The latest -and apparently really popular– Ford supercar will be available with optional carbon fiber wheels, saving almost 1kg or 2 lbs of unsprung weight per wheel.
This will be the second Ford 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 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.”
Unlike the GT350R’s black-painted wheels, the Ford GT wheels will be offered in two finishes: either a matter or a glossy clearcoat, leaving the carbon weaves exposed. Ford’s supplier Carbon Revolution uses the latest generation of carbon fiber and resin technology into making these wheels.
The twin-turbo V6 supercar comes with a set of 10-spoke lightweight forged-aluminum wheels as standard, measuring 8.5x20in at the front and 11.5x20in at the rear. The optional carbon wheels have the same size but Ford claims they are even stiffer and reduce inertia by 25 per cent.
Apart from the improved vehicle dynamics, the new carbon wheels also perform better in NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) terms, providing a more comfortable and refined ride.
Ford had earlier announced that 6,506 people have applied for one of the 500 in total GTs, with the company currently reviewing their applications to select in the next 90 days which ones will be the lucky owners.
PHOTO GALLERY
