HRE introduces the Vintage Series, modern versions of retro supercar wheels

AutoBlog: HRE introduces the Vintage Series, modern versions of retro supercar wheels

HRE Vintage Series wheels

Classic cars have been getting all kinds of love and money lately. Classic wheels, not so much. HRE has introduced a new line called the Vintage Series that puts old rims in a new light.

There are three in the range for now. The 454 "five-window" you'll recognize from old Lamborghini Countach posters, the 505 "thick five-spoke" reminscent of the Ferrari 288 GTO and F40, and the 501 "mesh lace" worn to terrific effect by racing Porsches from decades past.

Sized from 18- to 20-inch diameters and from seven to 14 inches wide, all are forged of aerospace-grade alloys and are hand-finished to the customer's order. They just might make it all right to work backwards on your next car project: get the wheels first, add the Countach LP5000 QV later. There's a press release with more info after the jump..

PRESS RELEASE:

ORIGINAL COOL: HRE Unveils Vintage, Iconic Wheel Designs Reimagined and Engineered for Today's Modern Super Cars

San Diego, Calif. (February 2012) – The creative team at HRE Performance Wheels understands that certain items share a timeless beauty that grows with age; for example the original Gibson Les Paul Custom, a 1988 Ferrari F40 and the Leica M5. While some designs merely grow older, others grow cooler. With that in mind, HRE is proud to offer a sneak peek of its Vintage Series – three designs from the brand's 34-year history, completely re-engineered with modern 3-piece forged wheel technology for today's sports and super cars.

"The process of recreating vintage designs that captured the style and essence of the originals was very exciting and challenging for all of us at HRE," said HRE Wheels President Alan Peltier. "These designs take us all back to the '70's and '80's when we were kids falling in love with exotics for the first time and truly becoming car lovers. Capturing all the character and magic of these designs, while ensuring they fit modern super cars and met our current engineering standards, made the project tougher than simply creating replicas of the original cast wheels. We found inspiration in those original designs but created wheels that reflect the HRE of today; wheels that are truly inspired."

All three models available in HRE's Vintage Series have been reengineered with modern FEA analysis for maximum strength, machined from aerospace-grade forged alloy and hand-finished to every customer's exact specifications. Models available include the 454 (classic Italian style five-window), the 501 (mesh lace) and the 505 (thick five spoke) in 18 through 20 inch diameters and widths ranging from 7 to 14 inches. Nearly unlimited finish options are available, from classic gold, bronze and polished centers and rims to hand-brushing and custom tinted colors.

This series is specifically designed for customers looking for a classic design backed by modern engineering. Popular applications could include the BMW 1M and M3, Porsche 997 and 991, a variety of current Ferrari and Lamborghini models and other popular European, Japanese and domestic sports and luxury cars.

All HRE wheels are engineered to minimize unsprung mass and rotational inertia for optimal performance. Each wheel is built-to-order for the ultimate custom-tailored wheel buying experience, and HRE's international network of dealers offer the concierge level service one would expect from a top luxury-lifestyle brand.

About HRE Performance Wheels:
HRE designs, engineers and manufactures 3-piece and 1-piece forged aluminum alloy wheels for Racing, Performance & Luxury cars and SUV's in their San Diego, California-based, TÜV-approved facility. HRE's built-to-order wheel sets offer a customized choice of offsets, widths and finishes, resulting in a uniquely personal style and performance solution for each customer's application. HRE wheels are sold through select high-end car dealerships, specialty retailers and performance companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.hrewheels.com or call an HRE wheel expert at (760) 598-1960.