Ford GT to ride on Aussie wheels

Geelong-based firm Carbon Revolution has been selected by Ford to supply optional carbon-fibre wheels for Ford's new GT supercar.

Ford will produce just 500 left-hand drive examples of the born-again 447kW super-coupe, which was designed under the guidance of Ford Australia chief designer Todd Willing and has already attracted 6500 orders, although Ford has also contracted Carbon Revolution to manufacture the wheels of the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang.

The local company may have a role to play supplying aftermarket wheels for other performance models in Ford's local range, and is in talks to supply wheels for other car-makers.

"Ford was the innovator as the first to offer a mass-produced carbon-fibre wheel as a standard offering on Shelby GT350R Mustang," said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director.

"Now, Ford GT will offer the next generation in carbon-fibre wheels, with an advanced resin and fibre technology that gives our designers more freedom, while also showcasing the structure of the material's weave."

An extra-cost optional alternative to the GT's standard alloy wheels, the carbon-fibre wheels will be made available in two finishes: matte or glossy clearcoat. By reducing the unsprung weight, the wheels contribute to cornering and braking performance. And given the carbon-fibre wheels' non-metallic properties, they reduce NVH as well, Ford claims.

The wheels measure 8.5x20 inches at the front and 11.5x20 inches at the rear. According to Ford, each wheel is around 1kg lighter and reduces inertia by 25 per cent compared to the standard alloys that measure the same dimensions.