lorenr

iTrader: (1)

They have been available for real race cars for some time, but are now coming out on the new Mustang GT 350. Most articles suggest that there is a weight savings of 60 pounds over the already light aluminum wheels. As far back as I can remember, reducing unsprung weight has a very big effect on vehicle performance. The IS F is heavy, but removing 60 pounds could be a big deal and be one of the few ways of making the F a better car.

Does the F have the same bolt pattern as the mustang? Would the wheel off set work? To bad they are $2500 or more each.

From what I've read there are few down sides to carbon fiber wheels and that in a few years the price will come down. They could become quite common.

From what I understand they are very strong and difficult to damage.

I really like the idea.

Loren

MK4Sup_isF

iTrader: (10)

If you compare with 35 lbs per corner wheels, yes then you will save like 60 lbs. more realistically, you are looking at 25 lbs max saving. Good aftermarket forged wheels weigh in at around 20 lbs flat for 19x11, such as BBS FI-R wheels. My 19x11 BC forged is 22 lbs flat, 19x11 carbon GT350 wheels is 18 lbs

Miqueaseli

Yishin a previous member here same CL name had carbon fiber wheels in his F . There's pics around he set up a little Atlanta meet

Bigjon3475

iTrader: (2)

You can get brand new CF wheels for about $2k USD per wheel from an online source...
http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=Carbon+fiber+wheels

tas02

iTrader: (2)

Lightweight aftermarket aluminum 18's (even some that are cast) have less moment of inertia than those Gt350 cf wheels. And that's without considering the tire in the equation.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

The two companies on the web are saying their carbon wheels are ~11 lbs. That's a big difference even if you are considering magnesium wheels. I would not run magnesium on a street car.

My only concern with carbon fiber wheels is what happens if you curb one or have some road debris hit one of the spokes? I just noticed a paint chip on my front wheel in the middle of a spoke that must be from road debris. I know carbon fiber wheels have been used on racing motorcycles since the early 80's, but I've never seen a road bike for street duty with them.

I am not sure I want to spend that kind of money for a street vehicle, but if I were racing, I don't see how I couldn't do it.