Lamborghini Selects Alcoa Wheels for Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce
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4/23/2009
Distinctive Wheel Contributes A 20 Percent Weight Savings and Enhanced Style
CLEVELAND--Alcoa Auto Wheels has been selected by Automobili Lamborghini to supply lightweight wheels for the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce (SV). The forged aluminum wheels reduce un-sprung weight and contribute to the SV's 100kg (220 lb.) mass reduction over the standard Murcielago.
"The new Murcielago SV is the product of a substantial cross-car weight reduction program and forged wheels are vital to meeting this goal," explains David Yates, marketing manager for Alcoa Auto Wheels - Europe. "The engineering behind Alcoa's forged aluminum wheels enables a 20 percent weight savings over a comparable cast aluminium wheel, benefiting handling and ride."
The exclusive five twin-spoke design results in a superior metal structure that improves strength and durability, offering the opportunity to create very strong and lightweight wheels. The 18"x8.5" front wheel weighs just 19.6 lb. The 18"x13" rear wheel weighs just 27.2 lb. Lowering the unsprung mass at each corner results in more responsive steering, braking and suspension input all while optimizing performance and efficiency for drivers of the SuperVeloce.
"The SV application highlights Alcoa's commitment to developing a lighter and better wheel for automotive OEMs," concludes Yates.
Alcoa has been at the forefront of developing, producing and supplying forged aluminum wheels to the global automotive industry for 60 years. The Murcielago SV project signals the latest Lamborghini and Alcoa collaboration since the super exotic Reventón program.
Aluminum wheels for Automobili Lamborghini are forged at Alcoa's Cleveland (Ohio) Works Plant. For more information on Alcoa forged aluminum wheels, visit www.strongwheels.com.
About Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, 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. It employs 2,800 people at 30 locations worldwide.
About Alcoa
Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation 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, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.
