ZTF-R01 Forged Wheel Set, Gen 1 & Gen 1.5 Audi R8 (4.2 V8 & 5.2 V10)

All ZTF Wheels feature a gear cut knurled bead seat which improves the bind between the tire and the rim. This prevents tire creep/slippage and improves traction in high performance driving conditions.

An example of how material is removed while key areas retain mass. In this case, we added forged mass to the inner rim to resist impact bending.

These wheels are application specific. We take into account the proper performance wheel and tire size and the aesthetic of the car to make sure that these wheels not only perform well, but also look fantastic. 

Wheel designs have been tested with some of the world's premier aftermarket big brake kit suppliers to ensure that these wheels clear potential racing upgrades. Wheels are designed to clear brakes from the design phase, while maintaining max concavity and good looks. Notice the raised rim barrel which allows for large diameter rotor and caliper combinations.

ZTF Wheels feature structural improvements to basic designs such as the rigid spoke tracer. This improves the stiffness and durability of the wheel while keeping the weight of the wheel to a minimum. Improving stiffness is key because if the wheel can withstand deflection/deformation in high load situations, you can improve driving consistency, which in turn leads to better confidence on the track.

Painstaking care was taken in removing s much material as possible while keeping material in critical areas to ensure complete safety and reliability. All areas of the wheels are considered and tested with FEA Analysis software and tested in both laboratory and real world conditions.

All ZTF Wheels are fully forged. The wheel starts out as an aircraft grade solid cylinder of 6061 Aluminum. The cylinder is pressurized with an industry leading 10,000 tons of pressure to give the wheel its basic shape while improving the grain structure and overall properties of the high grade aluminum. Absolutely no porosity combined with a densely organized microstructure allows for amazing designs, low weight, and high strength.

Flow forming is popular today due to the increased density of the wheel rim that is spun forged like a vase. Pricing is still within the budget of most race / track enthusiasts. The issue is that a flow formed wheel starts out as a casting with a casting grade aluminum (A356). There is still potential for porosity, but it is a definite improvement over a completely cast wheel.

Most wheels in the world are manufactured using this method. Molten aluminum (A356) is poured into a mold to create the complete wheel shape. It is the least costly method of making wheels and is adequate for the street as long as it the wheel is well made. However, when it comes to performance/track environments, the potential porosity of the wheel (especially on lower end cast wheels) may cause cracks which is dangerous. Imagine pouring pancake batter into a bowl and watching air bubbles form.