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Lighter weight wheels?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by LDB, Sep 4, 2015.

  1. LDB

    LDB Member

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    How much do the stock 15" wheels weigh and are there lighter weight wheels available? How much benefit would there be to lighter weight wheels?
     
    #1 LDB, Sep 4, 2015
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I think the stock 15" wheels are pretty light. They're utilitarian, covered. You could get lighter, but you're chasing crumbs.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Sep 4, 2015
  3. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    weight comparison
    ce28 ecodrives (from Rays Wheels)
    15 inch: 10.1 lbs
    16 inch: 10.8 lbs

    Prius factory wheels - GII
    15 inch 14.3 lbs
    16 inch 15.2 lbs

    5X100 mm holes
    45 mm offset
    6jj rim size

    2004-2009 Prius
    15X6JJ: 5X100mm PCD, 45mm offset
    16X6JJ: 5X100mm PCD, 45mm offset

    2010 Prius
    15X6J: 5X100mm PCD, 45mm offset
    17X7J: 5X100mm PCD, 50mm offset

    17inch:11.0kg 24.3 lbs
    15inch: 7.4kg

    The Rays cost close to $400 -each-. It would take at least 10 years of lots of driving to recover that cost with fuel saving. But they look really nice. ;)
     
    #3 David Beale, Sep 4, 2015
  4. LDB

    LDB Member

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    I presume you mean this wheel and yes, you are right, it is a really fine looking wheel. I was thinking of other advantages like unsprung weight, handling, etc. in addition to any fuel savings. There would also definitely be a good looking factor as well.

    RAYS - The concept is racing. [en]
     
    #4 LDB, Sep 4, 2015
  5. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    That fuel saving is likely to be negative due to higher drag, if you do mostly high-speed cruising. In low-speed stop-&-go, or dealing with steep hills, the weight reduction would indeed save fuel, approximately in direct proportion to the reduction in weight of the car. For example, 17 pounds off 3400 pounds gross weight would knock 0.5% off the energy needed to climb a hill---but the energy recoverable by regenerative braking on the corresponding downhill would be reduced, too.
     
    #5 CR94, Sep 4, 2015
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