Ford offering carbon wheels on GT

DEARBORN, Mich. (May 20, 2016) — Ford Motor Co. is planning to offer carbon-fiber wheels as an option on the Ford GT when it goes on sale later this year to the 500 approved buyers of the mid-engine supercar.

The carbon-fiber wheel, developed together with supplier partner Carbon Revolution Pty. Ltd., is two pounds lighter than the already light-weight alloy wheels spec'd OE on the $400,000-plus GT, Ford said.

That amount of weight reduction translates into a 25-percent drop in inertia, Ford said, which leads to improved acceleration, braking and dynamic performance, and which also can benefit suspension action and ride quality.

The wheels — sized 8.5 x 20 in. (front) and 11.5 x 20 in. (rear) — are constructed with the latest generation of fiber and resin technology, which permits greater design flexibility, Ford said, resulting in flowing, more intricate spokes.

Carbon-fiber wheels are denser than traditional alloys, which further dampens road noise and, to a lesser degree, vibration.

Ford did not disclose how much extra the carbon-fiber wheels would cost.

This is the second model for which Ford is offering the carbon-fiber wheel option. Last year it made the wheels standard equipment on the Shelby Mustang GT350R.

Unlike the Shelby GT350R's black-painted carbon fiber wheels, Ford GT wheels will be offered in two finishes — either a matte or a glossy clearcoat, permitting the stunning nature of the carbon fiber weave to show through. The finishes match the two exposed carbon finishes available on the sills, fascia and extractor of the all-new supercar.