GM goes for a carbon revolution

Hard on the heels of learning that Ford’s top performance car will offer Carbon Revolution wheels, word is out that General Motors will follow suit.
According to Autoblog, GM’s manager for research and development of light polymer systems, William Rodgers, confirmed the move.
Ford is already offering light-weight carbon wheels for its Mustang Shelby GT350R and the upcoming GT supercar.
Geelong-based Carbon Revolution produces the world’s only one-piece carbon fibre wheel.
Rodgers confirmed that some Cadillac models would be candidates for the new technology, but the top of the line versions of the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette would be in line as well.
Rodgers told Autoblog that GM was already testing carbon-fibre wheels for wear-and-tear and repair costs.
The wheels have been available in the aftermarket from various shops since 2005.
Car makers are turning to carbon-fibre wheels because they are significantly lighter, stronger and stiffer than aluminium rims.
The carbon-fibre wheels improve suspension performance for increased grip, control and stability during cornering.
“It’s not surprising that General Motors wants to adopt the technology,” Autoblog said.
“With Ford already ahead of the game, GM is likely to speed up the process and offer the new carbon-fibre wheels as early as 2017.
“What matters here is that GM is joining the ranks of the few companies that offer carbon-fibre wheels, a sign that more car makers are considering this state-of-the-art technology.
“Pretty soon, most mainstream brands that sell high-performance cars will probably have such options.”