GT500 Carbon Fiber Wheels Are More Advanced than Ferrari’s Offerings
Carbon Revolution’s crazy-light, 20-inch GT500 wheels weigh the same as the Shelby GT350’s 19-inchers, thanks to tech evolution.
The 2020 Ford Mustang GT500 is undoubtedly the most technologically advanced Mustang we have ever seen. Inside and out, it is an insane engineering feat. With 760 horsepower and an unbelievably quick transmission, the GT500 is capable of a 10.7-second quarter mile right from the factory. Of course, you’re probably all too familiar with these stats. So, why don’t we take a closer look at one of the overlooked details? We’re talking about the gorgeous carbon fiber wheels.
Car and Driver have shed some much-needed light on the in-depth details of these impressive wheels. They serve a much greater purpose than looking cool, though we can’t deny they are beyond amazing to look at. It’s an undeniable trade-off that more power is going to work out to more weight one way or another, so shedding weight where it’s possible is essential. Enter the small Australian company that builds these epic wheels; Carbon Revolution.
This is not Carbon Revolution’s first go-around with Ford. They also built the wheels found on the GT350, and if you didn’t know those were carbon fiber, we can’t fault you. They wear a coat of paint because Ford didn’t have much faith in the lacquer covering the carbon at the time. Those, however, were Carbon Revolution’s first generation of production wheels. They have come a long way since then, as can be seen on the iconic 2016 Ford GT. Their second-generation wheels came standard on the Ford supercar, and their third generation is found on the Ferrari 488 Pista.
These, though, are the company’s fourth generation. They feature much thinner barrels and a much more automated production process, allowing them to keep up with production needs. What’s truly astonishing is that they weigh the same as the 19 inch GT350 wheels, even though they are 20 inches in diameter.
They say they are ready to make 8,000 wheels a year for Ford. This is in addition to the wheels they are producing for Ferrari and Porsche, as well. It is fantastic to see technology shared with such powerhouses in the sports car industry appear on the GT500. This thing is indeed a new standard for Ford Performance, and Shelby branded vehicles.
Photos: Car and Driver