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Originally Posted by Vansquish
With that Commemorative Z06, they actually did more than just make the hood out of CF...they actually designed it so that the fibers would run in a specific direction...something that hadn't been done before if memory serves me.
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Not quite as fancy/sophisticated as it sounds though - the Z16 hood is simply a CF version of the stock hood.
Note that the C5 is not made of the traditional matt/resin process, but rather a chopped matt/resin matrix/mastic - almost a "fibreglass paste" if you will.
A similar process is followed for the CF hood, that mates an outside skin of prepreg and an inside panel of CF and regular SMC - that "cool carbon fibre" matt you see on the hood between the silver and red is just a "ricer style" fake carbon fibre sticker... :roll:
GM is far to cheap and stupid to do commerative editions correctly.
These are unfortunatly always "sales and marketing MBA types" that simply "sticker up" a bunch of cars and sell them at a markup to the "gold chain, hair dresser and cruiser" crowd...
*shrug*
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Specifically developed for the Corvette, the Commemorative Edition Z06 hood achieves a higher level of exterior finish quality than previous automotive applications of carbon fiber. On most carbon fiber parts, the woven pattern of the material is easily seen beneath the exterior finish. To diminish that effect and preserve the rich LeMans Blue paint finish, on the Commemorative Edition Z06 the carbon fibers are aligned in a single direction. The only visual cue that the hood is made from carbon fiber is in the red border surrounding the silver graphic on the car, which is arranged in a woven pattern signifying the material that lies underneath. The overall result is a finish consistent with the rest of the car that gives just a slight hint at the carbon fiber construction.
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This "press release" info makes it sound like something really unique - but having observed it close up, it is nothing more than a smooth finish CF hood (and $2000 more than a good aftermarket one) with a "fake" CF sticker on it.
They totally missed the point that enthusiasts may actually appreciate the carbon fibre weave showing through..