Despite some more worrying recent news (BBS Germany has filed for bankruptcy), there remains no doubt about BBS' competences. No wonder Honda turned to her to make the forged wheels for the Civic Type R Limited Edition, the most extreme of the Type Rs.
Forged wheels differ from the others, usually cast, as they are obtained from a solid block of aluminum and not molten aluminum (it remains in a liquid state and then placed in a mold).
Heat and pressure are then applied to this aluminum block — in the case of BBS, the wheels go through three stages of forging — until the desired shape is obtained.
Benefits? This process ensures that the aluminum has a finer grain (less porosity), making them stronger and lighter. On the other hand, they're far more expensive to make—no wonder they're less common and better suited to the rigors of the circuit.
Subscribe to our newsletter
In the case of the forged wheels of the Civic Type R Limited Edition, they are 2.5 kg lighter per wheel — a reduction of 10 kg in unsprung masses —, one of the factors that contribute to the superior circuit performance of the Japanese hot hatch compared to the regular model.
About the “Cold Start”. From Monday to Friday at Razão Automóvel, there is a “Cold Start” at 8:30 am. While you drink your coffee or gather the courage to start the day, keep up to date with interesting facts, historical facts and relevant videos from the automotive world. All in less than 200 words.