CFK bonnet for BMW M4 GTS

Läpple Automotive manufactures the CFRP engine hoods for the new and exclusive BMW M4 GTS. The high-performance vehicle not only attracts attention visually, but also has special inner values: numerous carbon components guarantee optimal weight distribution. The weight of the CFRP engine hood was significantly reduced thanks to the material used.

The hoods of the limited BMW M4 GTS are made entirely of CFRP. The supplier produces the outer part, the inner part and glues them with various reinforcement parts made of CFRP in a body-in-white system.

For the first CFRP small series order in the company's history, an approach was created to create the components using conventional presses. All process steps have been redefined. The bonnet is now produced using a pressing process used for the first time, which enables the economical and series-compatible processing of lightweight materials. The process produces components from semi-finished CFRP products. A simpler pressing tool can be used, which represents a clear cost advantage.

The pressing process allows the know-how from the area of ​​sheet metal forming to be used for the production of CFRP components. The manufacturer's core competence lies in various hot and semi-hot forming processes, for example for high-strength aluminum alloys, magnesium, carbon fiber reinforced plastics or hybrid materials. Different material components are connected by means of innovative joining techniques.