Just got a call from Mel at Smart of SF. The body panel is in. 1 week from order to receipt. So far, I'm really impressed with the service and responsiveness both from the dealer and Smart USA.
Keep up the good work.
Will pick up the panel next week and install next weekend. I'll let you all know how big or little of a pain the replacement is.
Does anyone have an idea of how much these panels weigh? I'm just wondering if the total panel weight is something significant like 100 lbs or so. I ask this because there could be a very popular aftermarket business selling carbon fiber panels. If you could shave close to 100 lbs off the Smart I think you would notice it in the performance and mileage.
Does anyone have an idea of how much these panels weigh? I'm just wondering if the total panel weight is something significant like 100 lbs or so. I ask this because there could be a very popular aftermarket business selling carbon fiber panels. If you could shave close to 100 lbs off the Smart I think you would notice it in the performance and mileage.
are you serious? you know the panels are plastic right? i would guess the hood weighs less than 5 pounds.
and although CF is cool and tough...
i don't think it'll hold up well when hit, it'll most likely shatter
no, CF would not shatter. CF is used in many auto applications today by both Porsche and Audi. the problem would be cost. a full body set would be in the thousands of $$$. and when the whole car costs only $12-15k, i'm guessing the market would between nil and zero.
i know CF is used to save weight along with aluminium panels
but when hit with impact it'll shatter/ or break off
that's the downside of CF at least that's what i read..
btw...love the S5 that's a great car you have
what color did you get it in?
the wait is also crazy for that car.
i was considering that or the rs5 when it comes out in 2009 but instead going for the r8..thank goodness the mrs. said it was ok...hehe
i know CF is used to save weight along with aluminium panels
but when hit with impact it'll shatter/ or break off
that's the downside of CF at least that's what i read..
i have 3 carbon fibre bikes. i've never broken or cracked one. they take their fair amount of abuse. i assume you are aware that the B2 bomber is made of CF/epoxy.
my S5 is silver/black. it's an awesome car. best audi i've owned by far. it only goes out on sunny days though. the rainy days are for the Smart. ha.
the wait for the S5 is crazy here too. i've had mine since early Jan and still haven't seen another yet. i had to go to TX to get mine.
BTW this is an excellent FAQ post. I'm sure many of us will be asking these questions sooner or later. How about a sticky or moving this bad boy to FAQs?
I've been thinking of wrapping mine in Carbon Fiber Decal Material.........
Spent ALL DAY friday making full size templates of my SMART. Not done yet as it is A LOT of work.
Once I get everything to where I can successfully wrap mine as a test, I will run an ad on this forum. Any suggestions for wraps?
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