Would sir like a carbon body with his supercar?
American company’s carbon work allows supercar owners to ‘tell a better story’How do you dress up your Maryland-based carbon-fibre business? By giving it a French name, of course.
The jaw-dropping Ferrari 458 you see here is created by Vitesse | AuDessus. Translated as ‘superior speed’ in French, Vitesse | AuDessus handcrafts bespoke automotive exteriors, interiors and other componentry out of carbon-fibre for high-end clients. And now it is launching globally.
North America has long been seen as a leader in carbon-fibre automotive technologies. Most famously, McLaren Formula One designer John Barnard employed Utah-based Hercules Aerospace to build the first carbon-fibre monocoque ‘tub’ for his MP4/1 of 1981, a process since universally adopted in Grand Prix racing.
With a bias to road-based supercars and hypercars, Vitesse | AuDessus specialises in one-off parts that meet or exceed OEM standards, created using a combination of advanced technology and the best materials available.
Vitesse | AuDessus created products from 100 per cent carbon-fibre, which is pre-impregnated with activated resin. The fabric is hand-laid before being cured in an autoclave before being hand-finished.
Full carbon-fibre bodies are available for the Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder, Lamborghini Aventador and McLaren P1, among others. And don’t worry, all the removed parts are returned to owners in pristine condition, with the whole process averaging one to two weeks.
Targeted at types who "have already selected the very best in their lives", Vitesse | AuDessus CEO Stefany Sanchez says the business exists to “provide our clients a better opportunity to tell their story.”
“Why should they accept a supercar or exotic vehicle that is no different than the one in their neighbour’s garage?” Sanchez asked in the press announcement.
To facilitate this story telling, the company encourages clients to dive into the creative process. They are given 3D renderings and physical carbon samples that display the selection of weaves, colours and finishes on offer to ensure they are having their dream delivered.
And the price of entry? Full carbon-fibre exteriors range from $US100,000-200,000. If you have to ask…
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