AL 13 R105-109RD AERO-109R Forged Wheels
AL 13 R105-109RD AERO-109R — Aero Monoblock Forged Wheel
The AL 13 R105-109RD is part of AL 13's exclusive AERO-109R series — a collection of forged monoblock wheels developed in collaboration with 109RD, a specialist in aerodynamically optimized wheel design. The R105-109RD applies 109RD's computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-validated spoke geometry to the R105 base design, producing a wheel that is engineered to actively manage airflow through and around the wheel assembly while retaining the visual presence of AL 13's precision-machined forged aluminum construction. This is not merely an aesthetic treatment: the 109RD collaboration begins with aerodynamic engineering and results in spoke profiles and face geometries that measurably reduce wheel drag and promote cooling airflow to brake components in performance applications.
AERO-109R Aerodynamic Engineering
The 109RD partnership brings a rigorous engineering discipline to wheel design that is rare in the aftermarket segment. 109RD's design process begins with CFD modeling of airflow around and through wheel assemblies at highway and track speeds, identifying the spoke profiles and face geometries that minimize pressure drag and maximize airflow to the brake rotor and caliper. The resulting spoke shapes — which may incorporate swept leading edges, tapered profiles, and carefully controlled surface transitions — are validated in CFD simulation before being translated into the manufacturing geometry that AL 13's CNC machining equipment realizes in forged aluminum. The R105-109RD represents this process applied to the R105 spoke family, creating a wheel that performs aerodynamically without sacrificing the visual character of the base design.
Forged Monoblock Construction
The R105-109RD is machined from a single forged 6061-T6 aluminum billet at AL 13's California manufacturing facility. The forged billet provides the grain-aligned microstructure necessary to achieve the thin, aerodynamically optimized spoke profiles that the 109RD design requires: forged aluminum can sustain thinner cross-sections at the same load rating as cast aluminum because its aligned grain structure dramatically improves fatigue resistance. Every R105-109RD is produced on AL 13's 5-axis CNC machining centers, with tool paths programmed to realize the complex spoke geometries of the 109RD design with the dimensional accuracy required for fitment precision and structural integrity.
Material and Alloy
AL 13 specifies 6061-T6 aluminum for the R105-109RD. With a yield strength of approximately 276 MPa (40,000 psi), 6061-T6 allows the thin spoke profiles demanded by the aerodynamic design to maintain structural integrity under the full range of loads generated in road and performance driving. The T6 temper — solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging — ensures peak mechanical properties before CNC machining begins, guaranteeing dimensional stability throughout the machining process and predictable behavior in service.
Finish Options
The R105-109RD is available in AL 13's full finish catalog: Gloss Black, Satin Black, Brushed Clear, Brushed Dark, Polished Silver, and custom options through AL 13's bespoke program. The aerodynamically shaped spoke profiles interact with surface finish differently than conventional spoke geometries: brushed and polished finishes emphasize the leading-edge transitions and swept profile changes that are 109RD's engineering signature. Gloss Black provides a uniform dramatic appearance that conceals the spoke geometry's aerodynamic complexity while remaining visually striking. Custom two-tone and specialty finishes are available through direct consultation with AL 13.
Sizing Options
The R105-109RD is offered in the AERO-109R series standard size range, spanning 19 to 24 inches in diameter with widths from 9 to 12 inches. Common configurations include 20×9.5, 20×10.5, 21×9.5, 21×10.5, 22×9.5, 22×10.5, and 22×12. Offsets are available from ET15 to ET45. Custom sizes may be accommodated through AL 13's engineering team on a per-order basis; consult AL 13's fitment specialists for guidance on optimal sizing and offset for your specific vehicle application.
Bolt Pattern Compatibility
The R105-109RD is produced in all major bolt patterns, including 5×112, 5×120, 5×114.3, 5×130, and 5×120.65. Center bores are machined to OEM specifications; hub-centric rings are available for common applications requiring bore adaptation. AL 13's fitment team can verify compatibility and advise on clearance parameters for any specific vehicle, brake, and suspension combination before order placement.
Aerodynamic Performance Benefits
The R105-109RD's aerodynamically optimized spoke geometry delivers measurable performance benefits in high-speed applications. Reduced wheel drag at highway and track speeds translates to improved fuel efficiency and top speed for vehicles where aerodynamic resistance is a meaningful factor. Enhanced airflow to the brake assembly — promoted by the 109RD spoke geometry's management of the boundary layer around the wheel — supports more consistent brake temperatures during sustained performance driving, which can delay the onset of brake fade on track. These are engineering benefits that accumulate over the life of the vehicle and are most significant for performance-focused applications.
Weight and Performance
The R105-109RD's aerodynamically shaped spokes are somewhat thinner than equivalent conventional spoke profiles, which contributes to competitive weight for the design's spoke density. A representative 21×10.5 R105-109RD weighs approximately 23–25 lbs depending on finish and bolt pattern, placing it within the expected range for a monoblock forged wheel at this size. The combination of reduced wheel weight and aerodynamic optimization makes the R105-109RD particularly suitable for vehicles where both rotational mass and aerodynamic drag are performance-limiting factors.
Manufacturing Lead Time
The R105-109RD is produced to order. Lead times are approximately 8–12 weeks from confirmed order, consistent with AL 13's standard AERO-109R series production schedule. The complexity of the 109RD spoke geometry may extend machining time modestly relative to simpler spoke designs, but AL 13's production team incorporates this into its scheduling. Order status updates are provided by AL 13's customer service team throughout the production cycle.
Quality Control
Quality inspection for the R105-109RD follows AL 13's standard protocol: dimensional verification of bolt circle, center bore, and offset; surface finish quality check; and runout and balance measurement. Given the aerodynamically optimized spoke geometry, spoke wall thickness consistency is additionally verified to confirm that CNC machining has accurately realized the 109RD design specifications. AL 13 maintains documentation of design validation testing against TÜV, JWL, and VIA standards; this documentation is available on request.
Custom Options
Custom configurations for the R105-109RD include specialty finishes, two-tone treatments, custom center cap artwork, and non-standard sizes or offsets subject to engineering review. The AERO-109R design is available in multiple base designs beyond the R105; AL 13's full AERO-109R catalog includes other spoke architectures for customers who prefer a different visual character paired with the same aerodynamic engineering.
Compatible Vehicles
The R105-109RD is most impactful on vehicles where aerodynamic performance at speed is a meaningful design parameter: high-performance coupes, sports sedans, and track-focused builds. Optimal applications include Porsche 911 GT3/GT4, BMW M3/M4 Competition, Mercedes-AMG GT, Ferrari California, Lamborghini Huracán, and similar platforms where wheel aerodynamics contribute measurably to overall vehicle performance. AL 13 and 109RD can provide vehicle-specific aerodynamic analysis for customers seeking quantified performance data on the benefit of the AERO-109R design for their specific platform.
About AL 13 and 109RD
AL 13 is an American forged wheel manufacturer based in California, named for aluminum's atomic number. 109RD is a specialist engineering partner focused on aerodynamic wheel design, bringing CFD simulation and aerodynamic optimization methodology to the aftermarket wheel industry. Together, the two companies produce the AERO-109R series — a collection of wheels that unites AL 13's forged aluminum manufacturing precision with 109RD's aerodynamic engineering — resulting in products that are among the most technically sophisticated wheels available in the global aftermarket.
Wheel and Tire Pairing Recommendations
Selecting the correct tire for the R105-109RD is as important as the wheel specification itself. A high-performance forged wheel's structural and handling benefits are fully realized only when paired with a tire that matches its performance envelope. For street-focused builds using the R105-109RD in 20×10 or 20×10.5 configurations, a 255/35 or 265/30 tire from premium performance tire manufacturers provides the stretch profile and sidewall stiffness that complements the wheel's concave geometry. For SUV applications in 22×10 or 22×10.5 with the R105-109RD, a 285/30 or 295/25 tire offers the visual proportion and handling balance appropriate for the vehicle class. Track-focused builds may choose a narrower stretch ratio to increase mechanical grip; consult a tire specialist who is familiar with the specific vehicle's suspension geometry and alignment parameters for a recommendation tailored to your application. AL 13 does not rate or recommend specific tire brands, but the company's fitment team is experienced with the tire options most commonly paired with AL 13 products and can share observations from the field on request.
Wheel Storage and Seasonal Care
For customers who remove the R105-109RD seasonally — either to install winter wheels or to store the car — proper storage procedures will extend the finish life and dimensional integrity of the wheels significantly. Clean the wheels thoroughly before storage: brake dust and road grime that remain on the surface during an extended off-season can chemically interact with the coating and cause spotting or staining that is difficult to remove later. After cleaning and drying, apply a thin coat of wheel wax or dedicated wheel sealant to protect the finish during storage. Store the wheels vertically (on their tread face or in padded wheel bags) rather than stacking them flat, which can cause rim distortion over time at the contact points. Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and petroleum-based chemical vapors. Before reinstalling the R105-109RD after storage, inspect the mounting face and lug seat area for any corrosion or contamination and clean thoroughly before torquing to the vehicle manufacturer's specification.
Brake Caliper Clearance and Hardware Considerations
The R105-109RD's broad range of offset and width options allows it to achieve highly specific fitment configurations, but confirming brake caliper clearance before finalizing the order is essential — particularly for vehicles with factory performance brake packages or aftermarket big-brake conversions. The wheel's spoke geometry and minimum barrel clearance dimension determine the maximum caliper envelope that fits without contact. AL 13's fitment team maintains a database of common vehicle and brake combination clearance data and can provide guidance based on the specific configuration you intend to order. For vehicles where brake clearance is marginal, AL 13 can modify the spoke undercut geometry in some configurations to create additional clearance; this type of custom caliper clearance machining is handled as a custom order and must be confirmed with AL 13's engineering team before production begins. Hardware considerations include the lug seat type (conical, ball seat, or flat with washer), the thread pitch, and the correct lug length for the wheel's mounting face depth — all of which should be matched to the vehicle's wheel studs or lug bolt holes to ensure a safe and secure installation.
Mounting and Torque Specifications
Proper installation of the R105-109RD begins with a clean, corrosion-free mounting face on both the wheel and the vehicle hub. Any surface contamination — including paint, rust, or residual adhesive from previous wheel weights — should be removed before installation to ensure true hub-centric seating. AL 13 forged wheels feature hub-centric center bores machined to OEM tolerances, which means the wheel centers on the hub bore rather than relying on the lug hardware for centering. This is a critical safety and performance feature of a precision forged wheel: improper centering causes vibration, premature lug wear, and potential wheel separation under load. After seating the wheel on the hub, hand-tighten the lug hardware in a star pattern before using a torque wrench to bring them to the vehicle manufacturer's specified torque value — typically between 80 and 130 ft-lbs depending on the vehicle platform. After the first 50 miles of driving, re-torque the lug hardware to account for initial mounting face seating. Use anti-seize compound on lug bolts or studs only if explicitly recommended by the vehicle manufacturer; in many applications, anti-seize changes the effective clamping force at a given torque value and can lead to under-clamping or over-clamping if not accounted for.
Warranty and Damage Policy
AL 13 warrants its forged aluminum wheels against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for the life of the original retail purchaser. This warranty covers manufacturing defects including machining errors, finish adhesion failures, and structural defects arising from the manufacturing process. It does not cover damage resulting from road hazard impacts, improper installation, use of incorrect lug hardware or torque values, exposure to corrosive chemicals beyond normal road use, or finish wear resulting from normal service. In the event of a wheel defect covered by the warranty, AL 13 will evaluate the product and, at its discretion, repair or replace the affected wheel. Curb damage, pothole impacts, and other road hazard damage are not covered by the structural warranty; AL 13 offers repair services for cosmetic curb rash and, in some cases, structural repair or rim straightening for impact-bent wheels. Contact AL 13 directly with photographs and a description of the damage for an assessment and repair quote. As with all performance aftermarket products, the R105-109RD should be inspected periodically for signs of impact damage, finish deterioration, or abnormal wear that may indicate a structural issue requiring professional evaluation.
