This is monumental news for fans of old school imports (datsuns, toyotas, mazdas and the like).  Volk Racing Japan created a TE37 variant specifically for classic Japanese cars, and maybe an American car or two if you’re feeling creative.  The variant is called the TE37V and should be hitting shops in around March.  So far, I am hearing that the MSRP will be around $550 per wheel so start saving up now.  If you’re looking for shops to pre-order then try Evasive Motorsports first they may have a few spots left if you hurry.

When I was at the Mazdaspeed event yesterday I was surrounded but current and vintage Mazda race cars but I was stopped in my tracks when I saw the wheel above.  I knew that Mazdaspeed collab’d on wheels for the RX-8 but I didn’t know they made a forged offering for the Mazdaspeed3.  The design reminds me of an RE30 but slightly different.  Its made specficially for Mazda3 fitment but could you imagine getting this wheel in staggered RWD offsets?! 100% FRESH!

I understand that over time certain things have to change or go away like the seasons, clothing styles, or my favorite TV show from back in the day “my secret identity.”  However sometimes it seems like good things that should stick around much longer go away with no rhyme or reason.  Case in point the TE37 Mag wheel!  I mean come on Rays!  The TE37 is easily among the top 10 of the best wheels ever made and its still super popular to this day.  Why on earth would they get rid of the Mag edition?!  Dude’s are out there painting regular TE37s mag blue because they can’t get the real thing!  Shouldn’t this be a sign to you that maybe it might be a good idea to bring the mag back??? Hellooo McFlyyyyyy???!!

Ok, ok I’m sure there is some logical and economical reason why Rays decided to discontinue the TE37 mag but whatever the cause it still sucks!  Ok rant over…

Oh and if I didn’t already make it extremely obvious, if you can find a genuine set of TE37 mags anywhere you should get them immediately.  In fact, do one better.  Find a Japanese person and ask them to translate an email for you to Rays Engineering in Japan and tell them that you want the TE37 mag back! Fight the power!

It was recently announced that Rays Engineering will be the official wheel provider for Rahal Letterman Racing’s (RLR) BMW American LeMans Series effort next year!  RLR’s ALMS BMW M3 will sport RAYS wheels at each stop in the series starting with the debut of the new team at the 12 Hours of Sebring next March.

The fact that RLR going with RAYS for their wheel providers when they could have just as easily followed the pack and went with a German wheel manufacturer could possibly show some of the Euro guys that occasionally going JDM isn’t so bad after all.

Check out the press release:

RAHAL LETTERMAN RACING ANNOUNCES TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIP WITH RAYS WHEELS FOR NEW BMW AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES PROGRAM TO DEBUT IN 2009


HILLIARD, Ohio (October 22, 2008) - As Rahal Letterman Racing continues to prepare for its first year with its new BMW GT2 program in the American Le Mans Series, it today announces that it has partnered with RAYS Wheels in a technical agreement that will see the high-end wheels used on the new BMW M3 next season.”We are proud to become technical partners with Rahal Letterman Racing and BMW North America,” said RAYS Overseas Marketing Director for RAYS, KJ-Yamaguchi. “We pride ourselves with providing the best performing wheels on the highest of motorsport stages and the Rahal Letterman team provides the perfect match to our first entry into ALMS.”

The new BMW M3, with RAYS Wheels, is set to make its 2009 racing debut in the American Le Mans Series’ season kickoff event - the historic Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring - to be held March 18-21.

“When entering the top level of production car racing it is key to deploy a top level approach,” said BMW North America Motorsports Manager Martin Birkmann. “This holds true for the people involved but also for the competencies of the technical partners that make significant contributions to the success of the program.  Rays is a great partner and its wheels represent the top echelon of race and performance car engineering.

“When undertaking a new project such as this, you want to align yourself with people that can perfect your program, and our partnership with RAYS Wheels will do that,” said team co-owner Bobby Rahal. “RAYS and BMW both hold themselves to high standards and use all their resources to provide efficient, lightweight products that not only hold up to the rigorous competitive demands of the race track, but are eye-catching and draw attention from everyone that experiences them.”

 

 

 

Rays Co. Ltd, established in 1973, is a world-class manufacturer of high end forged and cast wheels for both high-level OEM and aftermarket. Most known for their patented mold forging technologies, RAYS has continually strived to bring meaningful wheel products that not only improve on the appearance of the vehicle, but provide an improved driving experience and safety through the highest technology. The application of the highest technology enables RAYS to offer wheels that have the most effective blend of lightness, durability, rigidity and safety. Their wheels are manufactured and tested 100% in house and verified on the racetrack. RAYS participates in the highest level of motorsport, which includes F1, ALMS, Lemans, Super GT, WTCC, BTCC, Touring car, and more.