what do you think of these wheels? i've been told they weigh about 12lbs.

I have heard that these wheels are both light and strong. In my experience AZEV is a good quality wheel made in Germany. How much does this cost, though? I don't know if it would be worth it., especially since CEC is the US distributor. A similar look could be acheived with HRE forged wheels and a black anodized outer lip....still expensive, but it's gotta be cheaper than carbon fiber!!!!

I think it's awsome!! Carbon fiber wheels. First one i've seen and only at 12lbs. incredible!! How much and who else makes em other than Azev??

No one else has them, yet. Azev is the first mfg. for street use (not racing) I believe.

what about the available sizes for these?

Will the offset work for a clk? and how much? where did you find this picture?

the wheel is called AZEV LS. It is already available in non-carbon version. i believe that version, if it is to be released in the US, will be out after the new year...sizing/offsets/prices to be determined. the pic could be from the essen motor show a couple of weeks ago.

check this out:

http://www.azev.de/world/world.htm

go to "what's new" and then "new wheels"

you may find this info useful

i got the image from a friend who hangs out in the VWVortex forums and they were talking about it.

however, i was actually asking about what the advantages of a carbon fiber wheel would be, if any? its lighter...

The advantages of a ligher wheel are pretty awesome. As Mr. V told me, it's basically like releasing unsprung HP from the rear wheels (it's easier to spin a ligher wheel). The stock wheels weigh around 27lbs, so a 15 lb loss is incredible. That could translate rougly to a 20+ HP gain at the rear wheels. (any comments if my numbers are off would be appreciated).

well on the reverse side of what ben is saying, i noticed a HUGE POWER LOSS when installing heavy chrome 19" wheels that weigh 40 pounds. The cars feel more sluggish in acceleration, decelration, and handling. I would have to agree with what he said. My cars are like snails stock, and slugs now. However, I don't attempt to do any performance driving nowadays anyways. At least not with this combo.

It takes more power to spin and to stop a heavier wheel, and less power to spin and stop a lighter wheel. Less power wasted in trying to spin the wheel, the more power there is available to contact the ground. This means easier burnouts.

Depending on the car's power and torque curve, a 1 lb drop in wheel weight should = ~ 1 hp released by the wheel. If the max torque comes at a lower rpm (say 2000 - 2500) then the more it makes a "seat of the pants" difference.

If I remember correctly, for every 100 pounds you shed you gain about 10 HP..that's why I'm so slim!

When my father purchased his CL55AMG F1 Edition in Germany, they had factory Carbon Fiber brakes and pads with Ceramic Disc, but no Carbon Fiber Wheel. The dealer later informed my father that there is an option for them but it cost around 10 Grand for 18" Monoblock II 3pc. See pic on website, if not there yet will post soon.