I think we can all agree, the Ford GT is a stunningly beautiful car. The carbon-fiber-body liquid paint finish and supercar performance comes together to make an absolute dream car. Australians are helping a great car, get even better.
Geelong-based Carbon Revolution are making an all-new carbon-fiber wheel for the GT, that is said to further improve the drive and handling characteristics. Their commitment to quality, means every wheel also completes a three dimensional CT X-Ray scan and inspection after it is coated and prepared for shipping to the assembly location for Ford Performance.
The Ford GT follows the 2015 Shelby GT350R Mustang in offering the carbon fiber wheels as an option, which was the world’s first mass-produced carbon fiber wheel application.
“Ford was the innovator as the first to offer a mass-produced carbon fiber wheels as a standard offering on Shelby GT350R Mustang,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director. “Now, Ford GT will offer the next generation in carbon fiber wheels, with an advanced resin and fiber technology that gives our designers more freedom, while also showcasing the structure of the material’s weave.”
The wheels will be offered in two finishes – either a matte or a glossy clearcoat, allowing the carbon fiber weave to show through. The finishes perfectly match the two exposed carbon finishes available on the sills, fascia and extractor of the all-new supercar.
Working with supplier partner Carbon Revolution, the new wheels are constructed with the latest generation of fiber and resin technology that permits greater design flexibility – resulting in flowing, more intricate spokes.
If you select the carbon fiber wheels in place of the forged aluminium ones in the car configurator, you’ll be making a weight saving that helps improve acceleration and braking (Not that the GT really needs it). Carbon fiber’s incredibly strong, light nature means a reduction in unsprung weight and rotational inertia, which benefits suspension action and even ride quality.
Compared to the supercar-spec, 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels, you’ll be saving around 0.9kg of weight per wheel, while keeping the exact same rim size -8.5 x 20″./front, and 11.5 x 20″./rear. The lighter wheel requires the suspension to do less work and improves consistent contact with the road surface, improving traction and driver control. Each spinning wheel also acts like a gyroscope, so a lighter wheel can improve steering feel and dynamics as it requires less energy to accelerate or turn the wheels, improving vehicle response. Vehicle efficiency is improved as less energy is required to get the wheel spinning. So not only does the carbon fibre option look the business, it performs better as well.
Unfortunately there’s no pricing information on this option, but if you’ve got enough to buy a Ford GT, you can probably afford the wheel upgrade.
For more information, or to apply for an opportunity to purchase the all-new Ford GT, please visit www.FordGT.com
