The 22” carbon wheel, engineered with Bucci Composites, is to be the largest carbon wheel in production in the world and offers a range of benefits beyond the initial 6kg improvement in unsprung mass per wheel.
The carbon wheel has been subjected to the rigorous TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverei - Technical Inspection Association) standards, and is the first carbon wheel ever produced to pass all tests.
The newly developed rim has undergone the most rigorous testing for non-metallic wheels according to the new TÜV standards including biaxial stress testing, radial and lateral impact testing for simulating potholes and cobblestones, tyre overpressure, and excessive torque tests exceeding the permitted limits.
One of the most severe tests of the TUV requirements – the impact test - has shown how the carbon rim is safe in addition to the performance benefits.
After a severe impact which would crack or shatter an aluminium wheel, causing the tyre to collapse explosively, the carbon fibre rim allowed a slow tyre deflation thanks to the layering of fibre weaves, allowing the vehicle to come to a controlled, safe stop.
For the final sign off stage, the wheel was put through its paces on one of the most famous tracks in the world - the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Carbon fibre not only provides a significant weight saving, but also offers the additional benefits of increased strength and stiffness.
This leads to a number of benefits:
> Increased safety – when the rim receives a high impact, the weave pulls apart leaving openings to allow gradual air loss rather than instant deflation like an aluminium rim.
> Increased steering agility – the 6kg weight saving and the high stiffness afforded by the properties of carbon fibre mean a more stable and consistent steering platform. In comparison, a forged aluminium rim can lose up to a degree of camber due to wheel flex, reducing grip and agility.
> Improved and more responsive braking thanks to the decrease in unsprung mass.
> Reduced tyre wear - since the stiffer carbon rim does not suffer from the same amount of bending, it allows for greater tyre stability and a more consistent contact patch thanks to a larger tyre support surface.
The new wheel will be available to order late 2021.
