One-piece carbon fibre wheels on-show at Autosport International

The world’s first production one-piece carbon fibre wheel will gain its UK debut at the Autosport show next month when manufacturer CarbonRevolution gives the product centre stage on its exhibition stand.

According to the company, Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic is typically three times stronger and stiffer for its weight than steel, aluminium and titanium. And what’s more Carbon Revolution’s CR-9 wheels reportedly offer weight savings of 40 to 50 per cent over aluminium equivalents, with 19-inch wheels weighing as little as 7kg without compromising manufacturer levels of stiffness and durability.

With a set of four reducing unsprung mass by 19kg on a Porsche 911, the CR-9 is initially aimed at supercars such as the Audi R8, Lamborghini Gallardo and McLaren MP4-12C.

“No other bolt-on technology provides so much value for the driving enthusiast as the CR-9,” said Brett Gass, Carbon Revolution’s Engineering Director. “Among the feedback we’ve received, Le Mans drivers have commented that they were able to place the car more precisely and use parts of the track they otherwise couldn’t, and that it felt like the weight of the engine had been removed.

Carbon Revolution will be based in Hall 6, Stand 6575 during Autosport International 2014.