🏁 THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CARBON FIBER TYPES FOR YOUR CAR

🏁 THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CARBON FIBER TYPES FOR YOUR CAR

Classic, Forged, Gold Leaf, Gloss, Matte & Unpaint — choose the perfect carbon for your build.

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Carbon fiber is more than a material.

It’s identity, style, personality — the moment your car stops being “one of many” and becomes yours.

But here’s the truth no one tells you:

👉 Not all carbon is the same.

👉 Not all finishes behave the same.

👉 And the wrong choice can completely change your build — visually and technically.

In this complete guide, we explore every carbon type used by RSI c6, with real technical insights:

weight, rigidity, impact resistance, durability, pro & cons, and how each finish performs in real life.

Let’s dive.

Why Carbon Fiber Has Different Types

Although all RSI c6 products are made in Italy using prepreg carbon and autoclave curing, the structure of the fiber — woven, forged, or metal-leaf — changes:

  • look
  • weight
  • rigidity
  • impact resistance
  • durability
  • production time
  • gloss or matte reflections

This is why choosing the right one matters.

Classic Carbon Fiber (2x2 Twill)

The Icon of Motorsport

The 2x2 twill weave is the most recognizable carbon pattern in the world.

Used in racing, aerospace, and many OEM high-performance cars.

It’s precise, elegant, technical.

A timeless classic.

Technical Characteristics

  • Weight: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very light)
  • Structural Rigidity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (highest among all)
  • Impact Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐
  • UV Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Visual Depth (with gloss): ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The fibers run in a precise 2x2 pattern →

excellent load distribution →

maximum stability on large or structural parts.

  • Pros

    🏁 Best rigidity-to-weight ratio → perfect for load areas (fenders, hoods, strut bars)

    📩 Highly uniform appearance → ideal for symmetric parts

    đŸȘ¶ Lightweight and precise

    ⏱ Long-term durability

    🔧 OEM+ look loved by BMW, Audi, MINI and many performance builds

  • Cons

    🎹 More common visually → less “exclusive” than forged

    🔍 Weave distortions may show on tight curves (although minimized with prepreg)

    đŸ’„ Slightly lower impact dispersion vs forged

Forged Carbon Fiber

Raw, Aggressive, Modern

Forged carbon is made from shredded carbon flakes compressed into shape.

Every piece is unique — almost like frozen liquid metal.

This material has become a symbol of modern, bold customization.

Technical Characteristics

  • Weight: ⭐⭐⭐ (slightly heavier than woven)
  • Structural Rigidity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Impact Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (excellent due to random fiber dispersion)
  • UV Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Visual Depth (with gloss): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very deep)

Because the fibers have random orientation, forged carbon absorbs and spreads impacts more efficiently.

  • Pros

    đŸ”„ Unique appearance — no two parts are identical

    đŸ’Ș Higher impact resistance → great for exterior exposed areas

    🎹 Deeper visual texture under gloss

    🚗 Modern, aggressive style

    🛠 Great vibration absorption thanks to material density

  • Cons

    ⚖ 3–7% heavier due to fiber density

    🔧 More finishing required → more sanding + clear coat

    🔍 Harder to match perfectly on symmetric pieces

Forged Carbon + Gold / Silver / Rose-Gold Leaf

The Peak of Italian Craftsmanship

This is the most exclusive carbon RSI c6 produces.

Each metallic leaf is applied manually, one by one, with master craftsmanship.

Perfect for show cars or luxury builds.

Technical Characteristics

  • Weight: ⭐⭐⭐ (slightly increased due to clear coat layers)
  • Structural Rigidity: ⭐⭐⭐
  • Impact Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐
  • UV Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (thick coating + deeper polish)
  • Visual Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (outstanding)

The finish is protected by multiple layers of clear coat →

resistant and luxurious.

  • Pros

    💎 Most premium visual effect

    ✹ Luxury reflections thanks to metal leaf

    🛡 Highest UV protection

    👏 Handcrafted uniqueness

    🎯 Perfect for show and exhibition builds

  • Cons

    💰 Most expensive option (due to handcrafting hours)

    ⚖ Slight weight increase

    🔧 More care needed in installation to avoid scratches on the gloss

Unpaint (Carbon Base Ready for Paint)

RSI c6 Unpaint is not fiberglass and it’s not raw carbon.

It’s a prepreg carbon fiber part, autoclave-cured exactly like our visible carbon versions, but finished with a special outer layer designed to be painted.

This option is perfect for customers who don’t want visible carbon and prefer the part to blend seamlessly into the car’s bodywork with an OEM or custom paint color.

Ideal for wide fenders, wide arches, bumpers, extensions and all components that become “structure” and must visually integrate with the car.

Technical Characteristics

  • Weight: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Lightweight carbon structure without clear coat layers.
  • Rigidity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Same structural stability as visible carbon parts.
  • Paintability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Surface prepared for primer and automotive paint.
  • UV Resistance (unpainted): ⭐ – Must be painted before exterior use.
  • Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Strong, stable, and precise carbon construction.

  • Pros

    🎹 Perfect for painting in any OEM or custom color.

    đŸ§© Seamless integration with the car’s bodywork — no visible weave.

    🏎 Carbon structure → lighter, stronger and more precise than old fiberglass versions.

    🔧 Body-shop ready → arrives prepped for primer and paint.

    😍 Ideal for customers who want performance without the carbon look.

  • Cons

    🎹 Must be painted before installation.

    💰 Requires body-shop work (primer + paint).

    ☀ No UV protection until painted.

    đŸ–€ No carbon aesthetic — not suitable for those wanting visible carbon fiber.

How to Choose the Right Carbon for Your Build

Ask yourself:

1ïžâƒŁ What’s your car’s identity?

  • Clean, OEM+ → Woven
  • Aggressive, modern → Forged
  • Luxury / Show → Gold Leaf
  • Stealth → Matte
  • Track → Unpaint

2ïžâƒŁ Do you want the part to blend in or stand out?

  • Blend → Matte or woven
  • Stand out → Forged or gloss
  • Extreme → Gold leaf

3ïžâƒŁ Where will the part be used?

  • Exterior exposed → Woven, forged, gloss
  • Performance areas → Woven for rigidity
  • Engine bay → Unpaint
  • Luxury interior → Gold leaf

Why RSI c6 Carbon Fiber Is Different

Every RSI c6 component is:

✔ Made in Italy

✔ Autoclave cured

✔ Built with aerospace prepreg carbon

✔ Finished by hand

✔ Designed for OEM fitment

✔ Available in multiple finishes

✔ Made to order for your specific build

You’re not buying a product.

You’re buying Italian craftsmanship with zero compromises.

Explore Carbon Types by Collection

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Choosing the right carbon fiber isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about performance, personality, and the story you want your car to tell.

Whether you prefer the iconic precision of woven carbon, the aggressiveness of forged, or the exclusivity of gold leaf


Your build starts with the material you choose.

And now you know exactly how to choose the right one.