Here's how Porsche builds its unique braided carbon wheels

Porsche built a set of carbon fiber wheels that cost nearly $18,000.

So why are they so expensive? In short, because they use an industry-first technology.

The wheel is made in two separate stages -- the surrounding rim and the center face.

The center face comprises about 200 individual elements of carbon fiber fabric.

The rim is made using this ridiculous braiding machine.

As the name suggests, it braids the carbon fiber together instead of using more traditional resin impregnation.

The final result is denser and creates less waste.

After the rim and wheel are formed, they're braided together.

After the wheel is assembled, it's soaked with resin and cured in high heat at high pressures.

The final step involves installing the center-lock mechanism and coating the whole thing in a clear lacquer.

They're only available on the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series, and Porsche's only building 500 of these $265,000 supercars.