Although carbon fiber wheels is not really something new in the automotive world, not all manufacturers have them as optional extras like how Ford did with their new GT. Shaving off almost 1kg of unsprung weight per wheel, the new GT will be Ford’s second model to be offered with carbon fiber wheels after the 2015 Shelby Mustang GT350R.
“Ford was the innovator as the first to offer a mass-produced carbon fiber wheels as a standard offering on the Shelby GT350R Mustang. 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,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director.
The Ford GT’s carbon fiber wheels will be different from the GT350R’s painted-black wheels, as it will also be offered with a glossy undercoat that leaves the carbon fiber weaves exposed. The wheels are made by Carbon Revolution who uses the latest generation of carbon fiber and resin technology.
The new Ford GT comes as standard with a set of 10-spoke lightweight forged aluminium wheels measuring 8.5x20in at the front and 11.5x20in at the rear. The carbon fiber ones come in the same size, but Ford claims that they are stiffer and reduce inertia by 25-percent. Over 6,500 applicants have showed interest in the new GT and Ford is currently reviewing the applications in the next 90 days to decide who the lucky 500 owners are.
