Porsche Unveils Lightweight Wheels Made of Braided Carbon Fibre

×

The two-part wheel is composed entirely of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). The wheel centre is made from 200 individual carbon-fibre fabric components that are cut and pieced together. The rim base is made from carbon fibre woven by a braiding machine. The manufacturer claims that the complex production from fibres results in a denser material structure and hence higher strength.

The assembled wheel is then impregnated with resin and pre-hardened at high pressure and high temperatures. The finished wheel is hardened at high temperatures followed by a long cooling process. The central lock is then inserted into the finished wheel, and the wheel is protected with clear lacquer. 

Improved strength, reduced weight

The wheels weigh around 8.5 kilograms or 20 percent less than standard alloy wheels and are also 20 per cent stronger. The new carbon wheels will be available as an option for the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series in early 2018.