Introducing the Designer Collection
From all of us at Variant Alloy Wheels, we are proud to announce the newest addition to our family: the Designer Collection™. This collection features fully forged 1, 2, and 3-piece wheels, expertly crafted from premium 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum. Like every wheel we produce, the Designer Collection undergoes extensive quality control to ensure that only the finest products make it to the road.
Designer Collection
Precision Crafted, Infinitely Customizable
The Designer Collection™ offers full flexibility, allowing complete customization of diameter, width, offset, and finish options, down to the hardware color (when applicable). For those seeking a more performance-focused setup, center lock configurations are available, delivering a race-inspired look. Whether the goal is a bold concave profile, a specific spoke design, or a unique finish, the Designer Collection offers a vast array of options to create something truly special, making them the perfect match for aggressive kits from brands like Pandem Rocketbunny, Liberty Walk, StreetHunter, and RWB.
Designed for Any Application
Available in diameters ranging from 17” to 24”, the Designer Collection wheels are compatible with nearly any five-lug vehicle and offer configurations that cater to exotic cars and widebody builds. With flexibility across wheel widths, concave profiles, and more, these wheels are engineered to offer both performance and style. Whether for a daily driver, a high-performance vehicle, or a show car, the Designer Collection is tailored to meet exacting specifications while delivering stunning visual appeal.
Please note: All Designer Collection wheels have a lead time of 6-8 weeks.
The Process
Design
It starts with a sketch...
Every custom wheel at Variant Wheels begins with the design team sketching initial concept ideas. By understanding the desired style and performance requirements, the team explores various shapes, profiles, and design elements that align with the vision. This phase allows creative possibilities to be brought to life, laying the foundation for a wheel that reflects individuality and performance goals. The concept sketches serve as the first step in transforming an idea into a fully realized, custom wheel design.
Fitment
Guaranteed Fitment
The next step is focused on fitment, where precision is key. At this stage, wheel sizes, offsets, brake clearances, and load ratings are carefully determined to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Each design undergoes rigorous internal testing to guarantee that it meets the highest standards for both fit and safety. This meticulous process ensures that every wheel not only looks exceptional but also performs flawlessly, delivering the perfect combination of form and function.
Engineering
From Sketch to 3D Model
In the engineering phase, the concept sketch is transformed into a detailed 3D model. This is where the wheel truly begins to take shape. The engineering team programs both the lathe and mills, carefully selecting the tools needed to achieve the intricate features and precise details of the design. Every aspect is considered, from structural integrity to aesthetic details, ensuring the wheel meets exacting standards. This phase is crucial in bringing the design closer to production, with precision engineering guiding the way.
Lathe
Shaping the Raw Forgings
In the lathe stage, raw forgings are transformed using FEMCO S2000 lathes to shape the wheel and define its key features. This is where the concave profiles are turned and brake clearances are carefully machined to ensure optimal fitment and performance. Additionally, the center cap detail is added, and the preset center bore is precisely crafted. The lathe process establishes the core geometry of the wheel, laying the foundation for its final design and performance capabilities.
Mills
Under the knife.
The milling process is where the design is brought to life, as the wheel’s intricate details are cut from the existing material. At this stage, precision is key, with the goal of creating the lightest and strongest wheels possible—without ever sacrificing safety. Utilizing an extensive tool library, unique tool paths and cuts are made to achieve complex, eye-catching designs. This meticulous process ensures that every wheel not only looks stunning but also meets the highest standards for strength and durability.
Finishing
Surface Perfection
The finishing stage focuses on refining and protecting the wheel. This begins with surface preparation, ensuring a flawless base for any additional finishes. Options like polishing or hand brushing are available to add a personal touch and elevate the wheel’s appearance. Each wheel is then coated with a powder coat top layer, which is baked at 400 degrees to create a durable and robust outer layer. This process not only enhances the look but also ensures long-lasting protection against the elements, giving each wheel a premium, high-quality finish.
Assembly
Precision and Final Quality Checks
In the assembly phase, multi-piece wheels are carefully brought together, with each component meticulously assembled to ensure perfect alignment and functionality. This is also when center caps are added, completing the final look of the wheel. Before any product leaves the facility, rigorous final quality control checks are performed. Each wheel is inspected for blemishes in the finish, and runout tests—both lateral and radial—are conducted to ensure the highest standards of precision and performance. Only wheels that pass these thorough checks are approved for shipment, ensuring that every product leaving the facility is of the finest quality.
Shipping
Ready for the Road
Once a wheel has received its final approval, it enters the shipping stage. Each wheel is carefully packaged, ensuring it is fully protected for its journey. Any necessary accessory items are included, and shipping labels are generated for delivery to the final destination. The process is designed to ensure the wheels arrive in perfect condition, ready to be mounted and make their way onto the vehicles they were custom-built for. Every detail is handled with care, from the shop floor to the moment they are ready for installation.