GT350R Wheel Porn

Look Inside the Mustang GT350R's Ultra-Lightweight Carbon Fiber Wheels

How much does 15 pounds matter? A lot when it comes to wheels. Each of the GT350R's 19-inch carbon-fiber wheels are 15 pounds lighter than an equivalent aluminum wheel. Since a car's wheels are part of what's called "unsprung" weight, the bits not supported by suspension, their presence on the GT350R affects ride and handling enough that Ford engineers devised a unique damper calibration for the model.

The reduced rotating mass also improves braking and acceleration, although by too small a degree to accurately measure. These benefits are well-known, but until now, carbon-fiber wheels were not durable enough for a mass-produced car. Ford, however, worked with Australian manufacturer Carbon Revolution to develop a special thermal coating to withstand brake heat, plus a long-lasting black finish that, unfortunately, hides the weave. A bummer for sure, but here's a look inside.

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ETCH said:

and the fact of the cost... I have read they are half the cost of the GT350. can anyone confirm that?

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IGJoe2192 said:

They put a coating on there to protect the CF from the intense brake heat these wheels will see on the track.

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Strokerswild said:

Not to mention ultraviolet rays from sunlight.

Natural CF does some weird stuff after years in the sun based on my days with a CF-blinged-out Ducati....

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