Speed is everything for we are the “instant cup noodles” generation. We want things stronger and faster, right here and right now. So, if there are steroids for humans to carry their legs quicker, there will be steroids for horses as well. No no. Not animal abuse, no need to call the animal activists. Any car fanatic would know the history of the horsepower. Lest you do not, one horsepower is commonly equated to the maximum amount of force the animal can produce. For simplicity sake, plus we really do not want to dive into the physics of it, horsepower determines the rate of acceleration (i.e how fast your vehicle picks up speed). Evidently from the term itself, our modern cars are considered to be one of the many advanced forms of mother nature’s gift. We have got rockets, airplanes (fighter jets, if you will) and boats. Other than fuel and aerodynamics, what else can we make these metal horses gallop faster? To hit top speed in the shortest time, wishfully in an instant, we have got the steroid equivalent for materials – carbon fiber.

All you need to know about carbon fiber is in 3 words – lighter, stronger and expensive. Compared to steel, which is currently the material used to manufacture automotive parts, carbon fiber is of a better quality and comes with higher-priced tag. This probably explains why it is more commonly associated with high-performance or racing machines.

Carbon fiber takes a bulk of weight off the car, enabling it to accelerate faster and to reach top speed quicker. Simultaneously, it lowers fuel usage and reduces emission, making cars more efficient and environmental-friendly. Together with its strength, carbon fiber also promises higher weather resistance and better crash-safety traits than its lowly cousin. However, being stronger has a disadvantage as well. The fact that it takes a longer time to be manufactured, we would probably have to wait twice as long before collecting our new cars, should they be fully built with carbon fiber. On the contrary, that might not be true.

Early 2010 witnessed BMW AG and Daimler AG pushing their rivalry to a whole new level in their joint ventures with SGL Group and Toray Industries respectively. Daimler’s plans to carbon fiber up the Mercedes-Benz SL Class by 2012 pales in light of BMW’s end game of selling the Megacity Electric Vehicle (EV) as the first mainstream car completely made out of carbon fiber by 2013. In fact, BMW sealed its fate in this carbon fiber race late June this year, confirming plans to sell the EV in 2013.

A sketch of the BMW Group Megacity Vehicle Design Sketch revealed in a BMW workshop in Munich, Germany.

Given that our global language is not English but money, it is quite obvious that money does not speak too well of carbon fiber. A mass production of carbon fiber cars would be insanely pricey! Unlike steel, it cannot be melted and recycled to make another car. This would contribute greatly to waste pollution, so much for providing a deterrent for air pollution and the oil crisis. Although word has it that BMW and SGL Group have developed advanced processes to address the above post-production issues, it is still premature to comment on the substantiality of these efforts. At this juncture, I would say, only the likes of McLaren F1s and Porsche Carrera GTs have access to such luxurious drapery. Human desire for top speed still takes precedence and will continue to do so, as long as there are those willing to pay top dollar for it.

If you have been in the loop, you would know that this is not a latest invention. Carbon fiber has been around for decades, initially meant for the aircraft industry, increasing in popularity only in recent years. In fact, in 2008, Mugen did give us a preview of what a full carbon-fibered car would look like:

Taking the 3rd generation Civic Type R, easily differentiated by its FD2 chassis, they modified one into the Mugen RR Advanced Concept. Known in short as Mugen RR Experimental, the above materialization is 50kg less than the 3rd generation Type R. Probably by far the best collaborated product within the Honda family, the car’s internal structure is built entirely out of carbon fiber in addition to the front fenders and side mirrors. Together with its titanium exhaust system, the Mugen RR Experimental is born to race.

Although not as prominent as its automotive siblings, carbon fiber has also snaked its way into the lifestyle and fashion houses. Phone covers, coasters, mouse pads, sporting goods and furniture are among the many non-automotive products, just to name a few. But nothing speaks louder of haute couture than this pair of concept heels:

Concept heels based on the design of the defunct Gallardo Superleggera.

What better way to marry a petrol-breathing gear head and a shopaholic, Tim Cooper!

Awes aside, you can probably guess that carbon fiber is and will be mostly reserved for high-performance machines in the current future. It would be lovely if BMW and SGL really did find a way around the malleability and price tag because I would like a pair of carbon fiber heels with a minimum height 3.5inch. I am human, female-built and heels give me horsepower to strut my stuff.