Corvette Gets First Factory Equipped CF Hood

Working with General Motors and Toray Composites, Inc., MacLean Vehicle Systems has succeeded in developing and mass-producing a lightweight, structurally stiff carbon fiber hood for GM's 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition. MacLean Vehicle Systems is the first supplier to deliver aerospace quality advanced composites into a traditional automotive assembly environment. This is the first time carbon fiber has been used as original equipment for a painted exterior panel on a North American-produced vehicle.The carbon fiber hood is 10.6 pounds lighter than the standard fiberglass sheet molding compound (SMC) hood. The painted, class-A outer skin is only 0.048 inches thick, similar to stamped sheet metal, and is the thinnest polymer composite skin on a street legal production vehicle. SMC is typically 0.07 inches thick. The hood is uniquely constructed, combining 100 percent carbon-fiber epoxy and hybrid fiber SMC. The finished assembly has passed all GM requirements for strength, stiffness and durability.


Source: Composite eNews, #20S, 27 May 2003.