Audi AG has selected Alcoa to supply forged aluminium wheels with Dura-Bright® technology surface treatment for the new 2009 Audi A6 recently debuting at the Paris International Motor Show.
Dura-Bright® technology enhances the image of the vehicle and the ownership experience by making the wheels easy to clean while protecting against corrosion. Traditional alloy wheels rely on lacquer as a finish and protection against the elements. During heat cycling, brake dust and grime can penetrate the lacquer to create a yellow discoloration or black specks that cannot be removed. Dura-Bright® technology penetrates the surface of the wheel to become an integral part of the aluminium itself. It resists peeling, cracking and corrosion while offering a premium finish in keeping with Audi’s vehicle design philosophy.
Alcoa’s proprietary Dura-Bright® technology surface treatment has been offered in the commercial vehicle marketing since 2003, and was more recently brought to the automotive OEM market. Launched into the automotive marketplace in 2007, Dura-Bright® technology by Alcoa is now available on several leading Global automotive platforms. Fitment on the Audi A6 signals the first application of Dura-Bright® technology for a European luxury sedan.
In addition, all Dura-Bright® technology wheels are produced by Alcoa’s forged engineering expertise. Alcoa forged aluminium wheels provide increased strength and durability gains and are typically twice as strong as a comparable cast aluminium wheel in crush tests. Further, a forged wheel reduces un-sprung weight on a car, maximizing vehicle performance, including more responsive steering and braking performance, while reducing weight compared to a similar cast aluminium wheel by over 20 percent. Additionally, CO2 emissions are lowered and fuel economy is enhanced due to the weight reduction.
Dura-Bright® technology enhances the image of the vehicle and the ownership experience by making the wheels easy to clean while protecting against corrosion. Traditional alloy wheels rely on lacquer as a finish and protection against the elements. During heat cycling, brake dust and grime can penetrate the lacquer to create a yellow discoloration or black specks that cannot be removed. Dura-Bright® technology penetrates the surface of the wheel to become an integral part of the aluminium itself. It resists peeling, cracking and corrosion while offering a premium finish in keeping with Audi’s vehicle design philosophy.
Alcoa’s proprietary Dura-Bright® technology surface treatment has been offered in the commercial vehicle marketing since 2003, and was more recently brought to the automotive OEM market. Launched into the automotive marketplace in 2007, Dura-Bright® technology by Alcoa is now available on several leading Global automotive platforms. Fitment on the Audi A6 signals the first application of Dura-Bright® technology for a European luxury sedan.
In addition, all Dura-Bright® technology wheels are produced by Alcoa’s forged engineering expertise. Alcoa forged aluminium wheels provide increased strength and durability gains and are typically twice as strong as a comparable cast aluminium wheel in crush tests. Further, a forged wheel reduces un-sprung weight on a car, maximizing vehicle performance, including more responsive steering and braking performance, while reducing weight compared to a similar cast aluminium wheel by over 20 percent. Additionally, CO2 emissions are lowered and fuel economy is enhanced due to the weight reduction.
Further information: jaspervan.zon@alcoa.com
