photo | Merit Partners
It's no secret magnesium wheels have long been a staple in the world of motorsports due to their lightweight properties. Often, technologies developed for the racetrack trickle down to production cars, especially high-end, limited-edition models. Car manufacturers reserve magnesium wheels for their top-tier performance models, using them to set new benchmarks and outshine their competitors. Here are five cars that came with magnesium wheels straight from the factory.
Porsche 991.2 GT2 RS / GT3 RS
photo | Porsche
The Porsche 911.2 generation, particularly the GT3 RS and GT2 RS models, exemplifies performance excellence, offering optional magnesium wheels as part of their Weissach Packages. These lightweight wheels significantly reduce unsprung weight, enhancing handling, agility, and responsiveness, crucial for high-performance driving.
Ferrari Enzo
photo | Tom Hartley Jnr
The Ferrari Enzo, named after the company’s founder, is a marvel of automotive engineering and performance. One of the key features of the Enzo is its use of magnesium wheels, which were crucial in reducing the car's overall weight and enhancing its driving dynamics. These lightweight wheels significantly lower unsprung mass, resulting in better handling, improved acceleration, and more responsive braking. The magnesium wheels also contribute to the Enzo's distinctive aesthetic, highlighting Ferrari's commitment to combining form and function. With its powerful V12 engine and advanced aerodynamics, the Enzo stands as a testament to Ferrari's dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation, making it one of the most iconic supercars ever produced.
BMW E46 M3 CSL
The BMW E46 M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) is a legendary model revered for its focused performance and engineering brilliance. A standout feature of the CSL is its magnesium wheels, which played a vital role in reducing the car's overall weight and enhancing its driving dynamics. These lightweight wheels significantly lower unsprung mass, leading to sharper handling, quicker acceleration, and more responsive braking. The magnesium wheels also add to the CSL's distinctive look, emphasizing BMW's dedication to marrying performance with aesthetic appeal. Powered by a high-revving inline-six engine and incorporating numerous weight-saving measures, the E46 M3 CSL exemplifies BMW's commitment to creating pure driving machines, making it one of the most celebrated performance cars in automotive history.
Porsche 964 Carrera RS
photo | Merit Partners
The Porsche 964 Carrera RS is a celebrated icon in the world of sports cars, renowned for its lightweight design and track-focused performance. One of its key features is the use of magnesium Cup 1 wheels, which played an essential role in reducing the car's overall weight and improving its driving dynamics. These lightweight wheels significantly decrease unsprung mass, resulting in enhanced handling, quicker acceleration, and more responsive braking. These wheels have been seen going over $10,000/set on auctions like Bring A Trailer.
Lamborghini Huracán STO
photo | Lamborghini
The Lamborghini Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologata) is the ultimate expression of track-focused performance in the Huracán lineup. Drawing inspiration from Lamborghini’s racing heritage, the STO is equipped with an array of advanced technologies and lightweight materials, including magnesium wheels. These wheels are a crucial element in the car's design, significantly reducing unsprung mass to enhance handling, braking, and overall agility. The magnesium wheels, combined with extensive use of carbon fiber and a powerful V10 engine, allow the Huracán STO to deliver a thrilling driving experience that mirrors the capabilities of a race car. With its aggressive aerodynamics, striking design, and relentless focus on performance, the Huracán STO stands as a testament to Lamborghini's dedication to pushing the limits of what a street-legal supercar can achieve.
Magnesium wheels have been a staple in automotive engineering for decades, celebrated for their lightweight advantage. This racing technology has seamlessly transitioned into production models, enhancing performance for top-tier vehicles. If you're interested in magnesium wheels, KMG offers a Magnesium Wheels Program. You can choose from one of our designs or collaborate with our engineers to bring your unique idea to life. For more information, click here.