Is there a consensus about whether CF wheels are a good choice?
If you plan on a garage queen, get the CF wheels. They are super cool looking. If you plan on using it, CF is very fragile.
Just me, I had CF wheels on my previous F8, it was my favorite option, looks amazing as well. I daily drove it for 3 years, zero issues. Standard wheels are 120lbs for a set of 4, Forged wheels are 94lbs for a set of 4, carbon fiber wheels are 72lbs for a set of 4. They are very light. On Z06, they were able to trim a few seconds off lap time in official track test with carbon fiber wheels vs normal wheels. As far as worry about need to buy a set of 4 at $50k in case of needing to replace the wheels. These are same wheels on 488, Pista, 296, 812, SF90. Brand new set can be had for $31k to $36k, used ones around $5k to $6k each. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Not sure about compatibility, 488 / Pista / F8 do definitely have the same wheels but there are different part codes for the 296; they are the same size but I assume the offsets may be different.
Thanks for providing info on the performance gain using CF wheels.I have been trying to understand this difference. In terms of the performance difference, which track was it on? Thanks.
As mention was made of those carbon wheels for the Z06; there is something else to consider. When the wheels are installed as a factory option the Z06 suspension is set up differently to take advantage of the less unsprung weight. I don't know if Ferrari changes the suspension for their carbon wheels when installed at the factory. Ferrari may keep it simple as there are already two different suspension options available.
I am guessing VIR. The weight saving is significant and at where it counts the most, rotating innertia/unsprung mass, each lb saved is equivalent to 5 to 10lbs of static weight. They are all made by Carbon Revolution, oem carbon fiber wheel maker for Ferrari, GM, Ford (Z06, Ford GT, GT350, etc). I see a lot of Ferrari at the meets with carbon fiber wheels, never heard of single person had issue with them. I daily drove the F8 for 3 years with these wheels and wasn't even that careful, no issue what so ever. "Chevrolet engineers have previously stated that switching to carbon fibre wheels can improve lap times by up to 1.5-2.0 seconds over a two-minute lap, all other factors being equal." "The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with optional carbon fiber wheels has demonstrated lap time improvements. GM engineers and Car & Driver testing suggest a potential 1.0 to 1.5 second reduction in lap time over a 2-minute lap due to the lighter carbon fiber wheels. The C8 Z06 with carbon fiber wheels recorded a Lightning Lap time of 2:38.6, the fastest naturally aspirated vehicle tested, and the fastest in its price category in Lightning Lap history"
For those wanting just the look for the carbon fiber wheels but averse to the damage and high replacement & upfront cost, I have seen monoblock forged wheels in the same carbon design, dipped in carbon fiber that look identical and available as a set of 4 for approx $5k. You get the look of CF wheels to complete the design but the cost and strength of Forged wheels.
Timed laps by magazines are typically set with cars (provided by Ferrari) fitted with carbon wheels since they provide better performance. So the wheels are definitely usable in fast track driving; the use case of magazine testing is a "money no object" one so how long the wheels last with such use is difficult to assess from the outside. Hopefully some owners have real life experience.
I totally agree on the performance gains of the CF wheels- similar to what gains one gets with stickier tires.CF is actually quite tough when made well but curb the wheel and you will be in pain forever more looking at the cosmetic damage which is difficult and expensive to repair let alone replace. I’ve had them on several of my Ducati bikes- the responsiveness and performance is unreal- loss of unsprung weight and rotational inertia makes that much of a difference
Absolutely worth getting for all the boxes they check off, things like better resale , better performance, and better looks. Its one of the most complemented parts on my 296. Don't worry about the performacne they provide unless you are looking specifically at tracking, because the car is nuts and you wont be able to race it around as much as you think unless you live in a rural area, and I still have to keep the reigns on it in the twisties since going from 60 to well over 100 is within seconds if you choose. So regular wheel are better if you plan on just driving it around town and don't care about the looks or resale and just want to get one.
