Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] has finally confirmed its new GT supercar will be coming with carbon fiber wheels. After successfully mass-producing the high-tech wheels for its top-tier Shelby Mustang GT350R, Ford greenlit a new-generation carbon wheel as optional equipment for the marque’s latest road-going race vehicle. This makes sense, the GT350R rolls on carbon fiber wheels so the Ford GT couldn’t exactly make do with aluminum wheels only. “Now, Ford GT will offer the next generation in carbon fibre wheels, with an advanced resin and fibre technology that gives our designers more freedom, while also showcasing the structure of the material’s weave”.
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The 20-inch carbon-fibre rims will be available with either a matte finish or in a glossy finish clear coat, allowing the very cool carbon fibre weave to be seen in all its glory.
The upcoming 2017 Ford GT will receive carbon fiber wheels as an optional extra package.
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The new wheels are sized 8.5 x 20 inches for the front axle, and 11.5 x 20 inches for the rear axle, just like the alloy wheels provided as standard. Both finishes match the exposed carbon finishes on the sills, fascia and extractor of the Ford GT. Compared to the already featherweight standard wheels, this weight savings reduces inertia by a notable 25 percent. They’re lighter and stronger than the GT’s forged aluminum wheels, saving roughly two pounds per corner. This is said to permit greater design flexibility which results in flowing, more intricate spokes. Vehicle efficiency is improved as less energy is required to get the wheel spinning. Conversely, carbon fibers are dense and inert in nature, improving the overall performance of the vehicle in terms of harshness (NVH), vibration, and noise and providing a quieter ride. These light weight wheels are regarded as one of the most beneficial wheels that are introduced by Ford.
