Ford has announced that its upcoming Ford GT supercar will be available with optional carbon-fibre wheels.
The automaker says the wheels are constructed using the latest generation of fibre-and-resin technology.
Customers will be able to choose between two finishes: either a matte or glossy clearcoat. The finish of the wheels, of course, will match the exposed carbon-fibre on the Ford GT’s sills, facia and extractor.
Not only do they look great, but Ford says the optional wheels offer “a wealth 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,” said the automaker.
The standard 20-inch Ford GT wheels are made from lightweight, forged aluminium. The optional carbon-fibre wheels are the same size, but are structurally stiffer, and save almost 1kg of unsprung weight per wheel, apparently reducing inertia by 25%.
“This weight saving reduces the suspension workload and improves consistent contact with the road surface, further improving traction and driver control. Less energy is required to accelerate or turn the wheels, directly benefitting the Ford GT’s steering feel, vehicle dynamics, and fuel efficiency,” Ford said.
The US automaker also claims that noise, vibration and harshness are noticeably reduced by the carbon-fibre wheels, providing a quieter ride.
No word yet on just how much extra these optional wheels will add to the sticker-price, but seeing as only 500 units of the $400 000-odd (around R6,3-million) Ford GT will be built over the next two years, we’re guessing the prospective owners wouldn’t mind shelling out a little extra.
