While the monocoque of Apollo’s new model will be made from a wide weave of carbon fibre known as a ‘race weave,’ which is stiff and so gives the chassis good torsional rigidity, the exterior panels will be formed from an innovative tighter weave that creates an aesthetic depth effect.
Although its specialist engineers develop some of the materials and components used in Apollo’s cars in-house, others are sourced or created via partnerships with outside suppliers. Currently, Apollo’s materials scientists are developing new textured materials that can be interwoven with carbon fibre to create a bespoke surface finish. Berris predicts that some of the carbon fibre components Apollo has recently developed will eventually move into mainstream automotive use. ‘The hypercar segment is usually the test bench for future technology and materials, and they slowly trickle down once they become more cost effective.’
With new materials and production processes in development by bespoke manufacturers, supercars look set to provide ever-increasing levels of performance and design innovation. Some aspects are likely to become standard in the cars most of us have in reality, rather than just in our fantasies.
© Sharon Ann Holgate. Reproduced with permission of Materials World.
http://www.iom3.org/materials-world-magazine