Kid Turbo - Carbon Fiber

The very first impression that pops into our heads when a bad-ass ride cruises by is its visual appearance. That's what originally sparks our interest and draws us in for a closer look. There are literally thousands of options to consider when you're ready to upgrade your ride's body styling. Fiberglass and urethane body components have long been the standard for altering the appearance of your factory body style. But if you really want to be on the bleeding edge of automotive fashion, you definitely want to check out carbon fiber. Technology and innovation are constantly moving forward opening up new options. Welcome to the carbon fiber generation!

Over the last several years, it seems that more and more body styling enthusiasts are equipping the exterior and interior of their rides with carbon fiber components. It's a unique and unmistakable look that turns heads without fail, and looks better and better the closer you get to it. Some tuners have themed their rides' body styling completely around carbon fiber, even going as far as fabricating custom body parts to express their theme 100%. It's definitely unique and striking; however not many have the nearly limitless budget it requires.

In addition to the exceptional show quality look, carbon fiber components offer several other benefits. In my opinion, one of the most advantageous is that no sanding, prepping or painting is required. This is a huge cash savings considering how much quality paint work will set you back. Most carbon fiber parts are ready to install right out of the box! They are also protected by a high quality clear coat and UV coating from the manufacturer. All that's needed to keep the original luster is the same maintenance you would show your ride's exterior. Regular washing, polishing, and waxing will keep them beautiful for years to come.

Another benefit that carbon fiber offers is a substantial weight savings over factory metal, aftermarket urethane, and even most fiberglass body parts! Just as an example, swapping an OEM steel hood with any carbon fiber hood can save up to 25 pounds! The weight savings also leads to an increase in performance. A car that weighs less accelerates faster, stops more quickly, gets better gas mileage, and handles better through the curves. The cutting-edge Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger airplane makes extensive use of ultra-light carbon fiber composites in its construction, using 20 percent less fuel than any other airplane of its size! F1 race cars have been using it for years! Carbon fiber is the perfect match for enthusiasts who are looking to jazz up their rides' appearance without the hindrance of additional weight. It is by far the most obvious choice for any car that regularly sees any race track, including your favorite on-ramp!

Most of the time one would assume something that's lightweight lacks strength and durability. Not the case with carbon fiber, my friends! The secret of its strength is in the construction. It's manufactured using the same technology and design as modern bullet-proof vests. The fibers are tightly woven together in a multi-layer crisscross pattern. A high-strength, yet flexible resin is used between the layers to hold it all together. It is by no means indestructible, but for the most part it will survive the occasional bump on the ground, road debris, or run-in with an autocross cone. If you've ever cracked your fiberglass bumper going up a steep driveway you know what I'm sayin'!

In short: The obvious benefits of carbon fiber construction are out there for all to see. It's unique, stylish, cutting-edge, and flat-out gorgeous! Bolting on a simple carbon fiber spoiler will do wonders for your rides appearance! Plus, advantages such as weight savings, performance, and strength make it irresistible to most tuners! More and more automotive and aftermarket parts manufacturers are incorporating carbon fiber into their products for these reasons. Sure, the parts are a bit more expensive, but if you weigh the benefits vs. the cost, there's no contest! Until next time...peace out!