Each of the wheels undergoes a full X-Ray CT scan before receiving a final aerospace coating and surface finish.Ĭarbon Revolution says that they fully comply with SAE, TUV German aftermarket and AK-LH 08 German OEM standards. The publicly available model, the CR-9, represents nearly seven years of development, and with a true one-piece carbon-fiber construction, they borrow techniques from the aircraft industry-with a patented manufacturing process developed by the company. They allow some natural damping from the material itself, which is what helps them achieve impressive gains in the 9-20 Hz 'secondary ride' frequencies that are especially troublesome for chassis engineers to tune out.Īnd with full-on integration of carbon-fiber wheels in an OEM application, and the engineering to incorporate them from the start, suspension arms can be lighter, to save between 20 and 30 kilograms (44 to 66 pounds) in all.īased on a study performed by the company but independently verified, the use of these wheels alone could yield a gain in fuel efficiency of up to four percent, while full integration of the wheels in an OEM application (taking into account the lightened suspension pieces and other such changes) could yield a six-percent boost in efficiency. The net benefit to automotive enthusiasts (or chassis engineers) is that you have a 40- to 50-percent reduction in unsprung mass-which can yield lighter, shaper steering, better handling, and even better acceleration, while reducing noise, vibration, and road harshness. But the company does point out that this is the equivalent of adding horsepower, bolstering the brakes, improving grip, upgrading the suspension, and/or adding more sound insulation. Now for the sticker shock: At a cost about $15,000 a set, they'll significantly lighten your wallet, too.
And on a 911, Carbon Revolution cites a weight savings of more than ten pounds for each wheel (a total of 41.2 pounds, or 18.7 kg). The 19x8.5 and 19x12 wheels mount directly on any of the water-cooled models, accept the original factory center caps, and are compatible with the OEM tire-pressure monitoring system. Carbon Revolution claims to have the world's first one-piece carbon-fiber wheels, and they're already available in very limited numbers for the Porsche 911.
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