How long has it been since I’ve done a wheel post?  Too damn long!  Although honestly the reason is because I have not seen any new designs lately have piqued my interest; until today!  Granted the Weds Sport SA-50M may not be that “new” (although it still says the design is new on the website) but its new to me!  I really love the almost “sculpled” shape of the spokes and the grove (which kind of resembles a sword blade) is pretty sweet.  I can see a lot of people having fun doing custom paint schemes with this design.

I think in the near future this wheel will really catch on with the Scion FR-S crowd.  If you want to be among the first then I suggest you hit up your local Weds Sport dealer ASAP!

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Earlier today, the guys at Mackin Industries posted a preview picture on their facebook page of the next evolution of Volk TE37.  The new wheel called the TE37RT (RT stands for “Rigid Tune”) is designed to be just as light as the TE37SL but with a barrel that is “5-7% stiffer”.  It also features a diamond-cut rim flange, anti-slip bead, and machined logo.

The guys at Mackin say the new TE37RT will be released sometime in the middle of this year and so far the “burning red” color you see here will be the only hue available, although that will likely change at some point.  Most popular 5 lug bolt patterns will be available including 5×130 for Porsche 997 and GT3′s.  Sizes range from 17×9.5 up to 18×11.

Going by the picture (full pic by clicking the thumbnail below) it looks like the new TE37RT will also be right at home on the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ.  I can’t wait to see the new TE’s up close!

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Little by little Vorsteiner is venturing out from their usual German nameplate tuning into other regions of Europe like the UK with their Bentley packages and Italy, starting with Ferrari and now continuing with a full tuning program for 2009+ Lamborghini Gallardo LP models.  The new program named “Renazzo V” completely transforms the Gallardo into a full-on carbon fiber switch blade, adding several new angles and edges to increase its aggressive look and save weight.  The aero package has at least nine total pieces to help better channel air and add downforce while keeping weight gain minimal.  The package is finished off with a set of aluminum forged Vorsteiner wheels.

Right now the pictures below are just a preview.  This package will not be available until February/March of 2013 and as of now the MSRP is unknown but I would venture a guess that it will be in the $15-$20k range.  That price is shocking for us regular folk but probably chump change for the men and women that make up Vorsteiner’s clientele!

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Listen up Euro fan boys.  Vorsteiner just dropped new meshie shoes for your “insert awesome European car here”.  The new VS-400 is a concave, step-lipped, three-piece mesh wheel that is right at home on something like a BMW 1M.  The great thing about this design is that it adds some class without the yuppieness.  You are not going to see some glittery shirt, flat billed cap-wearing, tribal band tattooed douchbag rocking these bad boys.  That is one of the best things about Vorsteiner, they only market to the people who can appreciate what they produce.

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I just saw a sneak peek via Mackin Industries twitter feed at yet another new TE37 variation.  As the post title suggests it is dubbed the “Tokyo Time Attack- Progressive Model”.  It might be hard to tell in the picture but one of the first big differences with this new TE37 is that instead of the iconic sticker the Volk Racing logo is now engraved into the spoke.  Since moving/removing/changing the sticker is popular with some TE37 owners, the engraved spoke may not be great news.  For those who like the original TE37 sticker but are tired of having to replace it after it peels/fades then the engraved spoke is awesome news!  Personally, I think it looks fresh.  Click the thumbnail below for a larger pic.

Since this was just a sneak peek I have no information on pricing, weight, or release date but I imagine all of that will be public soon.  You might want to follow Mackin Industries to make sure you get the scoop ASAP.

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The CLS has a special place in our hearts at MotorworldHype as my buddy and co-founder RJ de Vera once had a Mercedes Benz CLS of his own a few years ago; So whenever we see something new for the CLS it usually grabs our attention pretty quickly.  Owners of the current (W218) CLS 63 AMG might be happy to know that Vorsteiner is working on a tuning program for the “coupe” that should be releasing near the end of the summer.  Vorsteiner kept things simple with this package by keeping it to a subtle lip in the front, front grill replacement, fender appliques, understated side skirts, a rear diffuser, and boot lid spoiler.  As always each part of the aero package is made from Vorsteiner’s autoclaved carbon fiber.  The program is finished off with a set of forged Vorsteiner wheels (19 inches up to 21), a titanium exhaust, and custom Vorsteiner floor and trunk mats.

So far there is no word on MSRP or exactly when the program will be available.  As of now all we have to go on is “late Summer 2012″.  I would probably make a guess that we should see it ready for sale towards the end of  August.  If I get anymore updates I will post them ASAP!  In the meantime check out some very realistic renderings of what the program will look like when its released.

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Hot from my inbox is news that HRE has launched the new Competition C90S series of wheels today and I can already pick out what I think will be one of the favorites.  The new series consists of three designs but the wheel that sticks out the most to me is the C96S.  When I first saw it I thought this is likely what the offspring of a TE37 and a BBS LM would look like yet it is still uniquely HRE.  The three piece construction makes it look elegant while the spoke design evokes some serious strength and motorsport readiness.  In fact, the C96S is the wheel of choice for the crazy Pikes Peak NSX built by LoveFab Inc. which has been making the Internet rounds lately. 

I would expect to see a lot more of this wheel and the other wheels in the new C90S line at this year’s SEMA show.

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It has been a while since I have done a wheel post so jumping back into it I wanted to make sure I came back with something good.  Thus, I present to you the Vorsteiner VS-310!  This is one of the few “split-spoke” designs from Vorsteiner and like the other split spoke designs the VS-310 has a nice aggressive look.  Sizes start at 19″ and go up to 22″ and widths go from 8″ to 13″ so you can go big and wide if you want.  I will pause here so you can form your double entendres….got them?  OK!  Anyhow, the VS-310 is a pretty sweet wheel for the Euro guys, heck you might want to sport this with some of the higher end Japanese cars.  I can see the VS-310 looking very nice on a Lexus IS, Acura NSX, or even a Nissan 370Z. 

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The TE37 has been around for a few decades now and no matter what Rays Engineering/Volk Racing does to it, they still have not found a way to make this wheel look ugly.  It is just not possible!  Anyhow Evasive Motorsports got a preview of the newest color variation on the TE37SL or “Super Laps”.  The TE37SL “Black Edition” will feature a “pressed black” finish and two “luminous” wheel spoke decals.  Not sure if by “luminous” they mean the decals would glow in the dark, but it would be pretty damn fresh if they did!  So far there has been no MSRP or production numbers announced but Evasive says the wheels should be available sometime in October of this year.  If you want a set you should give them a call.  If they like you they might let you pre-order a set.

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[Source: EvasiveMotorBlog]

HAMANN has finally dropped their new tuning program for the new F10 BMW M5 and I have to say, it walks a fine line between “over the top” and “just right”.  To their credit they did tone down on the vents and wings and double wings, etc for this program.  I am guessing they are getting to know their customer a little better and they probably realize that anyone who is willing to change the looks of the already beautiful F10 M5 isn’t willing to change too much.  It is just as well then that HAMANN has gone for the “subtle aggression” vibe for their newest package.  The body is widened about 25mm in the front and 30mm in the rear thanks to some over fenders and there are a few really nice hints of carbon fiber here and there to set things off.  Although I am not sure if the HAMANN body panels themselves are made completely from carbon fiber or not so if you are interested you might want to look into that.

In addition to the aero package HAMANN will also throw in a set of 21 inch forged three piece aluminum wheels.  To lighten things up further titanium bolts are used to secure the wheel face to the barrel.  HAMANN also says that a performance package is in the works that would include an exhaust and a re-worked engine management system that together will squeeze another 160hp and 162 ft-lbs of torque out of BMW’s twin-turbo V8.  Although, for now there is no release date for the performance package.  Until then  you might be perfectly content with the mere 560hp you get out of the box.

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