Alcoa Wheels Selected for Lightweight Lamborghini

When Alcoa spoke of plans to extend its passenger car OEM supply in late 2008, it didn’t just have run of the mill vehicles in mind – on April 23 it announced the selection of Alcoa Auto Wheels to supply lightweight wheels for the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce (SV). The forged aluminium wheels to be supplied, says Alcoa, reduce un-sprung weight and contribute to the SV shedding 100 kilograms as compared with the standard Murciélago.

“The new Murciélago 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 aluminium wheels enables a 20 per cent weight savings over a comparable cast aluminium wheel, benefiting handling and ride.”

According to Alcoa, the 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 18×8.5-inch front wheel weighs just 8.9 kilograms. The 18×13-inch rear wheel weighs just 12.3 kilograms. Lowering the unsprung mass at each corner, Alcoa adds, results in more responsive steering, braking and suspension input all while optimising performance and efficiency for SuperVeloce drivers.

“The SV application highlights Alcoa’s commitment to developing a lighter and better wheel for automotive OEMs,” concludes Yates.