Stay Clean Wheel Innovation Featured on Shelby Pace Cars
LAS VEGAS–The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 race held recently at Las Vegas
Motor Speedway was led by a pack of Shelby pace cars fitted with forged
aluminum wheels featuring Alcoa’s patented Dura-Bright® technology. The
leading 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 (NYSE: AA) first launched Dura-Bright® technology into the
commercial vehicle segment in 2003, and recently in the automotive OEM
market. Shelby Autos was the first automotive customer of Dura-Bright®
technology with fitment on the Shelby Super Snake package in 2007. The
innovation is now available on several leading Global automotive
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,” said Kevin Kramer, President –
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products. “Shelby Autos first selected
Dura-Bright® technology in 2007 and we are proud to be a part of this
special program today.”
Traditional alloy wheels rely on lacquer as a finish and protection
against the elements. During heat cycling, brake dust and grime can
penetrate the lacquer to create a yellow discoloration or black specks
that cannot be removed. Dura-Bright® technology 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. Automotive
News recognized Alcoa’s Dura-Bright® technology with a PACE Award
for innovation in 2007.
In addition, all Dura-Bright® technology wheels are produced by Alcoa’s
forged engineering expertise. Alcoa forged aluminum wheels are typically
30% more impact resistant than a comparable cast aluminum wheel. 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. Additionally, CO2 emissions are
lowered and fuel economy is enhanced due to the weight reduction of the
wheel.
Aluminum wheels for Shelby Autos are forged at Alcoa’s Cleveland (Ohio)
Plant. For more information on Alcoa’s Dura-Bright® technology, visit www.strongwheels.com.
Additional information on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Limited Edition
Shelby 427 package for the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang is available at www.shelbyautos.com.
About Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products serves the commercial vehicle,
automotive, and defense markets with products used in a range of
applications including cast and forged aluminum wheels, aluminum space
frames, specialized vacuum die cast products, niche products such as
Dura-Bright® and Dura-Flange® wheels and M-Series™ medium truck wheels,
as well as a variety of other aluminum components for these markets.
AWTP is composed of three divisions: Transportation Products, Commercial
Vehicle Wheels, and Automotive Wheels.