Quote:
Originally Posted by jmorris3
I was looking a GT yesterday that has 1600 miles on it, never driven in rain, is garaged in a heated/cooled garage and say that the brace in the back of it is yellowing slightly. The fender liner next to it is still perfect...
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Does the CGT use two different types of materials? That is, for the structural parts, I think Porsche uses carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic (CFP). The other parts may use a different composition. Is it the plastic in the CFP that breaks down in the UV rays? If so, it may be a much more serious problem than just cosmetic.
The fact that the yellowing is occuring after only a few years is disturbing. That implies there is a finite life to these pieces from UV rays and possibly even mechanical stresses.
Porsche should have a public announcement that clearly states what's happening here and what this means to CGT owners. If they don't, I suspect it may be a bigger issue than just yellowing.
BTW, I agree that carbon street cars are overkill. We've already seen lighter street cars with less exotic materials, including new cars coming from Porsche. Remember that the CGT is built off an existing racing design, not a street design. I doubt Porsche would ever again make a street car in carbon.
The only possible advantage I see in a carbon street car is the strength of the tub providing increased safety for the driver and occupant. However, a much less expensive roll cage does that also.
Current sport cars are too big, and much effort is spent making these big cars lighter. GM initiated the smaller sport car with the Z06. Ferrari will likely be the lead in the next generation of smaller sport cars. In 10 years, I predict the current sport cars will look way too big.