Alcoa Automotive Wheels’ Dura-Bright finish process has been selected to grace two new wheels rolling on the 2009 Chrysler Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Dodge and Jeep platforms.
“Our innovative Dura-Bright technology has enjoyed commercial success for many years in the heavy duty truck market and more recently with leading global automobile manufacturers,” explains Kevin Kramer, president of Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products. “We are honored that Chrysler’s SRT organization has recognized that this wheel surface innovation can add value and product differentiation through easy to clean maintenance benefits extended to their new vehicle owners.”
The automaker has chosen the patented surface treatment for the standard five-spoke wheel on the Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe and roadster. “Vehicles fitted with aggressive brake packages, like the Dodge Viper SRT10, typically generate a high level of brake dust. Viper owners will now be able to maintain the appearance of their vehicle with less effort to keep their wheels cleaner with Dura-Bright technology,” Kramer says.
Alcoa’s process will also be applied to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. “Owners will appreciate the exclusive wheel surface treatment to easily clean away brake dust, dirt and road grime whether they use the vehicle for on-road or off-road performance,” he adds.
Alcoa began supplying one-piece forged aluminum SRT wheels on the Dodge Viper SRT10 in 2002. The company has supplied wheels for all SRT8 fitments, including the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum and Jeep Grand Cherokee since 2004. The 2009 model year will signal the first Dura-Bright application to the SRT lineup. Look for “db” engraved on the wheels to identify them.
Along with the Dura-Bright technology, all SRT wheels by Alcoa are forged from one piece of aerospace grade 6061-T6 aluminum, Kramer reports. The forging process aligns the grain of the metal, producing a durable and lightweight wheel, he says, adding that the company’s forged wheels are typically twice as strong while lowering the weight by more than 20 percent when compared to a cast aluminum wheel.
For more information, visit www.strongwheels.com and www.alcoa.com.
