After years of development with leading composite suppliers, Bentley has announced a new carbon fiber wheel developed specifically for the Bentayga. The 22-inch carbon wheel, engineered with renowned specialists Bucci Composites, is to be the largest carbon wheel in production in the world and offers a vast range of benefits beyond the initial 6 kg improvement in unsprung mass per wheel.
The new carbon wheel has been subjected to the exceptionally rigorous TUV (Technischer Uberwachungsverei – Technical Inspection Association) standards and is the first carbon wheel ever produced to pass all tests. The newly developed rim has undergone the most rigorous testing for non-metallic wheels according to the new TUV standards including biaxial stress testing, radial and lateral impact testing for simulating potholes and cobblestones, tire overpressure, and excessive torque tests exceeding the permitted limits.
One of the most severe tests of the TUV requirements – the impact test – has shown how the carbon rim is extremely safe in addition to the performance benefits. After a severe impact that would crack or shatter an aluminum wheel, causing the tire to collapse explosively, the carbon fiber rim allows a slow tire deflation thanks to the intelligent layering of fiber weaves, allowing the vehicle to come to a controlled, safe stop. For the final sign-off stage, the wheel was put through its paces on one of the most famous tracks in the world – the Nurburgring Nordschleife and it passed that test with flying colors.
The new wheel will be available to order from later this year