Chevrolet Engineers Auto Sunscreen for the ZR1

In order to reduce the weight of the sports vehicle, the automakers all over the world have been using composite material like carbon fiber. This material is five times lighter and twice as stronger than the normal steel. Due to the harmful effects of the UV rays of the sun, exposed carbon panels are used in mass produced vehicles as they degrade in the UV rays. So, with no other option left the automakers paint them.

The designer of the Chevrolet ZR1, Mark Voss says that everyone said it cannot be done to use exposed carbon panels and we were curious for trying.

Undeterred, Voss and his team worked for three years to develop a high gloss, UV resistant clear coat that helps them to use exposed carbon fiber panels on the body of ZR1. This high-tech coating also provides protection against stone chips and scratches. Majority of the panels in ZR1 are made from exposed-weave carbon except a roof bow, rocker moldings, front fascia splitter, roof panel and the underside of the hood. The ZR1 is equipped with carbon fiber floor panel as well but with non-exposed weave carbon.

An option package for the Corvette Z06 comes with a standard fiber fenders and floors panels that include roof panels, rockers, and splitters. This would certainly alter the way manufacturers look at the carbon fiber in terms of options for aesthetic and functional body work. This will also let you wonder how BMW have been using exposed carbon on the roofs of the M3 and M6. Really it is a matter of great concern for the enthusiasts of the sports car that how they can modify their car with an exposed-weave carbon.

Obviously, this is a great technology and we can certainly expect to see a huge impact of this technology on the sports cars in coming years.