Dymag, a world leader in lightweight wheels for the automotive industry, and its strategic partner, composites material specialist Hankuk Carbon, together with Hyundai, have showcased an advanced all-new carbon hybrid wheel on the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N NPX1 concept.
Having made its debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the NPX1 is a real-world technology demonstrator, previewing a range of advanced N Performance Parts including Dymag’s state-of-the-art lightweight carbon hybrid wheels. The prototype N Performance Parts applied to the NPX1 concept will be further developed for production in preparation for sales later this year, with plans to expand the enhanced product line-up for all N brand models.
Further cementing Dymag’s position as a leading OEM partner for the global automotive industry, the new carbon hybrid wheel marks the latest development in its relationship with Hyundai, enabling the wider adoption of Dymag’s cutting edge innovation, which delivers significant dynamic enhancements for high-performance vehicles.
Blending a composite outer rim, made from carbon fibre, with a precision-machined forged metallic centrepiece, Dymag’s proprietary carbon hybrid wheel expertise realises the best of both materials. In addition to significantly reduced unsprung mass, carbon hybrid wheel technology also reduces rolling inertia and offers improved stiffness and strength.
For the NPX1 wheel, bespoke designed for Hyundai and developed over the last year with the leading automotive brand, Dymag has created a striking new 21-inch-high performance wheel with a five-spoke forged aluminium centrepiece painted Satin Black. Combined with the carbon fibre outer rim, the N Performance wheel weighs under 10kg, some 7kg less than a traditional cast alloy version.
Dymag is also in advanced stages with multiple car makers, with further original equipment supply agreements set to be announced soon.
Christopher Shelley, Chairman of Dymag, said: “We are delighted to showcase our new lightweight, advanced carbon hybrid wheel for Hyundai, debuting on the breathtaking Hyundai IONIQ 5 N NPX1. 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.
“Carbon hybrid wheels from Dymag realise many benefits for high-performance vehicles, with very low capital expenditure for car makers thanks to our patented technology and lean production methods. This new wheel technology further cements Dymag’s position as a leading OEM partner for the global automotive industry and we look forward to announcing further OEM agreements very soon.”
Hankuk Carbon Chairman, Moonsoo Cho, said: “We are very excited by the latest milestone in our relationship with Dymag. Working with Hyundai makes us all very proud and will bring Dymag’s carbon hybrid wheel technology, which offers significant performance – and aesthetic – benefits to high-performance vehicles, to a wider audience. Our collaboration with Dymag will continuously grow to meet and exceed the requirements of our global automotive partners.”
Leading advanced wheel design since 1974, Dymag has unrivalled heritage and was the first in the world to commercialise carbon hybrid automotive wheels in 2004. Designed for high-performance vehicles, from sports cars to SUVs and pickups, the patented carbon hybrid wheel delivers multiple gains for OEMs, the aftermarket and customers alike.
In addition to lower unsprung mass and inertia, gyroscopic force is also reduced, improving steering feel and handling.
Strength and durability are also improved over equivalent alloy wheels or full carbon wheels; in addition, a carbon hybrid wheel enhances safety by offering the ability to bend and spring back in the event of an unusually high load or sharp impact – in contrast to one-piece aluminium wheels which can permanently deform or shatter. Dymag’s unique designs are also proven and tested to all worldwide OEM standards. What’s more, carbon fibre’s inherent harmonic characteristics also reduce Noise Vehicle Harshness (NVH).
Carbon hybrid wheels also bring aesthetic advantages for OEMs compared to one-piece carbon fibre wheels; a forged aluminium or magnesium centrepiece offering greater design flexibility than a solid carbon fibre wheel, which can be changed without incurring expensive re-tooling costs. The carbon rims themselves also require low upfront investment and new sizes can be produced very quickly due to Dymag’s patented design and production techniques.
Dymag offers a full range of 18-to-23-inch carbon hybrid wheels, to which it will add new 24-inch and 25-inch examples later this year. Key investment into Dymag comes from strategic partner, Hankuk Carbon, a leading manufacturer of advanced carbon materials.
Its investment and expertise is accelerating the global mass production of Dymag’s wheel technology, and the company is in advanced stages with multiple global OEMs regarding further lightweight wheel supply agreements.
