BBS releases LM-R for BMW, Porsche, Lexus



BBS have been a staple in the world of motorsport for decades and the wheel of choice for many looking to add an aesthetic and performance upgrade to their high-end whips. The design is iconic and easily identifiable, and with the release of their newest LM-R wheel, not much has changed – until you look closer.

The new LM-R still sports the brand's patented spoke design, but now features a new (also patented) process called "back milling" that grinds away the side of the spoke to reduce weight, while at the same time strengthening the structure by creating an I-beam-like contour.

The LM-R will be available in 8.5x19 to 11x19 for certain BMW and Porsche models, and in 8.5x20 and 9.5x20 for the Lexus LS460. Pricing has yet to be announced.

BBS' full press release, along with a detailed shot of the "back milled" spoke, is posted after the jump.




PRESS RELEASE

BBS Announces the LM-R Wheel

Key Addition to the BBS Gold Line of Die Forged Wheels

Braselton, GA (March 19, 2007) - BBS of America announced today that they will be making several key additions to their line of BBS Gold Die Forged Wheels for 2007. The BBS Gold line of wheels is the ultra premium die forged wheel that has become the standard in the industry for durability, light weight and strength. The new addition to the BBS Gold line will be the LM-R wheel, which will be available for sale in the US market in May 2007.

The LM-R line will be available at launch in the following sizes:
∑ 8.5 x 19 up to 11 x 19 - for Porsche sports cars and selected BMW models.
∑ 8.5 x 20 and 9.5 x 20 - for the new 2007 Lexus LS 460

The LM-R wheel is the first BBS road wheel to utilize the patented process called "back milling". Back milling removes material from the side of the spokes, simultaneously lightening the wheel center and increasing stiffness and strength as a result of the "I beam" profile that is created on the side of the spoke. This process, as used on the LM-R wheel, is similar to the process that is an integral part of the success of BBS forged racing wheels.

"The use of the back milling process on the BBS Gold LM-R wheel provides a significant increase in durability and stiffness without the compromise of added material weight, and represents a remarkable achievement by the engineers at BBS and Washi Beam," said Craig Donnelly, Director of Technical Services at BBS of America.

"The LM-R wheel demonstrates BBS' committment to building on our heritage of technical superiority, and gives discriminating drivers the choice of a super premium wheel that is both fashionable and state of the art."
lm-r-spoke-backmilliing-detail.jpg

Racing Heritage Fuels BBS Wheel Design and Development
The ultimate torture test for wheels is of course on the racetrack, where BBS has earned a well-deserved reputation for durability based on over 35 years of victories in the world's toughest races. BBS continues to be the choice for top race teams all over the world when they require a wheel that will deliver the ultimate in performance. BBS supplies wheels for the Chevrolet Corvette C6R, winner of a 6th consecutive manufacturer's championship in the 2006 American Le Mans Series, including a third consecutive victory in the LeMans 24 Hour race and first place in the grueling Sebring 12 Hour contest. They also supply wheels for the winning F1, and American Le Mans series cars, and have just developed a new aluminum forged wheel specifically for the new Panoz DP01, the spec car for the Champ Car World Series.

"BBS is a seasoned and enthusiastic member of leading race teams, from American LeMans, Indy Racing League and Champ Car racing to Formula 1," said John Slagle, Director of Motorsports and Engineering for BBS of America. "It's our lifelong passion and real-world expertise in designing championship-winning wheels that differentiates BBS products from any other wheel in the performance category."
For more product information, please visit www.bbs-usa.com

About BBS
BBS engineers and manufactures high-performance cast and die-forged alloy wheels that help drivers excel on the road or on the track. The company has been a pioneer in race-bred wheel technology for over 35 years, contributing to the success of the world's greatest brands and names in racing, from Ferrari and Formula 1 to Andretti and Indy Racing. More than 70 percent of the company's wheels are also selected as original equipment by luxury and sports car manufacturers, from BMW to Ferrari.

Utilizing award-winning processes in materials and manufacturing technologies, BBS wheels continue to set the standard for the performance wheel industry with their unique combination of exceptional light weight and durability. BBS Gold brand wheels are the pinnacle of BBS die-forged technology and craftsmanship.
BBS of America, Inc., a wholly owned distributor of BBS for the North American market, is headquartered in Braselton, Georgia. In addition to importer functions, the company provides full technical and trackside support for race teams in North America. BBS world headquarters are in Schiltach, Germany.

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