words and photos: Denis Podmarkov
Editor’s note: This article originally ran in the q4_2019 issue of quattro Magazine. If you would like to subscribe to quattro Magazine, join Audi Club here.
Vista, CA – HRE Wheels needs no introduction. The firm has been around since 1978. Every year, HRE and their partners bring out the best of cars for a brand party. The event features quality vendors, including familiar faces like Allroad Outfitters, Pacific German, a DJ and MC, a raffle with a grand prize set of HRE wheels wrapped in Michelin Tires, and a tour of the facility.
The event typically brings out a couple of the local Audi Clubs and many Audi owners with a whole section dedicated to the four rings and their owners. Over in the vendor area, even more prominent Audi models are displayed, including Pacific German’s S4 allroad (a former quattro Magazine cover car, Q1_2019) wearing a new set of Rotiform wheels and other upgrades since the feature.
Another fixture in the SoCal Audi community is Allroad Outfitters. A favorite was their rally-livery B8 S4 widebody. Of course, they also brought an allroad, not to mention an S3, a current RS 5 and even an e-tron. The latter was equipped with a set of HRE wheels wrapped in Toyo Tires, and a Thule roof rack complete with bike and cargo box.
On the privately-owned Audi side, there were several RS 7s, R8s, and even an ABT RS 5-R from TAG Motorsports.
Another interesting draw at the HRE Open House was their own hyper complex 3-D printed wheel. HRE invited GE representatives to talk about the manufacturing process and answer questions regarding the new technology.
The HRE Wheels Open House is an annual event. If you’ve never seen it and plan on being in the Southern California area at the time, it is definitely worth the trip.
