Special Equipment: Race Rims
October 1, 2006
As one of the foremost producers of custom, modular three-piece wheels for road and track use, HRE offers a two-part split-rim section and a separate forged center spoke section that allows wheel customization for just about any application, including racing and bigger-than-usual brakes ($1,300–$2,600 per wheel).
"With competitive drivers looking for lightweight wheels to improve performance, we design the centers around the specific bolt circle, which results in a stronger, lighter wheel," says John Wallace, vice president of sales for HRE. "Ferrari uses a smaller bolt circle, yet our optimized centers allow our Ferrari wheels to be even lighter."
Over the years, preferences for wheel finishes have changed, as chrome and bright metal have given way to the purposeful look of dark gray or black. Though HRE still offers polished and anodized finishes, they are not limited in style. HRE offers durable powder-coat finishes in colors as well as the popular gloss or matte black.
A racing look and lightweight construction have become increasingly popular, even though most wheels will never see a racetrack. HRE has responded to this demand by introducing a new wheel design in their 840R series. This is a three-piece modular wheel that—unlike the previous design—has no exposed bolts. The 840R wheels use the same forged, optimized center, with titanium fasteners for the competition series (and soon for all other lines) concealed behind the wheel. "The wheel looks like a one-piece casting. We supply them to Saleen for the S7," says Wallace.
Nothing shows off a racing brake package better than a racing wheel. All HRE wheels can be customized to accommodate the popular competition brake rotor and caliper retrofits, including huge Brembo and Alcon racing calipers with their monster rotors. HRE offers templates for all popular large brake installations to ensure that the wheels are the perfect fit for any car.
HRE Wheels, 760.598.1960, www.hrewheels.com
advertisement
