Alcoa Dura-Bright® Wheels Prominent at NASCAR Shelby 427
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3/18/2009
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(TM) 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.
www.alcoa.com
