Carbon Fiber Retrofit - Am I Crazy?

[pwdrskr]

When I first set out to buy an RS6 I suffered from the delusion that I could spec out and order one to my exact liking and receive it within a reasonable amount of time. As the initial delivery date approached, delays started, and continued to come. What was to be a late May delivery became June, July and started to flirt with becoming a '23 model year car. Well, I couldn't wait for that! So I began the near hopeless task of finding one on a lot somewhere in the United States. Luck shined on me and I lucked into a Glacier White RS6 sitting on a lot on the other side of the country. Markup wasn't too bad (though still a tough pill to swallow). Naturally the car I found lacked a few of the options I'd chosen, namely it was lacking the carbon fiber exterior bits. It does have the blackline option, so I figured that was good enough.

Fast forward a few months and I love the car. Its a joy to drive. That said, a part of me continues to wish it had carbon fiber. Which brings me to the point of this post...is it worth the cost and effort to swap in the carbon bits to retrofit in the carbon fiber package? I estimate it'll run ~$12k plus (assuming I identified all that necessary parts).

I know the easy answer is that it all depends on what is important to me. To each their own, and I agree. However....I am interested in the collective's opinion.

[Nsd991]

I don’t think it’s worth it and I have the carbon option. Use $12k if it’s burning a hole in your pocket and get the Akrapovic cat back exhaust (with install)! I did that and to me it’s worth every penny! As a compromise you will get some carbon around your exhaust tips.

[Corgiman30]

At that price just start looking for the car you want or order.

[hiroshikato1]

I believe a member needed to replace one of his CF upright blades on the front end. The piece was north of $2000. Not the set for left and right, just one driver's side CF piece. I am going to say that to replace all of the CF is going to cost more than $12K. And knowing what it costs to replace one small piece would have me rethinking the CF kit. I have a friend who needed the CF front bumper of his RS5 replaced, that was a $18K bumper repair when all was said and done. Granted it was all CF and included sensors and painting.
I am also someone who ordered AO on my car...

[AZDucrdr]

At that price just start looking for the car you want or order.

I’m with Corgiman30. I would order the exact car you want and enjoy the RS6 you have now until it comes in. Especially if it will be a long term car for you due to the advent of electric cars. I waited 14 months to get mine exactly the way I wanted it and it’s totally worth it as it is a long term car for me.

[tinmanwpk]

Agree, get the ride you want. My car will no doubt be a year in the process, but it also will be my last ICE car. Well worth the wait.

[Shawn@PacificGerman]

We could assist with the carbon retrofit if you are looking for a local outlet. There are also some aftermarket suppliers that offer parts to essentially make your own twist on a carbon optics kit at a more reasonable price point compared to buying the oem components.

[pwdrskr]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I knew it would be expensive, and frankly I'm not sold on the idea to begin with. Just toying with it...I'm not certain carbon fiber will look better against the white paint...

An Akrapovic catback exhaust, on the other hand, is much more likely...well, a certainty actually. The "problem" now is finding one. Apparently they're sold out in the States until next year. Anyone know where I can tack one down. I'm looking for the link pipe version, not wanting to go with downpipes as I don't want to go to stage 2.

[Nsd991]

Good choice