The Prius Prime marked the first time a Toyota vehicle has featured a CFRP rear hatch. Using carbon fiber reduces the car’s overall weight, while a dual-wave rear glass design helps cut drag.The Lexus LC registered a 47 percent weight savings on its side door and 40 percent reduction on its luggage hatch, compared to conventional steel structures.
In May, Toyota announced it is also incorporating composite innovation for the 2018 Lexus LC, which has now begun production in Europe. The Lexus LC benefits from similar composite manufacturing that was used to develop for the production of its hand-crafted supercar. These include the use resin transfer molding (RTM) for the production of CFRP sheet molding compounds.
By adapting RTM for volume production, the company has been able to incorporate CFRP in key areas of the LC, including the inner panels of the doors and trunk, which makes a significant contribution to reducing the car’s weight. Specifically, the LC has a 52:48 weight distribution ratio, which automotive pundits have praised. Lexus adds that an optional CFRP roof is available in place of the vehicle’s traditional glass. Aluminum is used for the hood, and steel is only seen in the rear fenders.
