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Black wheels started as a popular aftermarket addition that gave car owners a way to differentiate their vehicles. As most things in the "tuner" world, a lot of these design trends have made it into the OEM world because manufacturers realized it was something they could basically charge more money for. The same principle applies to more aggressive body kits, exhausts, racing-inspired seats, etc. Back in the day it was pretty had to distinguish a BMW M3 from a regular 3-series unless you were an enthusiast. These days they have scoops and vents everywhere, different wheels, M badges everywhere you look.
They also became common first on exotics, high end cars, and motorsports. Like anything we associate with luxury and extremes, it trickles down and gets appropriated by the masses.
Black wheels also provide more contrast with the lighter color of brake rotors and the oft-painted calipers, so it's another way to emphasize the sportiness of a car. This works better on some cars than others. I never liked black wheels on my current car (BMW Z4M coupe) but I think they look awesome on the C7. IMO, something critical to pulling off black wheels is that they need to be large — at least 19".
Ultimately it's also just a fashion trend. When I was in my teens black sneakers were the way to go, but for the past several years white sneakers are cool again.
Now, chrome is an entirely separate can of worms. It has a time and a place, but why people would choose chrome wheels on a sports car defies understanding.
I bought my C5 to autocross and track. All the good brake pads make lots of sticky dust. Black wheels hide the dust so I don't have to wash them so much.
Funny when this change happened about three years ago I was not a fan personally.. It is harder to shoot media on and doesn't show the wheel as well. After a couple of years you cannot deny the sales and how much people want them. We offer multiple black hues and now even offer the new CV10 in satin black.
It does make matching modifications easier and of course offers an aggressive look. But I would personally prefer another color.
Tires are always going to be black. Combine them with black wheels, and you have two "black holes" in the side of the car. That doesn't look good, at least IMHO......ESPECIALLY with a black car.
04-26-2018, 04:21 AM
