Wheel brand
Volk Racing
Volk Racing is the flagship forged-wheel line from Japanese manufacturer RAYS Engineering, founded in Osaka in 1973. An absolute benchmark for performance and JDM culture, the…
Encyclopedia profile
History, reputation and uses
Volk Racing is the high-end brand of RAYS Engineering (officially RAYS Co., Ltd.), founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1973 by Masumi Shiba. From the outset, the company focused on aluminum forging, a method that produces a wheel that is denser, stiffer, and lighter than traditional casting. In 1981, RAYS created a racing division to develop its processes in competition, then acquired its first 5,500-ton forging press in 1986, marking its entry into high-end forged-wheel manufacturing. The brand first made its name in the 1970s with multi-piece mesh-face models (the Volk Mesh), before building its legend on forged monoblock wheels. The TE37, launched in 1996, illustrates the company philosophy: "TE" stands for Touring Evolution, and the "37" refers to the original target weight of 3.7 kg for a 15x6-inch wheel. Six spokes, a single piece of A6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum: a design that became one of the most copied in automotive history. At the heart of manufacturing, RAYS operates an in-house forging press capable of applying up to 10,000 tons of pressure, among the most powerful in the world. This force creates a grain flow that follows the shape of the wheel, optimizing density and strength where stresses are highest. All Volk Racing wheels are forged, finished, and inspected in-house in Japan (Ami plant). The lineup covers track, drift, time attack, endurance, and sport-road use, from the ultra-light racing models (CE28N, TE37) to more dressed-up touring wheels (G025). Present in Super GT, drifting, and at Le Mans, Volk Racing remains a global reference as much for its performance as for its cultural status in the JDM scene.
Recommended use: Volk Racing is aimed first and foremost at sport and performance vehicles: Japanese and European compacts, sport sedans, coupes, and rear-wheel-drive cars. The lightweight models (TE37, CE28N, TE37SL) are well suited to the track, time attack, sprint, and sport-road use where every gram counts. The more structured designs (ZE40, G025) target rear-wheel drive, drift, endurance, and demanding road use. These are high-end aftermarket wheels, not original equipment; you choose them for weight savings, stiffness, and character. In Quebec, validate the bolt pattern, offset, center bore, and brake clearance before purchasing.
Technologies and manufacturing: All Volk Racing wheels are forged monoblock (1 piece), an exclusive RAYS process that presses an A6061-T6 aluminum billet under very high pressure. The in-house press reaches up to 10,000 tons, creating a continuous grain flow that makes the wheel denser, stiffer, and lighter than a cast or flow-formed wheel. This alloy is 100% aluminum, unlike some "aluminum" wheels with lower content. The models pass the Japanese JWL and VIA standards, and several meet the stricter internal JWL+R Spec 2 standard, which requires roughly twice the testing. Some racing editions have also been produced in forged magnesium for additional weight savings. CAD machining optimizes spoke thickness according to width and offset.
Key takeaways
- La TE37 est l’un des designs six branches les plus copiés et reconnus au monde.
- Les modèles Volk sont associés au forgeage, à la rigidité et à la réduction de masse.
- La gamme sert souvent de référence dans les comparatifs de roues performance.
Strengths
- Forged monoblock construction offering an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio
- Real reduction of unsprung mass (gains in handling and braking)
- Manufacturing, finishing, and quality control entirely carried out in Japan (consistent quality)
- JWL/VIA compliance and the more demanding internal JWL+R Spec 2 standard
- Strong resale value and recognized cultural status in the JDM scene
Points to check
- High price, among the most expensive on the forged-wheel market
- Widespread market of counterfeits and replicas (TE37): buy through an official channel
- Availability and lead times vary by size, finish, and bolt pattern
- Fitment choice sometimes limited for certain North American models or SUVs
- Sport finishes more exposed to salt/calcium corrosion if used in winter without maintenance
Models & families
Volk Racing wheel models
The CE28N is one of the lightest wheels in the Volk Racing lineup, a monobloc forged design known for its slim, slender-spoke styling. Designed with CAD and built using RAYS' exclusive forging process, it ranks among the lightest and strongest aftermarket wheels available. It has been offered in both six-spoke and ten-spoke configurations, allowing extreme weight savings to be paired with a precise look depending on the application. Its purpose is clearly performance-oriented: track, time attack, sprint, and lightweight sports cars where reducing unsprung mass is a priority. Like every Volk Racing wheel, it is forged, finished, and inspected in Japan and certified JWL/VIA, with testing that exceeds regulatory requirements. In Quebec, it's a purist's choice for a sporty compact; its thin spokes and finish call for careful maintenance, and you should confirm the bolt pattern, offset, center bore, and especially brake clearance, since these very light wheels are often fitted to cars with large brakes.
View the model profile G025 multi-piècesThe G025 is a monobloc forged wheel with a mesh double five-spoke face (a 2×5 configuration), with a dressier style inspired by endurance prototypes, including the old Le Mans racers. Where many split five-spoke wheels use 6.5 mm spokes, the G025 goes down to 5 mm thanks to RAYS' advanced forging methods, lightening the whole wheel without sacrificing strength. A design particularity: the bolt holes are positioned at the center of the spokes rather than between them, accentuating the mesh effect. Despite its complex appearance, it remains forged and built for heavy loads, making it suitable for demanding sport street use as well as endurance racing. It targets sport sedans, coupes, and premium rear-wheel-drive cars looking for a more refined look than pure race models. Available in several diameters (notably 19 inches) and editions (LTD, GC, LC), it fits well on high-end cars. In Quebec, confirm bolt pattern, offset, center bore, and brake clearance.
View the model profile GT090 forgée JDMGT090 is a Volk Racing wheel family to be documented according to the sizes, bolt patterns, offsets, and finishes available in the official catalog. It should be linked to the site's vehicle, size, and usage filters.
View the model profile RE30 flow formedRE30 is a Volk Racing wheel family to be documented according to the sizes, bolt patterns, offsets, and finishes available in the official catalog. It should be linked to the site's vehicle, size, and usage filters.
View the model profile TE37 forgée JDMThe TE37 is Volk Racing's iconic model: a six-spoke forged monoblock wheel launched in 1996. "TE" stands for Touring Evolution and the "37" refers to the original target weight of 3.7 kg for the original 15x6. Forged from A6061-T6 aircraft alloy under RAYS's in-house press, it combines extreme lightness with high rigidity, which has made it a benchmark in track, time attack, drift, and sport street driving. Its simple, functional design has become one of the most copied in automotive history, hence the importance of buying through an official channel. Offered in a vast range of diameters, widths, offsets, and bolt patterns, the TE37 covers everything from Japanese compacts to sport sedans. In Quebec, it is chosen to reduce unsprung weight; validate the bolt pattern, offset, center bore, and brake clearance, and consider a dedicated set if running it year-round against road salt.
View the model profile TE37 Saga S-Plus multi-piècesThe TE37 Saga S-Plus (Sport plus) is a modern evolution of the TE37: a one-piece forged wheel in which every detail has been reworked and optimized to increase safety margins. It retains the TE37's six-spoke spirit while incorporating RAYS's most recent manufacturing advances. It is a one-piece forged wheel that meets the internal JWL+R Spec 2 standard, stricter than the Japanese JWL/VIA norms. Offered in popular sizes (for example 18x9.5) with various bolt patterns such as 5x100, 5x114.3, and 5x120, and even a Center Lock version for specialized applications, it targets contemporary sport and performance cars, valves included. In Quebec, it is a good choice for a recent sport sedan or coupe (compatible with several WRX/STI models depending on the spec sheet); validate the bolt pattern, offset, center bore, brake clearance, and TPMS compatibility before purchase.
View the model profile TE37 Ultra multi-piècesTE37 Ultra is a Volk Racing wheel family to be documented according to the sizes, bolt patterns, offsets, and finishes available in the official catalog. It should be linked to the site's vehicle, size, and usage filters.
View the model profile TE37SL flow formedThe TE37SL is the Super Lap version of the TE37, conceived as a lighter, more performance-focused variant. RAYS removes superfluous material, eliminates the traditional center cap, and refines the profile to save weight while retaining the strength of a one-piece forged A6061-T6 wheel. It carries the TE37's six-spoke silhouette but with a distinct aesthetic treatment (finishes and markings specific to the SL series) that makes it recognizable. This version is aimed at the most demanding uses: track, time attack, sprint, and sport street driving where weight reduction is paramount. Like every Volk Racing wheel, it is forged, finished, and inspected in Japan and meets JWL/VIA standards. In Quebec, it is an enthusiast's choice for a sport car; check availability of sizes and offsets, the center bore, and brake clearance, and keep in mind that a racing finish requires ongoing maintenance if it faces salt in winter.
View the model profile TE37V forgée JDMTE37V is a Volk Racing wheel family to be documented according to the sizes, bolt patterns, offsets, and finishes available in the official catalog. It should be linked to the site's vehicle, size, and usage filters.
View the model profile ZE40 flow formedThe ZE40 is a more recent Volk Racing design, a monobloc forged ten-spoke wheel that maximizes strength while reducing weight. Each spoke receives a sculpted aesthetic treatment, with up to four different concave profiles depending on width and offset, giving it pronounced depth and a strong presence. Designed primarily for front-engine, rear-wheel-drive cars, it emphasizes reduced unsprung mass and excellent brake clearance, which explains its popularity in Super GT and drift. Forged from 6061 aluminum under RAYS' in-house press, it offers a rigidity that casting and flow-forming cannot match. Available in several diameters (notably 18 and 19 inches) and variants (Club Racer, Competition, M-Spec), it targets both the track and the high-end sport street segment. In Quebec, it's a stylish, high-performance choice for a rear-wheel-drive car; confirm the bolt pattern, offset, center bore, and brake clearance before buying.
View the model profileTechnical
What to confirm for a compatible wheel
fitment
Point technique à valider selon le véhicule, l'usage, la dimension et les recommandations du fabricant.
entraxe
Le bolt pattern doit correspondre exactement au moyeu du véhicule. Une approximation rend la roue incompatible.
offset
Le déport détermine la position de la roue vers l'intérieur ou l'extérieur et influence le dégagement des ailes et des freins.
alésage central
Le center bore doit être compatible avec le moyeu ou corrigé avec des bagues de centrage adaptées.
indice de charge
La jante doit supporter la charge du véhicule, surtout pour VUS, camionnettes, remorques et usages commerciaux.
TPMS
Point technique à valider selon le véhicule, l'usage, la dimension et les recommandations du fabricant.