Chevrolet has enlisted Australian firm Carbon Revolution to supply the optional carbon-fibre wheels for its 2023 Corvette Z06.
They’re available as a standalone option on the Z06, which is the hottest C8 Corvette for now until the inevitable ZR1 debuts.
Chevrolet says the lightweight wheels reduce unsprung mass by 18.6kg compared with the standard forged aluminium 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) wheels.
They can also be paired with a special Z07 performance package that adds a unique ‘FE7’ suspension tune, Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tyres, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and a carbon-fibre aero package.
The latter adds a larger front splitter, front-corner canards, and underbody aero strakes.
Carbon Revolution has already supplied wheels to another supercar from Detroit: the Ford GT.
The Heritage Edition, revealed earlier this year, wears standard 20-inch carbon-fibre wheels finished in Antimatter Blue. Carbon fibre is also used on the front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and other parts of the interior and exterior.
MORE: 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 revealed, confirmed for Australia
The Australian company was founded in 2007, with its headquarters and factory located in Geelong, Victoria.
It was listed on the ASX in December 2019, and is one of the only companies in the world that can manufacture single-piece carbon-fibre wheels at scale for OEM and aftermarket customers.
The CR-9 carbon fibre wheel pictured above was the company’s first product. Launched in 2012, it was an aftermarket wheel available for a trio of Volkswagen Group products – namely the Audi R8, Lamborghini Gallardo, and the Porsche 911 GT3.
Its first OEM supply contract was with Ford, with carbon-fibre wheels standard fit on the Shelby GT350R. Carbon-fibre wheels also became available on the GT and Shelby GT500.
Other applications include the Ferrari 488 Pista and SF90 Stradale. In the Pista, Carbon Revolution claims its wheels have a 40 per cent weight saving compared to the equivalent aluminium wheel.
On the slightly more affordable side, Renault enlisted Carbon Revolution to manufacture optional carbon-fibre wheels for the limited-run Megane RS Trophy-R.
Compared to their magnesium and aluminium counterparts, carbon-fibre wheels such as those made by Carbon Revolution can offer advantages in noise, vibration and harshness, as well as handling ability.
The reduction in weight contributes to a lower total unsprung weight, a term used to define the parts of the car not supported by the vehicle’s suspension, which typically includes brakes, wheels, tyres, and differentials.
