Government and Automaker Consortium Join Forces to Develop Cheap, Lightweight Materials

What's the automotive industry's most exotic substance? Porsche sells a three-spoke steering wheel made out of the stuff for $1,690, while a shift knob and brake handle painstakingly formed out of the same material will cost $1,240. The lightweight yet ultra-strong weave is so popular among Porschephiles that the German automaker also offers a special interior package, which includes that same gear knob, plus trim on the doors and dashboard for a cool $8,690. Porsche makes an entire car out of the expensive material, resulting in an equally