Bentley Introduces Carbon Fiber Wheels for the Bentayga SUV
The Bentley Bentayga, alongside other high-end vehicles like the Ford GT and Ferrari 488 Pista, is set to feature cutting-edge carbon fiber wheels. While carbon fiber wheels are typically associated with ultra-high-performance cars, Bentley is now bringing this innovative technology to its luxury SUV lineup. These wheels not only enhance the vehicle’s aesthetics but also offer considerable performance advantages.
Crafted by Mulliner in partnership with Bucci Composites, the new black-weave carbon rims reduce unsprung weight by 13.2 pounds per corner compared to traditional aluminum wheels. At 22 inches in diameter, they are touted as the largest carbon wheels available on any production vehicle to date.
Bentley reports that it spent five years developing these wheels to ensure they meet the rigorous TÜV safety standards set in Germany—marking them as the first carbon wheels to achieve this milestone. The extensive testing process included assessments for biaxial stress, radial and lateral impacts, as well as scenarios simulating tire overpressure and excessive torque. Remarkably, Bentley claims that the woven structure of these carbon wheels is actually safer during high-impact situations compared to aluminum wheels, which are prone to cracking and sudden tire deflation. The layered weave of the carbon allows for a more gradual tire deflation, giving drivers more time to pull over safely.
In keeping with its performance-oriented ethos, Bentley also tested these new wheels on the renowned Nürburgring racetrack.
The carbon fiber wheels for the Bentley Bentayga are expected to be available for order in late 2021.
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