We Test the fifteen52 Turbomac HD Classics
A stylish series with the performance and toughness for serious off-roading
Since purchasing our second righthand-drive turbo diesel Mitsubishi Pajero, the first task was to replace the stock wheels and mismatched tires. We wanted black wheels that were strong, lightweight, but different. Although the market is flooded with fake beadlocks or wheel patterns with lots going on, we prefer ours not to have simulated bead locks and feature a simple, unique wheel pattern.
During our wheel search, we came upon a company called fifteen52. This wheel company originally started in 1996 as a division of Joe Hoppen Motorsport. Joe, who was the former director for Porsche Motorsport North America, was responsible for entering Porsche into the SCCA Can-Am Series. Since fifteen52 was formed, it has always consisted of a group of automotive enthusiasts first and foremost —and then a wheel company. Although fifteen52 has a great heritage showcasing their wares via
on-road rides like Porsches, drift cars, ralliers, racers, and even street goers, they recently dove into the offroad market.
The company worked intensively on the Turbomac HD Classic design with famous rally driver Ken Block (Ken put them through their paces via his Ford Raptor). After much testing was done, the Carbon Grey or Matte Black Turbomac HD Classics were approved and ready to market.
Fifteen52’s Turbomac HD Classic cast monoblock wheel is a perfect fit for Toyotas, Jeeps, Fords, Nissans, and other trucks and SUVs such as our Mitsubishi Pajero. Although this company is new in the off-road segment; we decided to give them a try.
We chatted with fifteen52 about their wheel sizing and centre bore measurements (our Pajero is a larger centre bore at 108 mm versus its stock 106 mm measurement). After a quick consult, they were happy to arrange for our centre bores to be machined so they fit over the Pajero’s front hubs. We ordered up 16 x 8 +0 offset wheels with centre bores machined to 108 mm.
Each Turbomac HD Classic wheel arrived carefully boxed. Inside was a secure cardboard nesting system keeping the wheel from shifting. The top of the wheel was covered with a logoed fifteen52 elastic sock and foam exterior wheel ring (to keep the wheel edge damage). Once unpacked, these matte black beauties were ready to test fit; they fit over the hubs! After a quick paint on the wheel centre bore (to cover up the machined aluminum), they were installed.
Our new wheels have held up extremely well over several off-road trips. They push out dirt and mud easily, look stylish, and are easy to touch up if scratched while off-roading (any matte black paint will do). It’s refreshing to see a different kind of wheel in the off-road market. Not saying that all the rest aren’t good, but for us, being different and unique is how we like to roll. Buying a quality wheel that’s lightweight, durable, and unique was important to us.