BMW considers carbon-fiber wheels

With the upcoming arrival of the BMW i8 hybrid sports car, we don’t think it’s a stretch to call our favorite automaker a trend-setter. It’s just one of the many reasons they just keep on impressing us here at BMW of Devon, because while other automakers might be content with following the pack, it invariably seems like they’re the ones trying to lead it. And now we’ve caught wind of what they’re bringing to our wheels, our lineup may never be the same.

Now, when we say “wheels,” we’re not using it as a slang term to refer to our models as a whole. We mean the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) wheels that BMW plans to offer on our lineup within the next two years.

If you’re not a bonafide gearhead like the experts in our car parts department, allow us to elaborate on why we’re all so excited. From what we’ve heard, the new wheels will be either be 100% CFRP or will boast a CFRP rim with alloy spikes. The full-CFRP option will be 35% lighter than forged alloy wheels while the alloy hybrid will be 25% lighter, both of which will make for a noticeable decrease in unsprung rotation weight.

If everything comes to fruition, BMW would be the first OEM to offer CFRP wheels on their lineup. And if all goes according to plan, they may also offer carbon fiber steering wheels and propeller shafts. Needless to say, we’ll be crossing our fingers.

So, until we hear more on the matter, feel free to tide yourself over with a test drive in the 2014 BMW M5 at our dealership here in Devon, PA. Trust us, it helps with the wait.

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