In late January, we reported that during the Geneva Motor Show, the world would be formally introduced to what is being called the world’s fastest car – the Italian-designed Corbellati Missile. Corbellati makes extensive use of composites, incorporating CFRP in almost all parts of the chassis and body panels. However, hypercars were not the only composite-intensive models that showed up in Geneva. Let’s take a look at some of the other new vehicles that caught the world’s attention:
- Toyota GR Supra: The GR Supra Racing Concept revives the great heritage of one of Toyota’s most famous sports cars. The concept’s hood, wide front and rear bumpers, front splitter and rear diffuser, side skirts, door mirror housings and rear wing are all made with composites. The doors are also lined with CFRP. As the vehicle is a concept, Toyota would not disclose more specific details about construction.
- BMW M8 Gran Coupe: The M8 Gran Coupe features what BMW calls “brawny” CFRP air intakes as well as a CFRP roof that lowers the car’s center of gravity both visually and physically. “The BMW 8 Series will take over as the new flagship model of the BMW line-up and, as such, combines unsurpassed sportiness and elegance,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe offers a look ahead to the most exotic and alluring variant of the new BMW 8 Series.”
- Fiat Abarth 124 GT: Perhaps the most notable element of the new Abarth 124 GT is its carbon composite roof, which Fiat claims is the only one on the market made entirely from CFRP. The hard top weighs just 16 kilograms and contributes to improving the compactness and overall torsional rigidity of the car. CFRP rear spoilers will also be made available on demand.
- Volvo Polestar 1: Volvo’s new electric brand, Polestar, debuted the Polestar 1, which has a range of 150 km on electricity and features a CFRP composite body that reduces weight by 507 lb (230 kg) and improves torsional stiffness by 45 percent and lowers the car’s center of gravity.
- Pal-V Liberty: The PAL-V Liberty is the world’s first commercial flying car. It features CFRP rotors and body panels, two automotive gas-compatible aviation-certified engines, and seating for two people.
For a full list of models that made their debut in Geneva, visit https://www.gims.swiss/en/premieres/.
