In the world of racing, weight is the enemy of acceleration. For that reason, anything that can be done to reduce the total weight of the vehicle by a reasonable amount usually is. Wheels are often the starting point when it comes to weight reduction and since every pound counts why not make them as light as possible? If you are in the market for extremely lightweight wheels, Weds Sports may have just the thing to satisfy you craving.
Weds is an aftermarket company based out of Japan and he recently developed a set of wheels made completely out of carbon fiber. The total weight of a single wheel comes out to about 6.1lbs. Which means a full set will only weight in at 24.4lbs.
To bring that into perspective, the average 15in steel wheel weights about 16lbs, adding up to 64lbs for a full set. A set of full carbon fiber wheels will save you 39.6lbs. I should also add that the wheels seen in the pictures are most likely larger than 15in. I would guess in the 17in or 18in range.
If you think a set of these are in your future, you should also take into consideration that they cost between $10,000 and $12,000. I guess the cost of winning can get pretty high.
From : Carbon Fiber Gear
George Delozier
Motorized Innovations
InventorSpot.com
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This is also "Unsprung Weight"
Submitted on August 30th, 2008 by AnonymousThe things that are not supported by springs: like wheels, are also what helps handling and responsiveness.
Ben
Submitted on August 30th, 2008 by AnonymousNot to mention rotating mass adds alot to the power needed to accelerate.
Carbon in Aluminum Design ???
Submitted on September 3rd, 2008 by AnonymousIt has a very nice look, but I'd like to see this aluminum design wheel under heavy cornering + bumps.
Think for a second, why does F-1 not use these wheels yet?
A proper fiber design could do the job but here you will trash $10 000 and your car.
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