Hyundai Ioniq 5 N NPX1 vehicle debuts carbon fiber hybrid wheel

After making an announcement about the collaboration in July 2023, Dymag (Wiltshire, U.K.), and Hankuk Carbon (Seoul, Republic Of Korea), together with Hyundai (Seoul), have debuted their concept carbon fiber hybrid wheel for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N NPX1 vehicle.

The NPX1 is a real-world technology demonstrator, previewing a range of Hyundai’s advanced N Performance parts, including Dymag’s state-of-the-art carbon fiber 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.

Over the last year, the bespoke wheel was designed specifically by Dymag for Hyundai’s NPX1 vehicle. The 21-inch-high wheel combines a composite outer rim, made from carbon fiber, with a precision-machined, five-spoke, forged metallic centerpiece painted in Satin Black. In addition to reduced unsprung mass, the composite wheel also reduces rolling inertia, offers improved stiffness and strength and lowers noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The entire N Performance wheel weighs under 10 kilograms, approximately 7 kilograms less than a traditional cast alloy version.

Dymag is also in advanced stages with multiple carmakers, with further original equipment supply agreements set to be announced soon.

“The latest result of the collaboration between Dymag and Hankuk Carbon, this burgeoning relationship with Hyundai will bring our wheel technology to a wider audience of global automotive customers through the N Performance products range,” Christopher Shelley, chairman of Dymag, says. “Carbon [fiber] hybrid wheels from Dymag realize many benefits for high-performance vehicles, with low capital expenditure for carmakers thanks to our patented technology and lean production methods.”

Dymag began commercializing carbon fiber hybrid automotive wheels in 2004, designed for high-performance vehicles from sports cars to SUVs and pickups. Its wheels are tested to all global OEM standards. According to Dymag, compared to one-piece carbon fiber wheels, a forged forged aluminum or magnesium centerpiece offers greater design flexibility, i.e., it can be changed without incurring expensive retooling costs. The carbon fiber rims themselves also require low upfront investment and new sizes can be produced quickly due to Dymag’s patented design and production techniques.

Dymag offers a full range of 18-23-inch hybrid composite wheels, to which it will add new 24-inch and 25-inch examples later this year. Key investment comes from its strategic partner, Hankuk Carbon.