The only thing that remains constant is change. This holds true for automobiles and every other industry there is. Right from exterior design, engine options, and autonomous transportation, change is rapidly taking over the automotive world and car manufacturers are learning to accept and adapt quickly before they feel the impact on the market.
Change is not only affecting aspects like the engines but also materials used. Carbon fiber has become the go-to material on exotic cars for weight saving, an expensive look, and rigidity in others. However, there is a gradual move from carbon fiber to other materials for various structures in the car.
One among this is the urethane paneling which goes under many places in the car that is unseen. In cars like the Ariel Atom, Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, you see elements like polished aluminum seat anchors or bamboo flooring. This not only boosts the aesthetic quality of the overall look of the car but also helps in the functionality of the car as well. The open-pore wood veneers in high-end cars are left as it is without being treated and look very elegant and authentic than polished veneers which were the norm in the past.
Fabrics might come into existence that does not use dyes which will also help in their longevity and will retain the look. It could go to a point where aluminum and carbon-fiber may be left unvarnished as demanded by the consumer to help it last longer and sustain for years to come. When consumers request materials to be left unpolished, unvarnished, and untreated car manufacturers will have to comply.
Also, expensive car manufacturers have started experimenting with new materials on their flagship models. We all know that Rolls-Royce's fiber-optic Starlight headliners are something that is well-established already. Bentley recently launched their stone veneers and those stunning Volvo crystal gearshift levers on the XC90 T8 are all a testament to change that is coming.
Mercedes-Benz has also been adopting MB-Tex option on their list to give people an option to choose artificial leather over natural ones. Although carbon fiber is not going to vanish away anytime soon, it is interesting to see the different materials that are slowly creeping into the automotive industry for looks and aesthetics and function.
