Hexion’s custom resin system, along with CCT’s novel process for producing the composite automotive panels on the Lotus 3-Eleven, have resulted in weight savings of 40 percent over other Lotus models.

The lightweight body panels enable the high-performance road car to weigh in at under 900 kilograms, with a power to weight ratio in excess of 500 horsepower per ton. The 3-Eleven is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds and can reach speeds of 180 miles per hour.

The key to the lightweight panels is a bespoke resin infusion composite process from Hexion. A preform binder is applied during the layup of glass fiber reinforcement in panel molds to fixate the fiber in the desired shapes. Then the heated mold tools are pressurized and infused with a custom epoxy resin system at high pressure. By closely controlling the temperature, flow and pressure of the resin through the molds, Hexion’s process minimizes the amount of resin required – reducing panel weight – while maximizing quality and finish.

More information: www.hexion.com – www.lotuscars.com