19" Superchrome finish
 

I'm curious as to the "Superchrome" finish on the 19" triple-split-five-spoke alloy wheels. Can I assume these wheels are not painted or clearcoated but simply polished or plated? Anyone know?

My impression is they are polished graphite called "Superchrome" or "Super Chrome", not chrome plated. They are a bit shadowy in reflection making them less blingy than plated chrome yet super reflective in varying light conditions.

Not for sure, but I don't want them. There have been too many stories about the chrome flaking off after a year or so. However these may be a better product than those in the past.

I haven't had any problems with the superchromes on my 450h. I had a similar finish on my 330 too, also no issues. I like the slightly darker look. Chrome is too blingy for me.

I would not have "real" chrome given a choice due to reports on flaking, longer term ownership problems I've read about here, and as Anitia says, it too "bling-ie" for my taste. My 2006 RX400h had the equivalent of "superchrome" from Lexus (was not called that back in the dark ages) and had zero problems in 7 years of ownership. While my 2013 RX450h is only 7 weeks old, my 19" have no problems, and I don't anticipate any. I'm very happy with my decision to have the "Superchromes".

I found a website in Australia that advertises Superchrome wheels and explains their process.


"The Superchrome Process consists of a triplex nickel plating to a specified thickness. This gives better appearance but importantly, the three very different layers of nickel combine to provide extreme corrosion resistance of the wheels.

The first layer is a semi-bright coating of some 30-40 microns thickness. A layer of "Bright nickel" follows this coating. The two types of nickel have different properties and electrochemical potential and act to give both a mechanical and galvanic protection to the parent metal. The third coating of nickel is relatively thin. This layer us called "micro-porous Nickel". The effect this has is on the final layer, which is Chromium. It acts to microscopically crack the chrome layer. The effect on corrosion resistance is dramatic. Scientific testing has shown that the life of the wheel or rim doubles. It works by providing a much greater surface area of nickel and this eliminates pitting and hence exposure of the substrate.

The Superchromed product will withstand harsh conditions including humid and salty environments."

This is the web address: http://http://www.superchrome.com.au/

Not sure this is the same finish as is available on the RX or if the term Superchrome is generic or specific to this described process. By the pictures shown on the website, the wheels appear to be bright chrome plated and not the darker finish Lexus uses.

A couple of other wheel manufacturers, including Work, use the term to describe a wheel finish, but again, the pictures show the wheels to be a bright chrome.

This really isn't that important, just more of a curiosity since I have them on my RX.

MikeP: Interesting post. Thanks! :thumbup:

A person on the Venza (one of my other cars) forum showed these pictures of dealer damage to superchrome wheels. Looks flakey.
http://i47.tinypic.com/95ufz6.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/14c6wc5.jpg

Looks like damage from some #$(*(*) trying to take off the wheel cap with a screwdriver and changing the tires, not a defect to me.