Custom truck builders and owners can now add a touch of the dark side to their creations with the introduction of Alcoa’s new Dura-Black wheels in what the company have dibbed Menacing Matte Black.
This new wheel line is the latest in wheel innovation and gives custom truck builders and owner operators greater creative flexibility with their builds.
According to Alcoa, the new Dura-Black wheels provide all the advantages of the existing lightweight forged aluminium wheels in their range. However, being forged aluminium makes them far lighter and stronger than steel wheels which increase functionality with payload and fuel efficiency gains while increasing resale value over the life of the vehicle.
“At Alcoa, we invest in the latest technologies to drive our wheel innovation to the next level and use the maintain the highest manufacturing quality standards to ensure our products add value to our customers’ business needs,” said Merrick Murphy, President, Arconic Wheel and Transportation Products. “The addition of our Dura-Black wheels to our model line-up adds a new and distinctive appearance, giving fleets and owner-operators a customised option that makes a personal statement, with all of the same benefits they’ve come to expect from all of our wheels.”
These new wheels are manufactured using proprietary technology and production processes specifically required for appearance and durability, Alcoa Dura-Black wheels feature premium detailing in all aspects of the wheel design and production.
Each wheel rim flange and mounting surface of the Menacing Matte Black rim appears bright and in contrast to the matte black face of the rim. The reason behind the bright rim flange is to increase protection during tyre mounting and while in use out on the road. The bright disc face mounting surface also increases protection when mounting the wheel to the axle and while in use on the truck.
The new Alcoa Dura-Black wheel is treated to Menacing Matte Black finish on both sides for flexibility of mounting in steer or drive position making ordering and install both simple. Wheels can also be supplied with high-quality, colour-matched components including a black valve stem, and a precision, laser-etched logo. The company has finished off the custom look with one-piece hub cover systems to suit either steer or drive positions.
“We did a lot of research and listened to what our customers were requesting then assembled a design team to develop and test this new product in the lab before commencing field trials with fleet customers to ensure they’d stand the rigours of the road,” continued Murphy. “We are now confident the Alcoa Dura-Black wheels meet or exceed rigorous OEM testing that’s been expanded to match both the durability and appearance requirements of this unique wheel.”
Peterbilt fitted with new Alcoa Dura-Black wheels
Alcoa Dura-BlackTM Wheels are available in popular sizes for heavy-duty tractor and trailer applications. Each already the lightest wheel in the industry:
- 5” x 8.25” – ULTRABLK – 18.14 kgs. and utilizing Ultra ONE® technology with MagnaForce® alloy for the lightest wheel option in its class.
- 5” x 9.00” – 89U64BLK – 21.7kgs. and utilizing Ultra ONE® technology with MagnaForce® alloy for the lightest wheel option in its class.
- 5” x 12.25” – 82462BLK – 30kgs. The lightest wheel in its fitment class. In addition, the company offers Alcoa Dura-BlackTM on select stylized wheels exclusively through key OEM tractor manufacturers.
The launch of Alcoa Dura-Black wheels further reinforces the company’s progression of surface treated innovations dating back to patented Dura-Bright® Wheels, which first debuted in 2001, through subsequent generation improvements of Dura-Bright® and Dura-Flange® wheels.
