WSI goes to the Pirelli Drive and Learn 2012

April 24th, 2012

On April 18th, 2012 a few lucky representatives from Wheel Specialists, Inc. attended a Ride & Drive event hosted by Pirelli Tires. The event took place at University of Phoenix Stadium, and was designed to show off Pirelli’s premium product line. The morning started off with some good refreshments and a registration format that split up the attendees into four different groups. Each group was there to test the Pirelli products first hand as they were installed on three different vehicles. The three Pirelli test vehicles used at the event were a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 and SRT8 wearing Pirelli Scorpion Verde A/S tires, a 2012 Ford Mustang GT wearing Pirelli P Zero Nero A/S, and a newly redesigned 2012 Porsche 991 running the flagship Pirelli P Zero.

Each group was assigned to a certain station to begin, and then we rotated around every 30-45 minutes. The first stop in my group was the slalom/evasive maneuver course. The slalom portion consisted of 5 different cone sets to maneuver around, and the evasive maneuver course was designed to recreate a sudden freeway mishap and the reaction that follows.  Each individual in the group was driven around the course by an instructor to get a good feel of the slalom. Following a quick demo from the instructor each person in our group was allowed to drive each car twice through the slalom course. It was really fun to see everyone’s different driving skills and how well the Pirelli Tires handled under extreme conditions.

Next up was the autocross course which was designed to test speed, handling, and braking…this was my favorite of the day. This time instead of a V6 Grand Cherokee that was used for the slalom, Pirelli provided the 465hp SRT8 version of the 2012 Grand Cherokee.  The Pirelli Scorpion Verde did everything you would expect and more from an A/S tire. The Cherokee performed amazingly in every aspect of the course. Next was the Ford Mustang GT equipped with the original equipment Pirelli P Zero Nero A/S. The Mustang shined in every aspect of the track, especially the portions where you could really go wide open and display this cars attitude. Straight off the line, the GT’s 390 ft-lbs of torque pulled hard and launched you into the first apex, where I felt very confident and under control thanks to the Pirelli Tires. The next car to drive was the recently released 2012 Porsche 991 with the flagship Pirelli Zero tires. I think this was the most favored car of the day, most people never get a chance to sit in a 911 let alone drive one. It’s not every day someone gives you the keys to a brand new 911 and tells you to go and drive it hard and push it to its limits.

The second half of the event was inside the University of Phoenix Stadium were we learned how Pirelli Tires started back in the 1890’s.

 

Pirelli Mission – Spice Up Formula 1

April 6th, 2012

 

2009 Ibis White Audi R8 w/ 20″ Savini BS-2

April 4th, 2012

The Audi R8 has definitely proven to be one of the top choices for exotic sports car enthusiasts. From the sleek aerodynamic lines, to the celebrated Audi Quattro AWD system, this car is a showstopper in any crowd. This beautiful 2009 Ibis White Audi R8 was brought to Wheel Specialists, Inc. in need of something special to set it apart from the rest. The choice was made to install a set of sporty Savini BS-2 wheels in an all black center, with a bright chrome lip. In standard WSI fashion, bigger is always better, so the choice was made to run a 235/30R20 up front while the rear of this powerhouse sits on a monster set of 305/25R20 Pirelli PZero Nero tires. Boasting a perfect combination of sporty good looks, along with the traditional class that is Audi, this R8 is ready to burn up the streets in the Valley of the Sun.

 

All New Giovanna Monza available in 4 colors!

March 16th, 2012

Wheel Specialists, Inc. has been a leader in the wheel & tire industry for 20+ years, and in that time we have had the opportunity to establish many long standing relationships with some of the top manufacturers in the biz. Wheel Specialists, Inc. is, and has been, the largest Giovanna distributor in the US for 9 years running. The Giovanna brand of wheels not only brings a touch of class, but also displays an unmatched quality of workmanship. From the perfect vehicle specific fitments to the top notch finishing, WSI is proud to call Giovanna a close partner.

The brand new Giovanna Monza brings together a sporty V-spoke type styling with a nice deep chrome lip. The wheels are currently only going to be available in 20×8.5 and 20×10, the 22 inch size will be available through WSI first within about 4-6 weeks. The finishes that are going to be available are matte black center, black/machined center, and silver machined center…alll with a nice chrome lip. There will also be a gold center design coming soon to complete the lineup. The wheels are designed with a lot of caliper clearance to clear Brembo’s with no problem. Although an all chrome version is advertised, there are no immediate plans to produce it due to it’s 2-piece construction. There is no proper way to chrome plate the Featherweight wheels and make them come out flawless, therefore Giovanna has opted to delay that part of the program.

PLEASE BE AWARE. GIOVANNA BRAND WHEELS THAT ARE PURCHASED FROM ANY COMPANY WHO IS NOT AN AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR, WILL NOT QUALIFY FOR ANY WARRANTY COVERAGE FROM GIOVANNA. PURCHASE WHEELS FROM AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS ONLY. WSI IS AN AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR …LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP.

Ask about our custom tire and wheel packages, complete with brand new TPMS sensors and nitrogen fill.





 

All new Gianelle Yerevan Available in 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″ In-Stock

March 9th, 2012

For the year 2012, WTW has many brand new wheel designs ready to enter that all competitive custom wheel market. Leading the way is the brand new Yerevan design from Gianelle. Combining a classic mesh styling with the much desired concave type center, the Yerevan is looking to set the bar high for the new season. The Yerevan is available in matte black, gold, silver, and black with a machined face centers…all of which are highlighted by a beautiful chrome lip. WSI currently offers these wheels in 20×8.5 and 20×10 inch sizes, with 22 inch to become available within the next 6-8 weeks. The design allows for the proper clearance of many of today’s performance brake systems, both OE and aftermarket. Contact Wheel Specialists, Inc. today to inquire on these brand new wheels.

 

Giovanna goes Gold for 2012!

March 7th, 2012

WTW has gone gold! With all of the new additions to the wheel market in 2012, nothing stands out more than the brand new gold finish offered by our freinds at WTW. Throughout the entire lineup, from Giovanna to GFG Supremo, Gianelle to Koko Kuture, the gold finish is making it’s mark. Ask your Wheel Specialists, Inc. sales person for more information on this great new look!

 

 

Lumma Design Widebody 2007 BMW M6 w/ 21″ Modulare Forged M20

February 24th, 2012

Every now and then a vehicle comes through at WSI that just takes cool to the next level. A 2007 BMW M6 is already a monster of a car, burning up the road with 500 horsepower and a beautiful aerodynamic appearance, but you know at WSI it can’t stop there! When the owner of this awesome M6 called up, he discussed wanting to make his car different from the rest…and boy did he. The car started off getting dressed up with a nice Lumma Design body kit which was imported directly from Europe. The kit consists of front fenders, rear quarter panels, side skirts, front and rear bumpers, and a deck lid spoiler. As you can see, the Lumma Design body kit widens the body quite a bit…2.5” to be exact. After taking specific measurements of the car, which was pre-fitted with the new fenders, the specialists here at WSI decided on a set of Modulare Forged M20 3-piece wheels  to complete the package. The front wheels are a 21×10 with a 255/30R21 Pirelli PZero Nero, and the rears are an oversized 21×11.5 wrapped up in a 295/25R21. The wheels were custom finished in a classy black and polished color combination and finished with deep chrome lips. The owner of this BMW has definitely accomplished his goal of wanting to be different from the rest, I’d say he set the bar pretty high!

 

 

2012 BMW 7-Series w/ 22″ Koko Kuture Intake Custom Finish

February 1st, 2012

The newly redesigned BMW 7-Series has set the bar high among its competitors like the Mercedes Benz S-Class and  Audi A8. With a perfect mix of power and elegance, the BMW 7 has always been a popular choice for luxury car buyers. This client brought his beautiful 750li to Wheel Specialists, Inc. with hopes of getting a nice set of wheel and tires…it left with much more than that. After a nice sit down with Jay, one of our WSI sales specialist, the client agreed on custom painted accents like door handles, deck lid trim, and front air duct trim pieces. In addition to these accents, the car will also be receiving a Hamann Sport Tuning lowering kit to get that ride height right where it needs to be.

The wheel choice for this 750 was a set of 22 inch staggered Koko Kuture Intake’s, in a custom painted black and white scheme. To get the power to the ground, Jay chose Pirelli PZero Nero’s in a 265/30R22 and 295/25R22 size, the perfect finishing touch for this beautiful Bimmer. For more information on this vehicle build, or to have your own vehicle customized, please give Wheel Specialists, Inc. a call or visit us at www.wsiaz.com.

 

2011 Audi R8 w/ 20″ Giovanna Forged Crewe Matte Black

January 26th, 2012

In the 20 plus years Wheel Specialists, Inc. has been doing business in the Phoenix area, we have been very fortunate to have gotten to work with numerous professional athletes. In a city which supports all 4 of the major professional sports, as well as hosting a record 15 Major League Baseball teams for Cactus League Spring Training, WSI has long been the go to facility for all their wheel and tire needs. The most recent visit to WSI came from Boston Red Sox pitcher, Clay Buchholz and his beautiful black 2011 Audi R8. The R8 has already proven itself in the world of sports cars as being one of the top choices, due to both it’s amazing performance and handling characteristics as well as it’s stylish appearance. When Clay brought this car to Wheel Specialists, Inc., the only thing it was missing was a nice set of custom wheels, which of course got taken care of in true WSI fashion.

The choice for this car was the Giovanna Forged Crewe, custom finished in a solid satin black color, which really helps to also emphasize the nice custom painted red brake calipers. The decision was made to run a 20×8.5 wheel up front with a 235/30R20 Pirelli PZero Nero, while out back the R8 was fitted with a monster set of 20×11’s with a nice 305/25R20 Pirelli. The stance on this awesome sports car is perfect as you can see, WSI just knows the right way to make nice cars even nicer.

 

2011 Bentley Continental GT w/ 22″ Koko Kuture Fann

January 16th, 2012

The Bentley Continental GT has been a leader in its class since it’s inception in 2003. Exhibiting a desirable mix of power and luxury, the GT has become a popular vehicle choice for many different levels of buyers. The one thought about these vehicles that many owners have in common is that they look much better with a nice set of wheels. Wheel Specialists, Inc. has been dressing these cars up since they were first released, and even with the 2011 release of the second generation Continental GT, WSI is still holding true to form with providing the finest wheel & tire packages anywhere. The wheels that were chosen for this beautiful car were the brand new Koko Kuture Fann wheels in a 22 inch staggered setup. The wheels have a black/machined face with a polished stainless steel lip which serves to compliment the vehicle color very nicely. WSI finished off this package with a set of Pirelli PZero Nero rubber, and this car is ready to hit the valley streets in style.