Carbon fabrics for next-generation cars

The Deep Orange 6, “a next-generation Toyota concept vehicle” developed and engineered by students from Clemson University, was shown to the public at the SAE International 2016 World Congress and Exhibition in Detroit, MI.  

 

By using TeXtreme® carbon fabrics in its door panels, rear hatch, dashboard, and bumpers and cladding, significant weight savings, improved mechanical performance and superior surface smoothness was achieved.

 

With exposed CFRP interior components on Deep Orange 6, it was a high priority to use a woven carbon fiber fabric with a unique weave pattern. Textreme’s materials exceeded the team's expectations, as it has given them a beautiful finish on the interior, is a high quality product that is easy to lay up without distorting the weave, and the spread tow tapes leave a very smooth finish on the final part, according to Dr. Johnell Brooks, an associate professor in Clemson University’s graduate Department of Automotive Engineering

 

TeXtreme® is a unique material that differs from conventional carbon fiber materials due to its proprietary production methods which create an ultralight and ultrathin spread tow carbon fiber reinforcement. Its track record of contributing to successful product releases from companies including Bauer Hockey, Prince Tennis, Cobra Puma Golf, and Bell Helmets, along with its use in Formula 1, NASCAR and the ORACLE TEAM USA America’s Cup boat, has proven the real-world benefits of the TeXtreme® Technology.

 

Deep Orange 6 is a new model for a young generation that has little money to spare, that have less interest in vehicle ownership than past generations, need a personal mobility solution for commuting and shopping at low cost of ownership, and also have the desire for extra space, range and performance for leisure activities. The model will be introduced to the market in 2020.