Photo: mustang6g
We could write a short novel about the carbon fiber wheels on the 2016 Shelby GT350R, but what you're about to read is related to their price.
So hang on tight, sit down if you need to and consider selling a kidney and a lung if your intention is to lay hands on a set of Shelby GT350R carbon fiber rims.
It's not our goal to scare you, but here's something that might do just that: the price tag on these wheels.
According to Mustang6g, one of their forum members ordered a set of these babies and had to pay around $7,000 for each wheel or close to $30,000 for four wheels.
Now, we imagine many Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts thought about buying these wheels separately and fitting them on the standard Shelby GT350 or other S550 Mustang for that matter.
But we're sure they didn't think the wheels would cost that much. In fact, if we have a quick look in Ford's lineup, we'll discover that four Shelby GT350R wheels are more expensive than a 2015 Ford Focus ST.
Also according to Mustang6g, those who possess the money and the desire to buy these wheels separately can do that now, without needing a GT350R VIN to get their hands on them.
In case you're curious why, here's the answer: the aerospace-inspired coating is applied around the inner wheel barrel and back of the spokes as a thermal barrier against the heat generated by the high-performance brakes.
Also, the wheels are said to be resistant to corrosive salts, road chemicals, and UV light. Each piece hefts 18 pounds (8.1 kg), and if we think of the 33 pounds (15 kg) of the equivalent aluminum wheel, these are the Manolo Blahniks of all carbon fiber wheels.
It's not our goal to scare you, but here's something that might do just that: the price tag on these wheels.
According to Mustang6g, one of their forum members ordered a set of these babies and had to pay around $7,000 for each wheel or close to $30,000 for four wheels.
Now, we imagine many Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts thought about buying these wheels separately and fitting them on the standard Shelby GT350 or other S550 Mustang for that matter.
But we're sure they didn't think the wheels would cost that much. In fact, if we have a quick look in Ford's lineup, we'll discover that four Shelby GT350R wheels are more expensive than a 2015 Ford Focus ST.
Also according to Mustang6g, those who possess the money and the desire to buy these wheels separately can do that now, without needing a GT350R VIN to get their hands on them.
The technology behind the price
There's a reason these wheels cost a fortune. In fact, there are several reasons and one of them is their hi-tech production process. The front wheels of the Shelby GT350R are treated with ceramic coatings applied with a plasma arc gun that liquefies ceramic material.In case you're curious why, here's the answer: the aerospace-inspired coating is applied around the inner wheel barrel and back of the spokes as a thermal barrier against the heat generated by the high-performance brakes.
Also, the wheels are said to be resistant to corrosive salts, road chemicals, and UV light. Each piece hefts 18 pounds (8.1 kg), and if we think of the 33 pounds (15 kg) of the equivalent aluminum wheel, these are the Manolo Blahniks of all carbon fiber wheels.
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