The All-New Botticelli Wheel from OZ

OZ has used its unrivalled knowledge of the track to produce another alloy, which it hopes will be a winner. Engineers have spent years combating the physical effects of a wheel turning on an axis. The so-called gyroscopic effect of “unsprung weight” can impact on steering, acceleration, handling and braking. So technicians have honed the Botticelli to improve driving dynamics, finish and durability.

Three-piece modular wheel technology allows for extreme sizes and a high degree of lip depth on the inner and outer rims. The forged flange offers superior mechanics, lightweight and versatility of form otherwise impossible to achieve in wheels sized 19, 20 and 22 inches.

OZ’s reputation in motorsport stretches back to 1971. This year OZ wheels grace the Renault and Sauber BMW F1 teams challenging for the most prestigious trophy in the motor racing world. Last year they helped secure the Formula 1 driver’s and constructor’s championships, the World Rally Car manufacturer and driver’s championships, Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, the FIA GT1 championship and the Rally Raid Dakar race.

Over the years the list of world motorsport successes has also included CART, A1GP, Indy Racing League, F3, promotional championships, one make series, touring cars, GT1 and GT3, national championships, Rally GT and DTM giving OZ peerless racing heritage and on-track expertise which is transferred to its road wheels.

OZ is aspirational also being fitted to some of the fastest road cars in the world; the Ferrari Testarossa, Evoluzione and Mythos, for example; also the Lamborghini Countach and Diablo; the McLaren F1, the Mercedes SLR and the Bugatti Veyron, vehicles that will screech off the start line in seconds, reach close to 200mph and generate massive G-forces while cornering.

According to the manufacturer, the trick is in the design and testing. OZ engineers, considered the finest in the industry, use the latest in technology to produce a design that is then tested in a simulator for hours. In fact the stringent process is the equivalent of physically driving the wheel for 35,000km around the treacherous and demanding Nurburgring racetrack in Germany.

Sales director of Motorsport wheels Mike Griffin said: “Even though it is not compulsory for the homologation authorities OZ wheels push the boundaries of performance and endurance. Few other wheel makers possess the scientific instruments and knowledge to reach such technical heights – and the Botticelli is another superb example of this pursuit of perfection in action.”

The Botticelli is available as a one piece or three piece modular wheel. Prices start at £175 + VAT for single piece and £565 + VAT for three piece.