The Pros And Cons Of The Chevy Corvette's Carbon Fiber Wheels

The Pros And Cons Of The Chevy Corvette's Carbon Fiber Wheels

Jalopniktechnology

Key Points:

  • Chevrolet offers Carbon Revolution carbon fiber wheels on the C8 Corvette Z06 and E-Ray models, prioritizing performance gains over aesthetics by reducing unsprung rotating mass by 41 pounds, which can cut lap times by 1 to 1.5 seconds.
  • Lighter carbon wheels improve handling by rebounding quicker over bumps, maintaining better pavement contact, and reducing inertia during acceleration, braking, and turning, significantly enhancing the Corvette's driving dynamics.
  • Developed over five years with GM, these wheels feature a single molded carbon fiber skeleton filled with lightweight foam, a two-piece aluminum hub pressed in without bolts or adhesives, and a ceramic plasma-sprayed coating inside the rim to manage brake heat.
  • Despite meeting or exceeding fatigue standards, concerns about