Why Magnesium Wheels Are Gaining Attention—Again
For decades, magnesium wheels have been a secret weapon in motorsport. But in recent years, they’ve started appearing on more track-focused road cars, high-end supercars, and even some custom performance builds.
So what’s fueling the comeback?
Simple: weight reduction, strength-to-weight ratio, and thermal performance. In an era where every gram counts, magnesium wheels are making a serious case—not just for the racetrack, but for the road as well.
What Are Magnesium Wheels?
Magnesium wheels are made from a magnesium alloy, typically containing elements like aluminum or zinc to increase durability. Magnesium is one of the lightest structural metals available—about 33% lighter than aluminum.
They’re usually forged or cast under high pressure, depending on the application.
Why Are Magnesium Wheels Popular in Motorsports?
In motorsport, performance gains are measured in milliseconds. Magnesium wheels deliver advantages where it matters most:
✅ Unsprung Weight Reduction
Less wheel weight = faster suspension response = better handling.
✅ Faster Acceleration and Braking
Rotational mass is reduced, making it easier to speed up and slow down.
✅ Heat Dissipation
Magnesium cools faster than aluminum, helping reduce brake fade during long track sessions.
✅ Higher Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Despite being lightweight, forged magnesium wheels are incredibly strong under high loads.
That’s why you’ll find magnesium wheels in:
- Formula One
- MotoGP
- WRC
- High-end GT racing
- Time attack builds
Magnesium vs Aluminum vs Carbon Fiber
| Feature | Magnesium | Aluminum | Carbon Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | ★★★★☆ (Lightest) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ (Lightest) |
| Strength | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Heat Resistance | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Durability (street use) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cost | ★★☆☆☆ (Higher) | ★★★★☆ (Affordable) | ★☆☆☆☆ (Expensive) |
Are Magnesium Wheels Street Legal?
Yes, many magnesium wheels are now built for both track and street use, provided they meet regional standards like:
- DOT or SAE (USA)
- TÜV (Germany/EU)
- VIA/JWL (Japan)
Modern magnesium wheels are also treated with anti-corrosion coatings and protective paints, solving past concerns about rust and surface fatigue.
What Supercar Brands Use Magnesium Wheels?
Magnesium wheels are no longer just race-only gear. Some elite manufacturers now offer them as factory options:
- Porsche 911 GT2 RS / GT3 RS – optional Weissach magnesium wheels
- Lamborghini Huracán STO – forged magnesium wheels for track trims
- Koenigsegg Jesko – ultra-light forged magnesium wheelset
- Ferrari SF90 Stradale – optional performance magnesium wheels
- McLaren P1 GTR – motorsport-grade forged magnesium setup
These brands choose magnesium to boost performance without compromising strength.
FAQ: What Buyers Need to Know
Q: Are magnesium wheels safe for daily driving?
Yes, if treated and finished properly. But they’re best suited for performance or enthusiast vehicles—not rough off-road or heavy-duty applications.
Q: Do magnesium wheels crack easily?
No—forged magnesium is strong and resilient. Old myths came from low-quality cast magnesium without proper coating.
Q: Are they more expensive than forged aluminum?
Yes. Magnesium forging requires more precise control and costlier raw material. But the weight savings justify the price in performance builds.
Q: How do I source reliable magnesium wheels?
Ask suppliers for:
- Forging certificates
- Salt spray test results
- Protective coating photos
- Track record of motorsport or supercar clients
How FLEXIFORGED Helps You Go Lighter and Faster
At FLEXIFORGED, we manufacture custom forged magnesium wheels for motorsport teams, supercar builders, and B2B performance brands.
With advanced 4-axis and 5-axis CNC centers, we ensure:
- Ultra-precise machining
- Proper grain flow alignment
- Corrosion-resistant coatings
- Lightweight designs without compromise
From one-off track builds to OEM-level supercar batches, we deliver magnesium wheels that pass both lab tests and real-world racing.
Want to Try Magnesium for Your Next Project?
Email us at
📩 jackie.wei@flexiforged.com
for expert help spec’ing a custom forged magnesium solution.