Earlier this year, Porsche revealed the new 2018 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series limited edition model. Now the automaker has announced this range-topping 911 model will offer buyers the chance to fit it with the industry’s first high-performance wheels made from braided carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced polymer.
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These new Porsche center-lock rims are both 20 percent lighter and 20 percent stronger than the low-mass forged alloy Turbo S wheels. This reduces unsprung weight and rotating mass which in turn helps improve handling and enhances acceleration and braking feel. Porsche notes each wheel is composed of over 200 individual components, with the center made of carbon fiber fabric and the rim base from braided carbon fiber created on the world’s largest carbon fiber braiding machine. Once the center element has been braided into the rim structure, the completed wheel is impregnated with resin and then subjected to a pre-hardening treatment under high pressure and temperature. The build process concludes with a final high-temperature hardening and extended cooling regimen followed by the insertion of the center lock and the application of a clear lacquer finish.
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Available in 9×20-inch front and 11.5×20-inch rear sizes, a set of these wheels will command $14,980 when they go on sale here in January. While Porsche has yet to announce plans for any other applications, we do know they’ll also fit regular 911 Turbo S models equipped with the optional center-lock wheels.
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