Unveiling the Art of Wheel Finishes: Inside Konig Wheels’ Journey to SEMA
SEMA is fast approaching, and Konig Wheels is gearing up to make a statement in the aftermarket wheel industry. In this week’s episode of the “Behind The Wheel” podcast, hosts Scott and Diggity pull back the curtain on one of the most challenging aspects of wheel design: choosing the perfect finish. With new wheel samples arriving imminently, the team delves into the intricate balance between innovation and customer preference, revealing why selecting a wheel finish is both an art and a science.
New Horizons: Fresh Wheel Samples Arriving
The excitement is palpable at Konig Wheels headquarters.
“We have a new wheel coming in; the samples arrive next week,”
This isn’t just any wheel—it’s poised to be one of the lightest flow-formed wheels they’ve developed in recent times. Scott continues, “I ordered four different colors that we’ll look at, and we’ll have to work it out to see what we want.” The anticipation is not just about the design but about which finish will make the wheel truly stand out at SEMA.
The Complex Canvas of Wheel Finishes
Choosing a wheel finish might seem straightforward, but as Diggity points out, it’s anything but simple.
“Everybody is always like, just make it easy, just pick one color. But when that one color has about 20 different variants, it’s not so straightforward,”
The team wrestles with the desire to innovate and the need to meet market demands. Scott adds, “You don’t want to do the same finish over and over again. So you start to change things, and then you go back to your sales team, and people say like black, bronze, gray.”
Navigating Customer Preferences
Despite their passion for pushing boundaries, the Konig Wheels team recognizes the dominance of traditional colors in customer preferences.
“We get tired with finishes, so we’re looking for a different combination. But every single time we do it, people buy black, bronze, gray,”
This presents a unique challenge: how to introduce fresh, exciting finishes while still catering to what the market demands.
When Finishes Make or Break a Design
The finish of a wheel can dramatically alter its appearance and appeal.
“We’ve seen samples come in, and we’re just like, no, not right away,”
Scott shares a past experience with the Renform wheel:
“I was so sure about doing it in gloss black, but when I looked at the wheel, I’ve never seen anything so boring. It drowned out every detail,”
This underscores the critical role that finishes play—not just in aesthetics but in highlighting the intricate designs that Konig Wheels is known for.
Lessons from Past Endeavors
Reflecting on previous projects like the Ampliform and the Freeform, the hosts discuss how initial finish choices didn’t always hit the mark.
“We brought those over in like four or five different finishes. We all looked at the matte black and instantly it was like, absolutely not,”
Scott emphasizes the transformative power of seeing a wheel in person: “Once you see it in person, it changes everything.”
Introducing the Heavy Hunky Wheel Club (HWC)
Adding a touch of humor to the conversation, Diggity introduces the HWC—an internal club affectionately known as the “Heavy Hunky Wheel Club.”
“I’m basically the CEO of that. When we sit around and debate about wheel weights, I’m the one that always has the side of ‘Nah, it doesn’t matter, just give me a halfway finish, boy fitment.’ That’s all I want,”
This lighthearted segment highlights the team’s diverse perspectives and the fun they have during the creative process.
The Road to SEMA and Beyond
As SEMA looms closer, the pressure mounts, but so does the excitement.
“We’ve got these four finishes coming in. I’m super pumped. I hope at least one of them will be the right color,”
The team is not just preparing for a trade show; they’re embarking on a journey to redefine what’s possible in wheel finishes and designs.
Engaging the Konig Community
Scott and Diggity conclude the podcast by reaching out to their audience.
“If you had to pick wheel finishes, what are your go-to finishes? Besides black, bronze, and gray, what other colors would you like to see?”
This invitation isn’t just a casual query; it’s a call to action for the Konig Wheels community to influence future designs.
Experience Innovation with Konig Wheels
Konig Wheels continues to push the envelope in the aftermarket wheel market, blending cutting-edge designs with finishes that captivate. As they prepare to unveil their latest creations at SEMA, one thing is clear: they’re not just making wheels; they’re crafting experiences. Stay tuned to see which finishes make the final cut, and don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation.
Elevate your ride with Konig Wheels—the epitome of style, performance, and innovation in the aftermarket wheel industry.
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