OZ Racing Wheel brand
OZ Racing
OZ Racing is an Italian manufacturer of light-alloy wheels founded in 1971, recognized worldwide for its motorsport heritage (Formula 1, World Rally Championship, Le Mans).
Encyclopedia profile
History, reputation and uses
OZ Racing was born in 1971 in Rossano Veneto, near Venice, Italy. Founders Silvano Oselladore and Pietro Zen, both involved in rallying and circuit racing, gave the company a name drawn from their initials (O and Z) and built it for the specific purpose of producing better competition wheels. The company was officially incorporated as OZ S.p.A. in 1978 following an investment by Carto Isnardo SpA, then relocated in 1992 to its current plant in San Martino di Lupari, near Padua. OZ opened its first foreign subsidiary (OZ Japan) in 1989 and launched motorcycle wheel production in 1999, in collaboration with Aprilia. The brand's reputation rests largely on its motorsport record: OZ supplied wheels in Formula 1 as early as 1984, and the Williams team running OZ won the F1 Constructors' Championship in 1996 with Damon Hill. In rallying, OZ equipped world champions such as Carlos Sainz (1990), Peugeot (2000) and Richard Burns with Subaru (2001), to the point that the Race White version of the Superturismo could be found on the vast majority of WRC cars. The brand was also the exclusive supplier for series such as FIA Formula 2 and GP3, and produced wheels for winners of the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. OZ also produces custom parts for renowned coachbuilders and tuners (Bertone, Pininfarina, AMG, Hartge). On the manufacturing side, the range covers low-pressure casting with heat treatment, the in-house flow-forming technology called HLT (High Light Technology), which gives a cast wheel mechanical properties close to those of a forged one, and true forging for high-end models and certain high-performance OEM applications. This breadth allows OZ to cover road, track, rally and even off-road use.
Recommended use: OZ Racing is aimed first and foremost at sports vehicles and compact sport models, premium sedans and European performance cars (Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, etc.). The "Sport" range (cast) is suited to daily road use and occasional track use at a reasonable price, while the "I-Tech" range (HLT flow-forming and forged) targets serious performance, track days and reduced unsprung mass. Several models are used in rallying on gravel and asphalt. OZ also offers an off-road line (Rally Raid) for 4x4s, pickups and vans. The market is mainly aftermarket, with occasional OEM contracts.
Technologies and manufacturing: OZ uses three main methods. Low-pressure casting pours the alloy, heated to around 700 °C, in from the bottom of the mold, producing a structure free of porosity and joints, with a fine, compact grain; it is completed with a heat treatment. HLT (High Light Technology) is a flow-forming process: a low-pressure cast blank is set spinning, heated at the rim area and then compressed by steel rollers that stretch the wheel to its final width, giving rigidity close to that of a forged wheel without the cost. Forging, reserved for high-end models, distributes mechanical properties uniformly at the molecular scale. Depending on the model, OZ wheels carry TÜV, JWL, VIA, NAD and ECE approvals, with TPMS compatibility and winter capability.
Key takeaways
- Fondée dans une station-service à Rossano Veneto près de Venise par Silvano Oselladore et Pietro Zen.
- Les premières roues en alliage léger OZ ont été montées sur une Mini Cooper de rallye.
- La marque exploite aussi MSW et Sparco Wheels comme lignes complémentaires.
Strengths
- Authentic competition pedigree (F1, WRC, Le Mans) that is genuinely real, not marketing
- Designed and manufactured in Italy, with recognized quality control
- Extensive range: from the affordable cast model to forged and center-lock
- Lightweight wheels reducing unsprung mass, improving handling
- Multiple approvals (TÜV, JWL, VIA) and TPMS compatibility
Points to check
- High price positioning, especially for the HLT and forged ranges
- Lightweight cast models (e.g. Ultraleggera) can warp on potholes
- Availability of certain sizes and bolt patterns varies across the North American market
- Often a generic center bore, requiring hub-centric rings
- Light finishes (Race White, polished) are more demanding when facing winter salt
Models & families
OZ Racing wheel models
Aero-e is a family of OZ Racing wheels to be documented according to the sizes, bolt patterns, offsets, and finishes available in the official catalog. It should be linked to the site's vehicle, size, and usage filters.
View the model profile Challenge HLT forgéeChallenge HLT is a key family to link to the OZ Racing wheel catalog when dimensions and stock are available.
View the model profile Cortina forgéeCortina is a key family to link to the OZ Racing wheel catalog when dimensions and stock are available.
View the model profile Estrema GT HLT flow formedEstrema GT HLT is a family of OZ Racing wheels to be documented according to the sizes, bolt patterns, offsets, and finishes available in the official catalog. It should be linked to the site's vehicle, size, and usage filters.
View the model profile Formula HLT flow formedThe Formula HLT is a wheel from OZ's technical I-Tech line, manufactured by HLT (High Light Technology) flow-forming. This process stretches and compresses the rim area of a low-pressure cast blank to achieve mechanical properties close to forged, with a notable reduction in weight: as a guide, about 9.7 kg in 18x8.0 J with a 48 mm offset. Its clean, single-seater-inspired design makes it a favored choice for compact sports cars and premium sedans in road use and track days, where the drop in unsprung mass improves agility and comfort. It retains the homologations and TPMS compatibility expected from OZ. Positioned above the cast models in both performance and price, the Formula HLT is a good entry point into OZ's flow-formed technology. In Quebec, check the bolt pattern, offset, center bore (centering rings often required), and caliper clearance before purchase.
View the model profile HyperGT HLT forgéeHyperGT HLT is a family of OZ Racing wheels to be documented according to the sizes, bolt patterns, offsets, and finishes available in the official catalog. It should be linked to the site's vehicle, size, and usage filters.
View the model profile Italia 150 forgéeItalia 150 is a key family to link to the OZ Racing wheel catalog when dimensions and stock are available.
View the model profile Leggera HLT coulée performanceThe Leggera HLT is an I-Tech wheel with a monoblock 5 twin-spoke design, manufactured by HLT flow-forming. This process gives a low-pressure cast base a stiffness close to forged while lowering weight: as a guide, about 18.5 lb in 18x8 ET45 and nearly 23 lb in 20 inch. Its clean aesthetic and light weight make it ideal for European sports cars and performance sedans (Audi, BMW, Porsche, Ford Focus ST, etc.) in road and track use, where the reduction in unsprung mass benefits handling and braking. It sits above the cast models in price and performance, as a credible alternative to forged at a more contained cost. For Quebec, confirm the bolt pattern, offset, center bore (rings often needed), and brake clearance; as with any premium alloy wheel, a second set dedicated to winter is recommended to protect it from salt and calcium.
View the model profile Omnia forgéeOmnia is a key family to link to the OZ Racing wheel catalog when dimensions and stock are available.
View the model profile Quaranta forgéeQuaranta is a key product family to connect to the OZ Racing wheels catalog once dimensions and stock are available.
View the model profile Rally Racing forgéeThe Rally Racing is a wheel with a "Rally Gravel" design directly inspired by the wheels fitted to world rally championship-winning cars. Available in 17, 18, and 19 inch sizes, in Race White (red lettering) or Dark Graphite (silver lettering) finishes, it is cast in 17 and 18 inch and switches to HLT flow-forming in 19 inch, which makes the largest diameter lighter and stiffer. Designed for sporty use on asphalt as well as gravel, it appeals to enthusiasts seeking an authentic, OZ rally look for their compact sports cars and performance sedans. Its functional aesthetic and WRC heritage make it a wheel with real character. For the Quebec market, confirm the bolt pattern, offset, center bore, and brake clearance; its light finishes like Race White require careful maintenance against salt and calcium, all the more reason to reserve this set for the warm season.
View the model profile Superturismo Evoluzione forgéeSuperturismo Evoluzione is a key product family to connect to the OZ Racing wheels catalog once dimensions and stock are available.
View the model profile Superturismo GT flow formedThe Superturismo GT carries OZ's signature multi-spoke look, among the most imitated designs in the world, in a monoblock construction by low-pressure casting and heat treatment. Coming straight from the world of touring and rally, its Race White version is found on a large proportion of WRC cars. It is offered in diameters from 14 to 19 inches, widths from 6 to 8 inches, offsets of roughly 15 to 50 mm, and 4- or 5-lug bolt patterns, with TÜV, NAD, VIA, and JWL certifications. More robust than the ultra-light models, it aims for a good balance of style, durability, and price, ideal for compact sports cars, modern classics (e.g., Fiat 124, MX-5), and sport sedans. It is a versatile choice for the enthusiast seeking a timeless racing look without the cost of flow-forming or forging. For Quebec, validate the bolt pattern, offset, center bore, and caliper clearance; its cast construction makes it fairly tolerant for demanding street use.
View the model profile Superturismo LM coulée performanceThe Superturismo LM is the variant of the Superturismo family with a touring/endurance-inspired multi-spoke style (the LM name evoking Le Mans). With a monoblock construction by low-pressure casting and heat treatment, it prioritizes strength and durability over chasing grams: compared to the Ultraleggera, it is heavier but reputed to be more resistant, a trade-off appreciated on imperfect roads. Offered across a wide range of diameters for compact sports cars and European premium sedans (Audi, VW, BMW, etc.), it carries OZ's usual certifications and TPMS compatibility depending on the part number. It is an excellent choice for daily street use and occasional track use, when you want OZ's racing style with a margin of robustness. In Quebec, its superior durability makes it a more reassuring candidate against potholes; nevertheless, verify the bolt pattern, offset, center bore (rings often needed), and brake clearance, and consider a separate winter set to preserve the finish.
View the model profile Ultraleggera forgéeThe Ultraleggera is one of OZ's most iconic models, with a Formula 1-inspired monoblock design featuring 6 double spokes and a hollowed-out center. The standard version is manufactured by low-pressure casting with heat treatment (Al Si 7 Mg alloy), making it light and affordable while retaining its racing style. Offered in diameters from 15 to 18 inches, widths from 7 to 9 inches, offsets of roughly 16 to 55 mm, and 4- or 5-lug bolt patterns, it carries TÜV, NAD, ECE, VIA, and JWL certifications, with TPMS compatibility and winter capability. It is a popular choice for compact sports cars and European premium sedans in street and occasional track use. In Quebec, verify the bolt pattern, offset, and center bore (centering rings often required) as well as brake clearance. Its lightness, an asset for handling, comes with a reputation for sensitivity to potholes: on our deteriorated roads, careful driving is advised, and a second winter set is recommended to protect the finish from salt.
View the model profile Veloce GT forgéeVeloce GT is a key family to link to the OZ Racing wheel catalog when dimensions and stock are available.
View the model profileTechnical
What to confirm for a compatible wheel
fitment
Point technique à valider selon le véhicule, l'usage, la dimension et les recommandations du fabricant.
entraxe
Le bolt pattern doit correspondre exactement au moyeu du véhicule. Une approximation rend la roue incompatible.
offset
Le déport détermine la position de la roue vers l'intérieur ou l'extérieur et influence le dégagement des ailes et des freins.
alésage central
Le center bore doit être compatible avec le moyeu ou corrigé avec des bagues de centrage adaptées.
indice de charge
La jante doit supporter la charge du véhicule, surtout pour VUS, camionnettes, remorques et usages commerciaux.
TPMS
Point technique à valider selon le véhicule, l'usage, la dimension et les recommandations du fabricant.