There is no doubt the new Ford GT super car is one of the coolest and most exciting cars to be launched over the next couple of years. But when you dissect it to its components, this symbol of sexiness is actually a pretty geeky piece of kit made by people with round glasses, turtleneck sweaters, and, most likely, allergies. And nowhere it shows more than in the construction of the car’s carbon fiber wheels.
An optional extra on the new Ford GT, the carbon fiber wheels improve the drive and handling characteristics of the car by reducing the unsprung weight per wheel. It’s only 1kg less per wheel than a regular set of rims, but apparently that makes a big difference, reducing inertia by 25 percent. While we wouldn’t want to go out with the man who has calculated that, we appreciate his efforts.
The carbon fiber wheels for Ford GT are made in partnership with Carbon Revolution, known to you as an aftermarket specialist, constructed with the latest generation of fiber and resin technology that permits greater design flexibility. They come in two finishes of matte or glossy clearcoat which puts the carbon weave on display for everyone to see. They would look seriously uncool on a regular car, but on a futuristic looking thing like GT, they’ll probably work.
Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director, said: “Ford GT will offer the next generation in carbon fibre wheels, with an advanced resin and fibre technology that gives our designers more freedom, while also showcasing the structure of the material’s weave.”