Plastic rims?
A key element to motoring efficiency is reduced mass. Lighter cars require less energy to move them around… simple stuff. A new development that could make a contribution to vehicle weight savings is the plastic rim. Not only would these rims reduce the overall mass of a vehicle, but they would provide a good reduction in unsprung mass, thereby enhancing a vehicle’s handling capabilities.
German applied research company, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has developed fibre-reinforced plastic technology to the point where the material is suitably strong for automotive wheel applications. Apparently their development wheels have successfully completed 250 000 test kilometres without a problem, although at this time it’s unclear if and when this technology will find its way to the market.
Source: Car Blog
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