In the latest episode of Inside Koenigsegg from YouTube channel /DRIVE, Koenigsegg CEO and founder Christian von Koenigsegg shows us the ins and outs of making a wheel out of carbon fiber. He explains that the carbon fiber wheels are not only tougher than forged aluminum sets, which most high-performance cars use, but they’re also around 40 percent lighter--a single wheel on the One:1 supercar weighs just under 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds).
Only the toughest carbon fiber is used, pre-preg, like that used in Formula One, and the wheel, including the outer rim, spokes and barrel, is a single unit. The only part that isn’t carbon fiber is the tiny metal air valve. Incredibly, the carbon fiber wheels are so perfectly balanced that a counterweight for the tiny air valve is needed.
Note, you don’t have to buy a Koenigsegg if you want carbon fiber wheels on your own car. Aftermarket firms such as Australia’s Carbon Revolution make carbon fiber wheels for a range of models.
You can view previous Inside Koenigsegg episodes in the links below:
Episode One: The One:1's 2014 Geneva Motor Show Debut
Episode Two: The One:1's Engine
Episode Three: The One:1's Active Rear Wing
Episode Four: The One:1's 3D-Printed Parts
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See more videos on our YouTube sites: The Car Connection, Motor Authority, and Green Car Reports.