Ford trucks and SUVs may soon get carbon fiber wheels

Although it hasn't been made official yet, Ford may be adding carbon fiber wheels to its next SUVs and trucks for better performance and fuel economy. However, the risks are also high, since the cost of wheels in the event of theft is much higher than that of aluminum wheels.

Carbon fiber wheels remain a rarity in the automotive market. They have appeared in multi-million dollar Koenigseggs and have even made their way into some of Ford's most popular muscle cars in recent years. However, the Michigan-based automaker isn't going to stop there, and now Blue Oval is considering adding carbon wheels to its trucks and SUVs.

Technology that can be used in the future

Ford Icons and Ford Performance Vehicle Program Director Ali Jammul believes there are more vehicles in Ford's stable that deserve carbon fiber wheels, including a pickup truck. Speaking at the recent Ford Ranger Raptor event, Jammul stated that "you can actually bring this technology to trucks and SUVs", adding that "I think we need to experiment with this, I really like this technology."

Benefits of using carbon fiber wheels

Ford is no stranger to the world of carbon wheels, having created the world's first production examples for the Mustang Shelby GT350R. The Ford GT and Mustang Shelby GT500 also get carbon wheels, chosen to reduce unsprung weight in the pursuit of handling and performance. Lighter wheels require less suspension force to hold them over bumps, as well as less power to accelerate and brake. Reducing wheel weight by even a few ounces can provide measurable performance benefits on the track.

However, the benefits of carbon wheels are a bit confusing when it comes to a truck or SUV. Few F-150 owners attempt to set personal bests on the track, and off-road riders may be wary of damage to a set of carbon wheels. 

While not as brittle as some myths suggest, any wheel can be damaged when something goes sideways off-road, and carbon wheels are a lot more expensive to replace than their regular steel or aluminum counterparts. 

Carbon fiber wheels could improve fuel economy

 This does not mean that there are no benefits. Lighter wheels would be ideal for a car that tackles bumpy dirt roads at high speeds and fuel economy bonuses can also be gained. In fact, the efficiency advantages of lighter wheels, which can also have aerodynamic advantages, have been cited as one of the key reasons why carbon wheels can make a big difference in the electric vehicle world, as well as in trucks.  

Ford hasn't made any plans public, but it's clear there's enthusiasm within the company for the idea. Perhaps soon powerful Ford trucks and SUVs will be rolling around the neighborhood in a nice carbon fiber set. If your ride is properly equipped, consider investing in wheel nuts to protect your investment.

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