Porsche has decided to make an all-carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic wheel. If everything goes as planned, the German brand, with its on-sale 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series, would be the first carmaker to offer this type of wheel.
Porsche has decided to make an all-carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic wheel
According to Porsche, the new wheel will measure 8.6kg (20% lighter than a regular aluminum alloy wheel). Particularly, the lighter weight will make the wheel 20% stronger than the conventional wheel. At the same time, the car’s performance is also improved with "more spontaneity in both acceleration and braking."
As estimated, a full set of all-new carbon fiber wheels will set you back exactly $17,896 (P918,079). Look at the production process of those wheels to find out the reason why they’re high-priced.
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To be specific, woven carbon-fiber fabric must be cut and assembled with more than 200 other individual pieces to make a wheel’s center. As for the rim base’s production, Porsche needs the help of the biggest carbon-fiber radial braiding machine in the world from Herzog of Oldenburg, which has a nearly 9m diameter. All in all, the wheels will use a total of more than 17km of carbon fiber.
Porsche needs the help of the biggest carbon-fiber radial braiding machine in the world from Herzog of Oldenburg
Not only that, the machinery is also in charge of merging the rim and center parts before they’re baked together under high pressure and temperature. After cooling, inserting the central lock and applying clear protective lacquer, a carbon fiber wheel is finished.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series with carbon fiber wheels is expected to make its way in early 2018.
