Carbon Fiber Technology in the High-Performance Cadillac ATS-V

An Introduction to the ATS-V Carbon Fiber

The ATS-V from Cadillac is a high-performance variant of the popular ATS luxury sports sedan. Beginning in 2016, Cadillac offered the ATS-V with extensive use of carbon fiber components, helping reduce weight while providing exceptional structural rigidity.

Carbon fiber is a unique composite material that blends carbon fiber strands with epoxy resin. The result is an extremely strong, lightweight and rigid material that has become popular in high-end performance vehicles. Carbon fiber is lighter than steel and aluminum, and its strength-to-weight ratio exceeds most metals.

Carbon Fiber Components on the ATS-V

The 2016+ ATS-V utilizes carbon fiber extensively in the following components:

• Hood - The lightweight carbon fiber hood reduces weight and lowers the center of gravity.
• Roof - The roof panel is made from carbon fiber for maximum weight savings.
• Front splitter - Improves aerodynamics and is made from carbon fiber for strength.
• Rear spoiler - Increases downforce and is constructed out of rigid, lightweight carbon fiber.
• Engine covers - Beautifully styled carbon fiber covers help insulate the twin-turbo V6 engine.

Benefits of the Carbon Fiber Components

The use of carbon fiber on the ATS-V provides several key benefits:

• Weight reduction - Carbon fiber weighs significantly less than steel and aluminum. This helps lower the curb weight of the ATS-V for better power-to-weight ratio.
• Handling - The reduced mass and lower center of gravity boost the ATS-V's nimble handling abilities.
• Rigidity - Carbon fiber provides excellent structural rigidity while allowing flexibility in shape and design.
• Performance - With less weight to carry, the twin-turbo V6 propels the ATS-V to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
• Fuel economy - The lighter weight results in slightly improved fuel efficiency compared to an all steel/aluminum design.

ATS-V Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Process

Producing carbon fiber components involves complex manufacturing techniques including:

• Layering - Thin sheets of carbon fiber are layered in a mold to the desired thickness.
• Clamping - The layers are clamped tightly in the mold under pressure.
• Curing - The part is heated to cure the epoxy resin, bonding the carbon layers together.
• Trimming - Excess material is trimmed and the part is polished to a smooth finish.
• Inspection - Each part undergoes rigorous quality control checks for defects.

The end result is a beautifully crafted carbon fiber component, prized for its unique aesthetic and performance properties. The weave of the carbon fiber strands is visible through the clear-coated finish, showcasing this advanced material.

Carbon Ceramic Brakes

In addition to carbon fiber body panels, the ATS-V is available with high-performance carbon ceramic brakes. These brakes use carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide discs that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures.

Benefits of the carbon ceramic brakes include:

• Exceptional stopping power due to high friction and fade resistance at high temps
• Significantly lighter weight than traditional cast iron rotors
• Improved handling and acceleration from unsprung weight reduction
• Long service life with the durability to last 100,000+ miles of performance driving

The carbon ceramic brakes provide tremendous braking performance befitting the ATS-V's sporting heritage. Cadillac engineers have carefully tuned the brake system dynamics for responsive, precise braking control.

Conclusion

With its extensive utilization of carbon fiber for body panels and available carbon ceramic brakes, the Cadillac ATS-V exemplifies intelligent lightweight performance design. The carbon fiber components reduce weight and lower the center of gravity while maintaining incredible strength. Combined with the snarling twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the ATS-V provides an outstanding blend of power and agility. The carbon fiber perfectly complements the ATS-V's advanced engineering and skillful artisanal craftsmanship.

FAQs

What are the carbon fiber components on the ATS-V?

The ATS-V uses carbon fiber for the hood, roof panel, front splitter, rear spoiler, and engine covers.

How is carbon fiber manufactured?

Thin sheets of carbon fiber are layered, molded, and bonded together using heat and epoxy resins. The parts are then trimmed and polished to a smooth finish.

How much weight does carbon fiber save over steel or aluminum?

Carbon fiber can provide a weight savings of 50% or more compared to steel and 20% or more over aluminum.

What are the benefits of carbon ceramic brakes?

Carbon ceramic brakes offer improved stopping power, lighter weight, better heat resistance, reduced fade, and long service life.