Pace cars fitted with forged aluminum wheels featuring Alcoa’s Dura-Bright technology led the pack at the recent NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 race in Las Vegas.
The wheel surface innovation is also a part of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Limited Edition Shelby 427 package now available for the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang.
Alcoa first steered Dura-Bright toward the commercial vehicle segment in 2003, and it has since been introduced to the automotive OEM market. Shelby Autos was the debut car customer with fitments on the Shelby Super Snake package in 2007. The wheel is now available on several global auto platforms.
“By staying cleaner longer, Alcoa wheels with Dura-Bright technology enhance the vehicle’s appearance, allowing owners to enjoy their vehicle while lowering maintenance efforts,” explains Kevin Kramer, president of Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products.
Traditional alloy wheels rely on lacquer as a finish and for protection against the elements. During heat cycling, brake dust and grime can penetrate the lacquer to create a yellow discoloration or black specks that can’t be removed, according to Kramer, who describes how the Dura-Bright system “penetrates the surface of the wheel to become an integral part of the aluminum itself. It resists peeling, cracking and corrosion while offering a premium and unique appearance that is easy to clean with mild soap and water.”
Forged aluminum wheels are typically 30 percent more impact resistant than a comparable cast aluminum wheel, says Kramer. “A forged wheel reduces un-sprung weight on a car, maximizing vehicle performance, including more responsive steering and braking performance, while reducing weight by over 20 percent compared to a similar cast aluminum wheel design,” he points out.
CO2 emissions are lowered and fuel economy is enhanced due to the weight reduction of the wheel, adds Kramer.
Also, he notes, the Dura-Bright wheels are produced by Alcoa’s extensive forged engineering expertise in place at its venerable Cleveland, Ohio plant.
For more information, visit www.strongwheels.com and www.shelbyautos.com.
