Just curious about the purpose of carbon fiber for cars.

For example: carbon fiber hoods. Why? Is it 100% for looks? Does it help cool off the engine? Is it to make the car weigh less?

Honest question... Just wondering.

In general, why do people use carbon-fiber parts for their cars?

No flames pls... admitted noob here.

 

well the big purpose for carbon fiber is weight reduction. Thats why u see alot of race cars with them. If u read sport compact car, they just made a lotus elise totally out of carbon fiber. I've also heard that its stronger than metal. Not too sure about that one. But i know it is strong. Has nothing to do w/ cooling the engine off. Most the time the only time u see carbon fiber on cars these days, is the hood. The hood is a very heavy piece of metal. So people just change it out w/ CF for the cool look and the weight reduction. I hope this helps, let me know if u need to know anything else.

 

99.9% of the cars on the street put it on because they think it looks cool. Carbon Fiber is the new pink windshield wiper... On a race vehicle it is used because it is very light weight and stronger than steel or aluminum. On a street car, they replace hoods because it save them 9 pounds of weight, more or less the same as them going on a diet, or not having a 100% full tank of gas... So basically pointless, except the cool factor.

 

^ agreed on both terms

 

Carbon fiber does have a much higher strentgh to weight ratio than steel. And a true, good quality carbon fiber hood can save a significant amount of weight (depending on the original hood weight). However, many "carbon fiber" body panels sold are actually fiberglass with a carbon fiber coating to make them look cool (and make them cheaper).

 

Truer words were never spoken on this forum.