbon fiber, but has a unique aesthetic. Compared to painted carbon fiber this new exposed weave carbon fiber gives the car a much more aggressive appearance.