So, as you all probably know already we (ASTI) are trying to become a premier supplier of Carbon Fiber products for the Kappa platform. We are very willing to do this, but over the last couple of days I have begun to wonder if the Kappa community is really ready/interested in paying for real Carbon Fiber parts.
I remember a while back that a forum member here had once asked one of the vendors here to look into producing parts in carbon fiber. Their response was simply that they didn't think the Kappa community was ready to pay for CF. When I read this, I remember thinking differently. I think differently because there are so many threads about CF this and CF that.
I've been around many car forums and sportbike forums, and Carbon Fiber has always been one of those highly desirable items. So I believe that this community has always been ready. I will be plainly honest, we have not had too many people signing up for our recently released engine cover. I know it has only been a few days since its release, but I thought that after reading the responses on Carbon Fiber Engine Cover that we would surely have people ready to buy.
So my questions to the community are:
1. Is CF desirable?
2. Is CF too expensive?
3. Is the economy providing bad timing for CF's introduction to the Sol/Sky?
I am sure many of you will understand my concern. We have spent a lot of money thus far in research, developement, and finally our first product. We have several other items on our development chalk board, but I wonder if the risk outweighs the benefits.
-Cheers
__________________ ASTI - Aftermarket Solutions Through Innovation
I can only speak for myself, but although it looks cool, I don't usually spend much on things that are more for show than go. Unless there are large replacement parts in CF that would offer a significant weight advantage to the racer types; the small trim pieces are just for show. I'm sure there are some who've just gotta have it, but the price point might make it hard to justify for others.
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Mysterious, Lightside, GXP, My Mod Page
There are many other car communities that offer engine trim pieces and such, and they push products with no problem. I am just trying to understand why not here.
__________________ ASTI - Aftermarket Solutions Through Innovation
large replacement parts in CF that would offer a significant weight advantage to the racer types.
This is exactly what we are intending to do.....offer body panels for weight advantage. We are currently working on fenders, but I can tell you now that there is no way we could offer 100% CF fenders for $300 a set. I want people to realize that the carbon is going to cost. We work hard to keep the price down, but there is only so much we can do.
__________________ ASTI - Aftermarket Solutions Through Innovation
The next thing on my mods list is a CF hood. I have been really interested in the RK sport RAM AIR product. So far I have spent on performance but now I am looking at weight. Two other things I am interested in in CF based racing seats and the front panels (near the wheels) that are vented. I want something that looks good, is functional and saves weight. Having just spent the money on the supercharger I was thinking next spring.
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Mysterious, Ebony NA 2.4L, Monsoon, OnStar and his name is the BANDIT. Ordered 3/8/06, built 5/10, delivered 5/22/06, took home 5/30 Mods include 3M transparent Nose film, MagnaFlow Dual Exhaust and RK Rear Valence. DDM Stage 1 Supercharger installed May 23rd 2008. RK Ram Air Hood installed Nov 4,2008.
__________________ Aggressive GXP at $25,995.00 shipping of $600, Manual Transmission.
Options:
Air, $960; Chrome Wheels, $545; PCQ, Premium Package (Leather), $525; Radio, 6-Disc with MP3, $495; Monsoon, $395; Premium Acoustic Headliner, $150; and Sport Metallic Pedals, $115; all totals $29,180.00. No XM/OnStar and NO Spoiler. MODS (RKSport/Magnaflow dual exit exhaust system, K&N filter, Ventureshield.
First 1000. Aggressive with everything, NO XM/OnStar. SOLD
~~~~~~~ NASSOA
Founding member
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There are many other car communities that offer engine trim pieces and such, and they push products with no problem. I am just trying to understand why not here.
It may have to do with market size. Total Solstice production over 3 full model years is something like 60,000 cars, versus how many vettes in a year? I'm not up on my numbers on other cars, but as a vendor you should probably be aware of what these numbers are and what they mean to your business.
__________________ "If you haven't seen the future, you haven't driven fast enough" #000741, delivered 10/3/05
1. Is CF desirable?
Very!!!!
2. Is CF too expensive?
Kind of..but we know what were getting
3. Is the economy providing bad timing for CF's introduction to the Sol/Sky?
who knows, but i i know of some people just wating for a SKY CF hood check this... VIS Carbon Fiber Hood - Saturn Sky Forum
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07 Sky Redline, 5 spd manual, black w/ black & red int, spoiler 2008 NOPI FL Car Show Series-ECOtec Class 1st Place
CAI & ICP
HID-low & fogs
stubby ant.
5% tints
RPi GT Exhaust & Race Pipe
Hahn IC
Dejon BOV Spring
Dual Aeroforce Guages
DDM ProBeam & A-Pilar
Wester's race tune
TenzoR DC-5 v.1
Eibach Sportlines
JPM Shifter...pending installation
Another probability for some northern and western owners is the timing of the release of your products. I suspect some northern and western owners budget to do the majority of their upgrades during the winter months so they can enjoy their shorter driving (top down) season.
aesthetic pieces in carbon are not high on my prio list.
Right now it's an engine build but eventually i will have a lighter (painted) hood and some other lighter aesthetic panels. Definitely feel the need to remove some weight from the front of the car before playing around with more than a lip and skirts.
I think the interest is strong, but the timing with the job markets, economy, oil prices etc. is going to slow down the adoption of your CF products.
It's all about timing and right now disposable income is getting REALLY tight! JMHO I think that people really like the CF look, but it just is a tough time for most. IMO there are just so many things people want to get for there car that CF is a little lower than those other items .... I hope that made a little sense.
Hell, I just failed to renew my personalized tag to save $77.00!
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2007 Aggressive GXP (Manual) loaded minus On* and Smoker's Pkg (Born 11/10/2006 and picked up on 11/22/2006) SOLD 10/17/2008
Personally, I love carbon fiber and I'm willing to spend cash if the CF has the look I am going for. I won't go crazy with it, but nice accents would be great.
I've been thinking of having a carbon fiber CAI done. If you are interested, please PM me.
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She's MEAN and her name's Norma Jeane
Bagpipes... the missing link between music and noise.
It's all about timing and right now disposable income is getting REALLY tight! JMHO I think that people really like the CF look, but it just is a tough time for most. IMO there are just so many things people want to get for there car that CF is a little lower than those other items .... I hope that made a little sense. 
