If you are a fan of retro wheels you will probably love the new design introduced by Enkei that looks very much like the good-old steelies despite being made of lightweight aluminum.
The Al’Vita wheel – a part of Enkei’s “Neo Classic” series – is a modern version of the Al’Life which was introduced by Enkei back in 1990. It mirrors the design of the original, with 16 protruding holes and a cross-shaped recess in the middle. The latter doesn’t only serve decorative purposes but also helps with the wheel’s rigidity.
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Unlike their predecessor, the new wheels come in a single size measuring 16 inches x 7J with four holes in the middle. Luckily they are available in two different color finishes – the Sparkle Silver and the slightly darker Hyper Silver so you can choose the one that better suits your vehicle’s body color. Optionally you can get flat center caps with Enkei’s emblem, and a set of black air valves.
According to Enkei, the cast aluminum wheel has strength and lightness comparable to that of a forged wheel, thanks to a special molding method. The company showcased the new design in a Mazda MX-5. Some will say that the multi-hole rims make the roadster look like a bare-bones entry-spec variant, but others will appreciate the nostalgic touch.
The Enkei Al’Vita will be available in Japan starting October 2023. The price of ¥44,550 ($306) per wheel, translates to ¥178,200 ($1,224) for the whole set.
