The carbon-fibre-bodied Ford GT will be available with an optional all-new carbon-fibre wheel, which company engineers claim will further improve the drive and handling characteristics of the brand’s all-new supercar.

Working with supplier partner, Carbon Revolution, the new wheels are said to be constructed with the latest generation of fibre and resin technology that permits greater design flexibility, which the designers say has allowed them to create more intricate, flowing spokes.

The optional wheels will be offered in two finishes – either a matte or a glossy clearcoat – allowing the natural weave of carbon-fibre to show through. The finishes will match the exposed carbon-fibre on the Ford GT’s sills, fascia and extractor.

Carbon-fibre wheels offer a number of advantages over traditional aluminium wheels, including weight saving, improved vehicle dynamics and ride quality.

In addition to reducing the overall vehicle weight for improved acceleration, braking and dynamic performance, the strong, light nature of carbon-fibre means a reduction in unsprung weight and rotational inertia, which benefits suspension action, ride quality and dynamic performance.

Measuring 20-inches, the optional carbon-fibre wheels are the same size as the standard, forged aluminum Ford GT wheels, but are structurally stiffer, and save almost 1 kg of unsprung weight per wheel, reducing inertia by a claimed 25 per cent.

This weight saving reduces the suspension workload and improves contact with the road surface, reportedly improving traction and driver control. Less energy is required to accelerate or turn the wheels, directly benefitting the car’s steering feel, vehicle dynamics, and fuel efficiency. Ford engineers say noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is also reduced with the carbon-fibre wheel, providing a quieter overall ride.

At the end of last week Ford announced it had received 6,506 fully completed applications from people around the world – including over 500 from the UK market alone – in the four-week window to apply to purchase the new EcoBoost-powered, carbon-fibre supercar during its first application window.

First deliveries are expected by the end of 2016.

Source: Ford

Tags: alloy wheel, carbon fibre, Carbon Revolution, Ford GT, wheel design