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.