Ford Uses Space Shuttle Technology to Reinvent the Wheel

JACKSON, Mich.– The Ford Shelby® GT350R Mustang is Ford’s highest performing track-ready Mustang ever produced and it needs high-performance wheels to keep up with its insanity, which is why Ford used Space Shuttle technology to reinvent the wheel for this surprisingly street-legal pony car.

To give the GT350R a set of wheels that can truly handle the heat, Ford Performance developed a carbon fiber wheel that is coated in ceramic plasma arc spray– the same material used on the Space Shuttle. The coating protects the wheels from intense brake heat, granting more durability as well as a sleek finish.

Although Ford used Space Shuttle technology to reinvent the wheel, aftermarket manufacturers already produce carbon fiber wheels. However, Ford is the first automotive manufacturer to utilize the technology at a scale of mass-production for the GT350R.

Carbon fiber wheels are unique because they improve suspension response times and chassis performance, cut down on weight, and enhance steering and ride quality. The carbon fiber wheel meets Ford’s highest standards for durability, quality, craftsmanship and finish, so we’re betting you would feel quite a difference between it and your vehicle’s current wheels.

Ford’s wheels already go through a brutal testing process that covers curb strikes, UV and chemical exposure, and broiling heat, proving their dependability. The GT350R’s carbon fiber wheels go through the same testing, but they are stiffer, lighter and more resilient so they greater chance at withstanding abrasive elements or the impact of an occasional curb hop.

To produce a carbon fiber wheel, Ford uses a preformed internal carbon structure formed of woven carbon strands. Then an RFID chip with a specific tracking number is implanted in the structure and it is entered into a quality assurance system. The structure is infused with resin and cured at high temperatures before receiving the high-gloss black coating that gives it thermal protection.

The entire process renders a whole wheel, rather than one composed of various parts and structures welded and bonded together. The wholeness of the carbon fiber wheel strengthens it and proves to be much more durable than a typical aluminum wheel.

As much as we would all love to have carbon fiber wheels developed with Space Shuttle technology under our vehicles, for now you have to purchase a Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang or opt to purchase an aftermarket brand that won’t live up to the quality of Ford’s product. Regardless of what wheels you drive on, you always get a quality vehicle when you purchase a New Ford Car or New Ford Truck like those at our Ford Dealer near Clarklake, MI!

Seymour Ford Lincoln is located at 2601 Seymour Road in Jackson, Michigan 49201. No matter what your auto need, we will work hard to ensure you never leave our dealership unsatisfied! Visit us at SeymourFord.com and SeymourLincoln.net or give us a call at (517) 787-9500.


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