Carbon Revolution goes large

CARBON REVOLUTION has produced its largest, widest carbon-fibre wheel yet. The innovative 21 x 13-inch single-piece rim is set to grace the rear axle of the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Recently announced as the supplier of carbon-fibre wheels for GM’s newest ‘Vette, the Geelong-based manufacturer says its one-piece carbon-fibre wheels are the result of a five-year collaboration between General Motors and its own in-house engineers and designers, which has resulted in a product that meets stringent structural, performance and aesthetic criteria.

“To have collaborated with GM to create the carbon-fibre wheel for the new Z06 has been a great honour,” Carbon Revolution CEO, Jake Dingle said. 

“The performance capabilities of the Z06, as well as the decision to create a five-spoke wheel design, meant that our engineering teams had to drive our world-leading carbon-fibre wheel technology to new places for this project”.

The company’s largest and widest wheel features a unique, asymmetric spoke design that aids in strengthening the wheel while meeting the packaging requirements for the Z06’s brakes. 

The five wheel spokes are supported by a new “ski jump” strengthening member that diagonally connects the front of the spoke laminate with the back of the spoke laminate – it’s a world-first for any production wheel that both improves the rim’s performance and reduces weight.

“The targets with respect to weight, strength and durability were extremely high (and) the final product is one that our team is very proud of and genuinely enhances the performance of the Z06,” Mr Dingle added.

Carbon Revolution produces the front and rear wheels for the Corvette Z06. The staggered wheels measure 20 x 10 inches at the front and 21 x 13 inches at the rear. The rear rim also has the highest load capacity of any wheel that the company has produced.

The wheel will be available in a clear coat option that exposes the carbon-fibre weave and Carbon Revolution’s patent pending Diamond Weave Technology finish. A painted variant, named Carbon Flash, will also be offered.

The wheels will be shipped to GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky before being shod with Michelin rubber and bolted to the Corvette Z06.

GMSV will offer the Corvette Z06 for sale in Australia – replete with Carbon Revolution wheels – towards the beginning of next year (2023).