Forged aluminum wheels from Alcoa will be factory equipment on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco.
“Alcoa is honored to be working closely with Chevrolet to continue to provide lightweight wheel solutions that benefit the consumer, the economy and the environment,” says Victor Marquez, vice president and general manager. “If we can also enhance the driving performance, then it’s a success on all fronts,” he adds.
“Closely following the launch of our Volt wheel program, the Chevrolet team pursued a wheel providing lightweight performance that would further extend fuel economy for this latest vehicle,” Marquez continues.
The 17-inch wheels destined for the Cruze Eco weigh just 17.8 pounds.
“Lightweight forged aluminum wheels not only have a mass reduction effect that reduces emissions and fuel consumption, but also further improves driving performance and efficiency by reducing unsprung weight,” according to Marquez.
“Less rotational inertia is required to accelerate and decelerate the wheels,” he says. “Additionally, less mass in the wheel allows for mass reduction in adjacent, unsprung components such as brakes, steering and suspension.”
For more information, visit www.strongwheels.com and www.alcoa.com.
