I was searching the web for my daily dose of aftermarket knowledge when I came across this article...


CARBON FIBER ROAD WHEELS
It was only a matter of time until race-bred innovations brought the latest in carbon fiber technology to the street. That time has arrived.
Rennworx Ltd., the source for exclusive brands like Work Wheels, Manthey Racing and other high-performance brands, is the first and exclusive U.S. distributor for what we now know as the lightest street and race carbon fiber/magnesium wheels. Developed by Dymag in the U.K. and fit for such super cars as the Koenigsegg CCX, Ascari and Mosler, these are the lightest and most sophisticated automotive wheels currently available. Each Dymag wheel is made of a carbon fiber barrel and forged magnesium center disc. The center discs and barrels are attached by specially coated titanium hardware.
Each carbon fiber rim is fabricated using a solid metal mold, which ensures that these wheels are made to a very close tolerance. This process also provides a very high-quality and durable finish that is resistant to brake dust, salt, ultraviolet light and normal forms of corrosion. Carbon fiber in this form is not only very strong, but is also quite resistant to shock. These wheels will not shatter as has been proven by race testing. The wheels are lightweight and feature a high degree of stiffness, and because of their lightweight rim, they significantly reduce the moment of inertia, thus reducing the amount of power required to turn the wheel. Considering that a standard Porsche 18-inch wheel weighs about 30.86 lbs., the Dymag carbon fiber/magnesium equivalent weighs around 13.23 lbs., for a total weight savings of approximately 70-1/2 lbs. per set of four. The effect of the carbon/magnesium wheels when fitted to the car is a reduction in the gyroscope effect of the wheel, ultimately producing improved acceleration and braking, reduced stopping distance, lighter and sharper steering, more stable tire temperatures, improved wheel and tire balancing and softer, damper settings that yield more tire contact and better overall grip.
The visual impact is rather stunning as well, with center discs that can be color-coded to match or contrast the color of the vehicle. In addition to fitments for all of the top sports cars of the world, Rennworx will custom-build the new carbon fiber/magnesium wheels in 18-, 19- and 20-inch sizes to fit virtually any vehicle make and model. For more information, visit www.rennworx.com, or call them at 310/200-3881.
There’s good news for Lancer EVO VIII owners. Zoom has engineered a Stage 3-specific clutch set that offers strip performance and street drivability. Zoom’s clutch kit includes the clutch cover assembly, throw-out bearing, clutch disc alignment tool and a six-puck disc engineered with a much-improved, stronger spring cage assembly, which includes a nickel-plated hub. Cerametallic friction material lines both sides of Zoom’s Stage 3 six-puck disc, which is designed to get the power to the pavement without losing drivability on the street. These combinations are often difficult to achieve, but now even the performance of the EVO VIII benefits from Zoom’s technology. For more information, visit www.zoomclutch.com.




http://www.hcimagazine.com/News.asp?ID=52

 

Imagine the cost on them

 

these are used a lot in formula races and such. i know that some SAE Formula teams fabricate their carbon fiber wheels for competitions and such.

road use is a bit trickier, so i will be really impressed if these wheels last as long as traditional metal wheels.

 

Yeah the cost must be ridiculous on these. I can only imagine. I doubt they would hold up very well on regular streets. Considering the number of forged rims that end up getting bent Im pretty sure these would get destroyed quickly. They might be an awesome addition to a crazy show car or an all out track car....

 

i know no one has posted here in quite a while but just to put the icing on everything i saw these rims in a euro magazine the other day. They are $2000 smackaroos a piece!! thats right you heard me, a piece! i just chuckled, cause its no surprise.

 

when they gonna come out with some carbon fiber spinners?

 

Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of spinners? They'd be too lightweight to spin.