Alcoa Wheels to Supply Forged Aluminum Wheels with Dura-Bright® Technology to TechArt Automobildesign
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CLEVELAND - Alcoa Wheel Products, a Cleveland, Ohio-based business unit of Alcoa (NYSE:AA), today announced an extensive wheel fitment program with TechArt Automobildesign to include the new Porsche Cayman, Boxster, 911 Carrera and 911 GT3. All wheels also fit the Porsche series cars.
TechArt, a world-renowned specialist for Porsche sports car tuning, looked to Alcoa Wheels for expertise in wheel production including forging, design and finishing technology, to match the performance and appearance of each TechArt specialty vehicle. Custom Alcoa forged aluminum wheels offer a unique design, lightweight construction, unmatched strength and durability and a revolutionary patented wheel surface treatment that is easy to maintain.
Each wheel is forged from one piece of 6061-T6 aluminum and then undergoes extensive machining and finishing resulting in a unique style, lightweight construction and unmatched strength and durability. The wheel is also engraved with "Alcoa Forged" to identify the wheel manufacturer and production method.
The TechArt wheel program signals the first application of Alcoa's new Dura-Bright® technology wheel surface treatment in Europe. Dura-Bright® technology is a patented wheel surface treatment providing sophisticated style that is practically maintenance free. The revolutionary process continually resists brake dust, dirt and road grime allowing TechArt owners to maintain their unique vehicle's appearance with minimal cleaning maintenance.
"Our cars are amongst the highest performing and most desirable in the world and our customers demand the latest and best technology. Dura-Bright® technology offers our customers benefits no other wheel maker can provide which are very appealing to our customers. Additionally, the very light weight of the forged wheel helps boost the performance of our cars," stated Thomas Behringer, TECHART Managing Director.
In addition to innovative wheel surface and design, TechArt looked to Alcoa to optimize wheel strength while reducing weight for increased vehicle performance. Lightweight wheels by Alcoa enhance suspension response and traction when cornering while also reducing wear on brake systems, suspensions and shocks.
TechArt introduced their new vehicles fitted with Alcoa wheels in Europe at the 2007 IAA Frankfurt Auto Show held on September 11, 2007. A North American launch is scheduled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 30, 2007.
TechArt vehicles fitted with Alcoa wheels include 19"x8.5", 19"x11", 20"x8.5"x40mm, 20"x8.5"x52mm, 20"x11" and 20"x12" sizes.
"Specialty vehicle manufacturers enjoy Alcoa's quick to market manufacturing flexibility because it offers ultimate vehicle customization combined with performance and appearance gains," stated David Yates, Marketing Manager - Europe, Alcoa Wheel Products. "We are proud to work closely with TechArt to supply premium wheel programs for their world-class specialty vehicles."
About Alcoa Wheel Products
Alcoa Wheel Products is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and employs more than 3,000 associates in seven locations globally. The Alcoa business unit manufactures cast and forged aluminum wheels for the heavy truck, automotive, and motorcycle industries.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, structures and building systems. The company has 116,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com
