The i3 and the i8 are both built using new carbon fibre technology developed in the US together with a hitherto relatively unknown company at a facility in Moses Lake in Washington State.
"Carbon fibre technology will fundamentally change the car industry, becoming increasingly important in the quest for lighter-weight materials to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions"
Carbon fibre composite material has long been used by the aerospace industry, for instance in nearby Seattle where plane maker Boeing has huge factories, as well as in big budget Formula 1 racing cars.
But with few exceptions, it has not been used by mainstream automotive companies, largely because it has been deemed too expensive.
This has now changed, thanks to SGL Group's carbon fibre products, which are not only affordable but also eminently flexible in the way they are produced.
Products made in a process that weaves a cellular carbon honeycomb into carbon fibre reinforced plastic mats can easily be shaped into slim-line seats or sleek body panels, such as doors or bonnets, or even into strong structural support beams to support a vehicle's rigidity.
It is also massively rigid, as well as ultra-lightweight; 30% lighter than aluminium and half the weight of steel.
"Carbon fibre technology will fundamentally change the car industry, becoming increasingly important in the quest for lighter-weight materials to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions," the company says in a statement.
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