One option box a lot of customers will be checking off.
The new Ford GT is grabbing headlines for a number of different but spectacular reasons. From the body to the performance, to its racing, it’s going to be a real hit on the road. Even the customer-made application videos are garnering quite a bit of interest. One option that is of note are its available carbon fiber wheels. The optional car rims feature the latest carbon fiber technology and drastically improve overall performance.
Although it’s not the first mass-produced application of carbon fiber wheels, the Ford GT is the second and it packs quite a bit of innovation that result in superior performance.
“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.”
The new carbon fiber wheels that are available on the Ford GT are different than the car rims found on the GT350R in that they are available in matte or a glossy clear coat finish to show off their detailed weave. The finishes also complement the exposed carbon fiber parts found on the front fascia, side sills, and other areas.
The biggest impact that the carbon fiber wheels has on the Ford GT is the reduction in weight. The lightweight car rims are the same size as the 20 x 8.5 front and 20 x 11.5 rear forged aluminum alloy wheels that come standard, but the carbon fiber units cut more than two pounds of unsprung mass each. The new carbon fiber car rims are also stiffer and result in a reduction in overall inertia of 25-percent.
With the reduction in weight and inertia, the Ford GT is more controlled and precise. The lighter carbon fiber wheels require less energy to move, meaning that there is better steering feedback and control. Traction is also improved as the suspension has less work to do in order to keep the wheels in contact with the pavement.
Another added benefit of the new carbon fiber rims is the fact that the material dampens vibration better than alloy, thus resulting in reduced noise and vibration for a more comfortable ride quality.
While only a select few will be able to order the new Ford GT, you can bet that many will be ordering theirs with carbon fiber wheels to get the best performance.
Source: Ford
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