How Carbon Fiber Exterior Mods Pop The Collar On Your BRZ
Carbon Fiber never goes out of style. Since the early 80’s when McLaren introduced the use of carbon fiber to build the chassis in their MP4/1 Formula race car, carbon fiber has been a key ingredient in almost every sanctioned race car. The key reason is that it is very lightweight, and it is strong to sustain the perils associated with racing.
But what is carbon fiber? Also known as graphite fiber, carbon fiber features carbon atoms that are bonded together in a spinning process to produce ‘fiber’ before enduring a heating process that forms carbon crystals. The fiber is then formed in a weaving pattern that is locked together, and can be massaged into shape where heat, resins, and a vacuum process creates the end-result whether that be hoods, mirrors, chassis, etc.
Research suggests that carbon fiber is 5x stronger than steel, although that is very subjective because not all carbon fiber is created equally, and depending on the products sourced and how the carbon fiber is produced, obviously there will be differences in strength. Like if you had a carbon fiber front lip and hit a steep driveway without going at an angle, you’re going to break that front lip no matter who made it. Before racing, carbon fiber has been used in aerospace engineering, as well as in military defense and weaponry tactics. Science and technicalities aside, carbon fiber just looks cool. We want the same technology for our cars as well.
Carbon Reproductions CF Style Carbon Fiber Front Lip 2017-2020 BRZ
This front lip is a great example. When carbon fiber has entered its final form, it receives a thick coat of resin that can be polished to a clear coat like finish. And there are matte resins as well for those who want that raw look. But carbon fiber goes will with any color scheme whether if you get a front lip, a trunk spoiler, side skirts, or even interior bits. Another cool aspect of carbon fiber is if you do decide to get it painted, you can barely see the carbon weaves at a certain angle.
CARBON FIBER IS FOR EVERYBODY
That’s right. Carbon fiber serves everyone whether if you have a weekend show car or a track-dedicated race car, the manufacturing advancements and the fact that carbon fiber is timeless keep the aftermarket industry busy. Carbon fiber is also common in supercars, hyper cars, and it is used by first-class manufacturers such as Porsche and Ferrari to properly accent their interior and exterior bits. Anywhere carbon fiber can be used to save weight, then it will be utilized. More importantly it can really enhance and breathe new life in your car’s overall aesthetics. Hard to believe it’s been 12 years since the debut of the BRZ. But take this unit for example and see how carbon fiber can really improve not only the look, but the aerodynamic refinement of an older BRZ:
Now the BRZ in this video is a great example. Cars are meant to be driven, and this example has certainly been enjoyed. The paint could use a good correction, the hood has a hole in it for next level cornhole games, but it gets the right exterior mods to still make this used BRZ quite the looker. Want to make your BRZ look the same? Let’s break down what Foster uses on this particular car, and we will highlight some of the other exterior goodies that this BRZ is equipped with:
Seibon TS Carbon Fiber hood 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86
This hood comes in a sleek yet glossy carbon fiber finish that will look very aggressive right out of the box and onto your 2013-2021 BRZ, FR-S, or 86. The hood vents do an exceptional job by allowing those hot engine bay temperatures to escape, which will lower your overall intake air temperatures for better performance. An especially great hood to have during those hot summer days. Curious about more choices? CLICK HER FOR ALL HOODS.
GCS Leg Style Carbon Fiber Duckbill Spoiler 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86
One of the best exterior modifications that you can perform on the 1st generation BRZ. FR-S, or 86. GCS executed the perfect design that really enhances the contours on the 1st generation models. Perfect for those of you who want a rear spoiler but not one that is too large. Installation is simple by cleaning the surface of the paint, and the automotive-grade double sided adhesive supports the spoiler enough due to lightweight carbon fiber technology. Want a trunk spoiler for that 2nd generation BRZ, 86, or A90 Supra? Perfect. The trunks on these models have a natural duckbill shape and could greatly benefit from a variety of great choices. CLICK HERE FOR REAR SPOILERS.
OLM Carbon Fiber Fender Garnishes 2013-2021 BRZ
This is a simple exterior upgrade that you can install in minutes once you have your OEM garnishes removed. These will come in a glossy carbon fiber finish, and are much, much better looking than the OEM units that blend in. Yet this is one of those carbon fiber exterior upgrades that isn’t tacky and will look great if they are the only carbon fiber bits on your exterior, or if you have other carbon fiber components. If you’re interested in exterior garnishes for the exterior of your vehicle, CLICK HERE FOR EXTERIOR GARNISHES.
Verus Carbon Fiber Side Marker Replacements
As mentioned in the video, the OEM side marker design has flaws as they can easily pop out during high-performance driving events such as weekend track days. The extra speed and front bumper turbulence can make them pop out. The Verus carbon fiber units provide a nice carbon fiber touch to the exterior that complements the overall character. Not the easiest to install as you have to lift each front corner, safely supporting the vehicle and removing the wheel to gain access to the side marker hardware, but very rewarding once installed. And like the fender garnishes above, they can be found in the EXTERIOR GARNISHES section.
OTHER EXTERIOR MODS ON THIS BRZ THAT ARE NOT CARBON, BUT ARE WORTH THE UPGRADE
GCS V2 Antenna 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86
As seen in the video, a GCS V2 Radio Antenna replaces pre-existing gaudy unit. This provides a very clean look to the exterior while providing a little more aerodynamic refinement with less drag. You can search GCS V2 Antenna in the search function, or simply CLICK HERE FOR ALL ANTENNAS.
PERRIN Front Tow Hook 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86
The BRZ in the video is equipped with a front tow hook. This is a nice exterior enhancement that screws into the OEM tow hook provision that adds more color and styling. Installation can take less than 5 minutes, and these are available in a variety of different powder coated finishes. CLICK HERE FOR TOW HOOKS.
As you can see, carbon fiber will always be a great way to enhance you daily driver or weekend show car with its sensory stimulating looks, while providing you with weight savings for those of you with dedicated race cars. The material is a staple for both interior and exterior components in many of today’s high-end vehicles, and luckily, we have many great manufacturers that make parts to add an exotic touch to our cars. All of which are great modifications that will bring a little more joy to you, and your BRZ, FR-S, 86, or A90 Supra.
