Forget about forged alloys or lightweight technology. Volkswagen started developing its first carbon fibre wheels with the help of ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components and Maxion Wheels. They will also build ultra-light aluminium wheels for mass market vehicles, as the carbon fibre ones will be dedicated to supercars.
 
The combined technologies could generate a weight savings of up to 40% when compared to high performance forged aluminum wheels. Both teams will work with OEMs to develop custom solutions to meet their specific needs.
 
Based on the developments of ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components in carbon fiber hybrid wheels, with its unique braiding technology, the partners have built and extensively tested prototypes for use on luxury cars and SUVs. Testing took place at certified Maxion Wheels test labs.  In addition, the ThyssenKrupp – Maxion Wheels team is working with the Volkswagen Group to test prototypes on a vehicle.  Public road tests have shown improved performance, like superior damping which leads to less vibration and road noise.
 
As an important contribution Maxion will bring their innovative liquid-forged aluminum discs to the cooperation, which offers comparable material properties as traditionally forged wheels at lower cost and at the full design flexibility of casted wheels.
 
The ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components – Maxion Wheels cooperation will include the development and commercialization of the ultra-lightweight aluminum/carbon fiber hybrid wheels.
 
"The aluminum/carbon fiber hybrid wheels we develop through our cooperation with ThyssenKrupp will fill an important niche in the ultra-lightweight vehicle market," says Kai Kronenberg, Vice President of Business Development & Global Innovation at Maxion Wheels.