Groundbreaking Carbon Hybrid Wheel Revealed By Dymag, Hankuk Carbon, And Hyundai

Dymag, a front-runner in the production of lightweight wheels for the automotive sector, in collaboration with Hankuk Carbon, a specialist in composites materials, and Hyundai, has unveiled an innovative carbon hybrid wheel. This new development was showcased on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N NP1 concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon, signaling a leap forward in automotive wheel technology.

The NPX1 serves as a tangible showcase of advanced N Performance Parts, including Dymag's latest lightweight carbon hybrid wheels. These prototype N Performance Parts are set to undergo further development for production, with an anticipated market launch later this year. This initiative will see an expansion in the product lineup available for all N brand models, underlining Dymag's role as a premier OEM partner in the global automotive landscape.

The newly introduced carbon hybrid wheel combines a composite outer rim made from carbon fibre with a precision-engineered forged metallic centre. This blend not only diminishes the wheel's unsprung mass but also offers enhanced stiffness and strength, contributing to better vehicle dynamics for high-performance cars.

Specifically designed for Hyundai, the new 21-inch high-performance wheel, with its five-spoke forged aluminium centrepiece in Satin Black and carbon fibre outer rim, weighs under 10kg. This represents a significant reduction in weight compared to traditional cast alloy wheels. Beyond Hyundai, Dymag is in discussions with multiple car manufacturers for potential supply agreements.

Christopher Shelley, Chairman of Dymag, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: "The latest result of the collaboration between Dymag and Hankuk Carbon, this burgeoning relationship with Hyundai will bring our game-changing wheel technology to a wider audience of global automotive customers through the N Performance products range."

Hankuk Carbon Chairman, Moonsoo Cho, echoed Shelley's sentiments, highlighting the pride and excitement stemming from the collaboration with Hyundai and the potential to reach a broader market with their carbon hybrid wheel technology.

Dymag's journey in advanced wheel design began in 1974, with the company pioneering the commercialisation of carbon hybrid automotive wheels in 2004. Their patented technology not only improves performance by reducing unsprung mass and gyroscopic force but also offers durability and safety advantages over traditional wheels.

Carbon hybrid wheels also present aesthetic benefits, offering greater design flexibility through the use of a forged aluminium or magnesium centrepiece. Dymag's innovative production techniques allow for rapid development of new sizes with minimal upfront investment, further enhancing their appeal to OEMs and customers alike.

With strategic investment from Hankuk Carbon, Dymag is poised for global mass production of its wheel technology, pursuing further agreements with global OEMs to supply lightweight wheels. This partnership underscores the growing relevance of carbon hybrid technology in the automotive industry, setting new standards for performance, safety, and aesthetics in wheel design.