Bucci Composites presents 20-inch carbon fiber rim dedicated to the aftermarket
The elegant, sporty composite rim design manufactured via HP-RTM targets weight reduction, with key features addressing ease of assembly and high-temperature conditions.
Photo Credit: Bucci Composites
(Faenza, Italy), a Bucci Industries Group company, presented its first 20-inch carbon fiber rim dedicated to the aftermarket, especially for the sport/supercar sectors. The reveal took place during Historic Minardi Day, a celebration that brings together F1 fans, enthusiasts and collectors to see legendary cars from previous eras once more on the track.
The 20-inch composite rim, features an elegant and sporty design, combining high performance with a weight saving of more than 20% compared to a forged aluminum wheel, according to Bucci Composites. Its ultralight weight is directly linked to less rotational inertia, which translates into greater acceleration, shorter braking distance and better vehicle handling. In addition, less unsprung mass means optimal tire contact with the asphalt for improved road grip characteristics.
The hub-wheel system is an additional key element of the Bucci Composites wheel. It enables the wheel to be fixed to the hub in the traditional way, eliminating the risk of loosening torque of the bolts. The company says this guarantees the ultralight carbon fiber wheel all the ease of assembly and maintenance of a conventional wheel.
To cope with the high temperatures that occur, especially with the use of carbon-ceramic brakes, a ceramic coating has been applied to the inside of the rim that protects the carbon fiber from the most extreme temperatures, making it possible to use the rim in all conditions.
The rim was manufactured via high-pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM), which Bucci Composites say it will continue using in the development of future wheel models for the automotive sector. A dedicated team is responsible for its completion, from design to manufacture.
The rim will be available for sale in the first half of 2023 for the Italian market initially. Other European and non-European markets will be opened in the near future.
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