ASTON MARTIN SELECTS ALCOA TO SUPPLY WHEELS FOR V12 VANTAGE
March 22, 2010
Alcoa Wheels has been selected by Aston Martin to supply lightweight wheels for its V12 Vantage – billed by Aston Martin as its most exhilarating sports car. The forged aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight and help offset the Vantage’s increased powertrain weight compared to the standard V8 model. Though the V12 engine adds 100kg to the car, the finished Vantage is only 50kg heavier than the V8, thanks in part to the weight savings provided by Alcoa’s forged aluminum wheels.
“The new V12 Vantage is the product of a substantial cross-car weight reduction program and forged wheels are vital to this, accounting for over 10 percent of the whole vehicle savings,” explains Victor Marquez, Vice President and General Manager, Alcoa Auto Wheels. "The technology behind these wheels enables significant weight savings directly benefiting handling performance, ride quality, acceleration and braking. Our forging process results in a superior metal structure that also improves strength and durability, allowing finer wheel detailing and lighter weight.”
The exclusive diamond-turned, ten-spoke design is one of the key visual features chosen by Aston Martin to differentiate the V12 model. Wider than the V8 wheels, at 19”x9” front and 19”x11” rear, they accommodate wider tires which enable higher cornering forces than any previous Aston Martin – up to 1.3g. Lowering the unsprung mass at each corner results in more responsive steering, braking and suspension behavior while improving straight line acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Alcoa has been at the forefront of developing, producing and supplying forged aluminum wheels to the global automotive industry for over 60 years, with the V12 Vantage being one of their latest applications. Alcoa also supplies Aston Martin with other high technology aluminum components.
March 22, 2010
Alcoa Wheels has been selected by Aston Martin to supply lightweight wheels for its V12 Vantage – billed by Aston Martin as its most exhilarating sports car. The forged aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight and help offset the Vantage’s increased powertrain weight compared to the standard V8 model. Though the V12 engine adds 100kg to the car, the finished Vantage is only 50kg heavier than the V8, thanks in part to the weight savings provided by Alcoa’s forged aluminum wheels.
“The new V12 Vantage is the product of a substantial cross-car weight reduction program and forged wheels are vital to this, accounting for over 10 percent of the whole vehicle savings,” explains Victor Marquez, Vice President and General Manager, Alcoa Auto Wheels. "The technology behind these wheels enables significant weight savings directly benefiting handling performance, ride quality, acceleration and braking. Our forging process results in a superior metal structure that also improves strength and durability, allowing finer wheel detailing and lighter weight.”
The exclusive diamond-turned, ten-spoke design is one of the key visual features chosen by Aston Martin to differentiate the V12 model. Wider than the V8 wheels, at 19”x9” front and 19”x11” rear, they accommodate wider tires which enable higher cornering forces than any previous Aston Martin – up to 1.3g. Lowering the unsprung mass at each corner results in more responsive steering, braking and suspension behavior while improving straight line acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Alcoa has been at the forefront of developing, producing and supplying forged aluminum wheels to the global automotive industry for over 60 years, with the V12 Vantage being one of their latest applications. Alcoa also supplies Aston Martin with other high technology aluminum components.
