Porsche Announces Carbon Fiber Reinforced Wheel Option At Only $17,600

Porsche is bringing an all-carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic wheel to the market, saying it will be the first global automaker to offer the wheel when it debuts in early 2018 as an option on the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series.

At 19 pounds, the composite wheel is 20 percent lighter than an equivalent aluminum alloy wheel, but Porsche -- a unit of Germany's Volkswagen AG -- says the wheels are also 20 percent? stronger.

The strength combined with lighter weight will improve performance with "more spontaneity in both acceleration and braking," Porsche said in a statement.

The wheels will be priced at more than $17,600 for a complete set.

Rianf1 - 8/18/2017 3:25:12 PM

+3 Boost

Correct me if i am wrong but Porsche wouldnt be the first brand to bring CFRP wheels to the market as it is an option on the Ford GT350R and the GT

HoustonMidtown - 8/18/2017 3:46:19 PM

+3 Boost

I thought that too....there's probably some word play involved so they can say that...

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/18/2017 5:32:11 PM

+2 Boost

It is CRP construction, not regular laid up carbon fibre manufacturing like in the Ford products that have been mentioned or like the wheels Koenigsegg makes for their supercars. So it can be a "first ever" offering.

carloslassiter - 8/18/2017 5:59:05 PM

+3 Boost

Seems like a good deal compared to that hideous green paint.

TheSteve - 8/18/2017 6:12:09 PM

+3 Boost

I wonder, who is the target market? I suspect the same folks who buy a $50,000 Rolex, because they can.

As a driver who hasn't been on a track in close to 15 years, I don't fool myself into believing that 20% lighter wheels or upping from 540 HP to 580 HP is going to make a felt difference to me. I'd get the (quality) wheels that looked better on my car rather than paying close to 18 grand for CBR (Carbon-fiber Bragging Rights).

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/19/2017 8:34:22 AM

+2 Boost

All good points TheSteve. The more I see track days and crashes on YouTube I think I would only go to the track in a Viper ACR with a full roll cage and with a top racing helmet and HANS device. I want to be able to walk into work on Monday.

qwertyfla - 8/19/2017 10:46:31 PM

+1 Boost

And here I thought BBS Magnesium composite rims were overpriced...