Z06 Corvette runs carbon-fibre wheels manufactured here by Carbon Revolution
ICONIC American sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette, is due to go on sale here later in the year complete with right-hand drive (RHD) ex-factory. Previous generation Corvettes that made it Down Under were privately imported and converted to RHD with the limitations, compromises and added expense that the process entailed.
The first factory right-hook example of the Z06 ‘Vette is already in Australia performing various publicity commitments, being shown to Corvette customers, undergoing local validation and to check that all is ‘present and correct’ for the local launch.
The preview example features an optional Z07 package that includes a raft of cosmetic, comfort and performance upgrades and ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre wheels by Australian manufacturer Carbon Revolution (CR).
The Victorian specialist wheel maker produces the Z06’s optional factory-fit carbon-fibre rims at its factory in Waurn Ponds that also manufacturers carbon-fibre wheels to suit a number of other high performance vehicles such as the Ferrari F8 Tributo, Ford Shelby Mustang and even the Renault Megane RS Trophy.
Development of carbon-fibre wheels for a range of heavy electric vehicles including SUVs is underway at CR spurred by rapid EV uptake globally and the benefits light weight wheels may have in weight reduction.
Apart from looking “the business” compared to similar sized forged alloy wheels, the carbon-fibre wheels are up to 50 per cent lighter and stronger with accompanying benefits to performance and handling.
Engineers at General Motors in the US said the five-spoke carbon-fibre wheels save 18kg of unsprung, rotational mass compared to the standard Z06’s forged aluminium wheels and generate faster lap times in the Corvette, all other factors being equal.
The staggered size wheels are 20×10 inches at the front and 21×13 inches at the rear – the latter being the world’s widest OEM carbon-fibre wheel, which also has the highest load capacity of any wheel yet produced by CR.
The white, Z07 optioned Z06 has created something of a sensation wherever it has appeared in Victoria over the past month and stopped production at Carbon Revolution’s factory as excited personnel viewed the low-slung American supercar.
The preview car was brought to Australia earlier this year by engineering company General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) which performs right hand drive conversions to various GM Silverado pick-up trucks with potential for other models in the future including an SUV (Tahoe).
Carbon Revolution CEO, Jake Dingle, said the company was delighted to host the Z06 at its facility.
“It’s exciting for our engineering and production teams to see the fruits of our collaboration with GM, which dates back to 2016,” he said.
“Our team is extremely proud of the wheel – it genuinely enhances the Z06’s performance and it looks superb on the vehicle.”
During the CR factory visit, GMSV personnel were shown through Carbon Revolution’s factory, including the new Mega-line, which is currently commissioning new equipment while producing Corvette Z06 and other OEM wheels.
GMSV Director, Gregory Rowe said he was impressed with the CR facility.
“The Carbon Revolution wheel is a testament to the talent of Australian engineers who have been able to design and manufacture one of the world’s most complex carbon-fibre products,” he said.
“Their carbon-fibre wheel provides enhanced performance of the Z06 thanks to a weight saving advantage and also complements the overall appearance of the new model.”
CR wheels debuted on the C8 Corvette Z06 in late-2021 and the company will also supply carbon-fibre wheels for the upcoming 2024 C8 Corvette E-Ray, the first electrified Corvette.
Keyword: Corvette pays a visit to Aussie wheel manufacturer