The KG-1 Concept is a sports car designed by KesselGranger DesignWorks of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The semi-integral body and frame are designed around the human body, and can be produced with carbon fibre reinforced materials.

A mesh of protective fibre is stretched around the composite frame like a second skin. The textile can be made water-repellent, dirt-repellent, heat resistant, fire retardant, UV stable and perforation resistant. I can also incorporate high visibility characteristics, including luminous capabilities.

In the future, it is thought that solar cells atomised on the textile bodywork could convert solar light into energy using TenCate’s inkjet technology. The textiles could also be made sensory, dent-resistant and able to change colour. Shape recovering and biodegradability could also be added.

Another racing car designed by the Racing Team from the Dutch Technical University of Delft (DUT) has also been made with TenCate’s composite textiles. The carbon fibre reinforced racing car will participate in the international Formula Student where cars are assessed on speed, safety, costs, reliability, design and road handling. The DUT Racing Team used carbon fibre not only in the exterior design, but also for the fuel tank, air intake, supporting arms, steering wheel and catch cans.

TenCate will also display the Go-4 Dakar off-road vehicle from the HAN University of Arnhem, the Netherlands, and its more than 30 partners. The car, which incorporates TenCate textiles based on aramid, glass and carbon fibres, is intended to take part in tough rallies such as Le Dakar in 2010. The fibres were laminated in layers with synthetic resin, and the carbon and aramid reinforced body weighs only 70 kg.