General Motors engineers are always busy trying to improve the wheel. In this case, though, that’s literally what they’re doing.
According to a recent Motor Authority story, GM has filed a patent application for wheels built from a combination of metal and composite material, a move it says could slice weight and materials cost.
But don’t go out looking to buy a set of these space-age wheels anytime soon. MA points out that filing a patent doesn’t necessarily lead to production.
But the idea behind the wheels is still intriguing. While the current Z06 already offers carbon-fiber wheels lighter than metal equivalents, GM believes the proposed hybrid design would provide better impact resistance, durability, and repairability by keeping the more damage-prone barrel section metal.
With the current lawsuits about cracked wheels on C7s still unsettled, GM no doubt would like to see more durable wheels in its future lineup.
The patent application, published Oct. 10 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, outlines the two-piece wheels made from metal and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite.
According to the application, the wheel barrel would remain metal, while the wheel face and spokes would be FRP or possibly carbon fiber. The spokes could also be left hollow, leaving room for metal inserts for increased strength.
If you’re wondering how the metal barrel and composite would be attached, GM says adhesive or metal fasteners could do the trick. They could also over-mold the composite piece, a process in which material would flow into pre-made holes or slots in the metal wheel barrel as the composite piece is molded into shape.
Of course, appearance is the name of the game for many car owners, and these wheels are said to look similar to all-carbon-fiber wheels, with exposed-carbon spokes even possible.
Would you buy a set?
Source:
Motor Authority
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CF is great stuff, but since the submersible imploded at the Titanic shipwreck site, the materials weaknesses have been publicly exposed.
I like the idea. Metal rim, CF spokes. Best of both worlds. I do remember when Porsche came out with hollow spokes a bunch of years ago. Cool stuff.
Whatever you do, carbon fiber is fragile and curb rash is possible at some point, even if very careful, at some point in the car’s time on the road. I think it is difficult to repair and not be visible. I’ll settle for some attractive alloy wheels and save a lot of money and ease my mind.
Cost of production to weight saving. The laws of diminising returns apply.
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