RAYS Forged Wheels

RAYS (RAYS Co., Ltd.)

Definition and Core Positioning
RAYS is a Japanese aftermarket wheel manufacturer founded in 1973, widely celebrated for its advanced forging technology and lightweight engineering, and recognised as one of the premier performance wheel makers globally. Headquartered in Japan, the company initially focused on the R&D and production of motorsport wheels before officially establishing its motorsport division in 1981 to supply wheels across various racing categories. Driven by its core philosophy, "The concept is racing", RAYS draws its engineering expertise from extensive involvement in top-tier motorsport arenas such as F1, WEC, WTCC, Super GT, and the American ALMS endurance series.

Evolution of Forging Technology
RAYS' dedication to forging technology serves as the cornerstone of its brand reputation. In 1986, RAYS commissioned a 5,500-tonne forging press to produce high-strength forged wheels, followed in 2005 by the industry's first 10,000-tonne forging press, allowing wheel rim wall thicknesses of less than 3 mm. RAYS' proprietary "Spinning Forge" technology utilises a dual-pressure forming process: a raw aluminium billet is first forged into a wheel blank via a hydraulic press, after which the rim barrel is spun into shape, delivering extreme weight savings without compromising structural integrity. Forged wheels produced by this 10,000-tonne press achieve a 107% higher load-bearing capacity compared to conventional standards and easily comply with RAYS' stringent in-house "JWL+R" testing standards.

Core Product Lineup
VOLK RACING stands as the flagship forged sports wheel brand under RAYS, engineered with direct motorsport pedigree to deliver maximum rigidity and ultra-lightweight performance. Leading the lineup is the iconic TE37, a legendary staple in the car tuning scene since its inception, which has spawned key variants such as the TE37 Saga, TE37 Ultra, and the off-road-focused TE37XT. The CE28 ranks among the lightest models in the VOLK RACING stable, featuring slender multi-spoke styling; its updated CE28N-plus variant offers reinforced structural strength tailored for modern high-performance compact sports cars while preserving its featherweight profile. The 10-spoke ZE40 employs an extensively optimised spoke cross-section to achieve ideal stress distribution across 5-lug fitments, harmonising functional strength with an aggressive aesthetic. Meanwhile, the G025 series strikes an impeccable balance between sharp elegance and sportiness, featuring razor-thin 5 mm spokes that retain remarkable rigidity, alongside the heavy-duty G025GC variant engineered specifically for large SUVs and heavier vehicles.

Motorsport Heritage and OEM Operations
Motorsport DNA is deeply embedded in RAYS' history. As an established wheel supplier for race machines across diverse categories, RAYS has campaigned in premier championships such as Formula 1, the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship), Super GT in Japan, and the American ALMS endurance series. This race-proven R&D directly translates into track-ready capability for road-going consumers. In addition, RAYS acts as an OEM wheel supplier to multiple automotive manufacturers, covering both forged and cast alloy wheel production while running dedicated facilities for each to uphold strict quality control and consistency.

Applications and Buyer Positioning
RAYS offers a comprehensive product portfolio catering to everything from daily street driving to full track use, spanning sedans to SUVs. According to automotive buyer guides, the VOLK RACING forged series is ideal for spirited driving and track days, unlocking maximum vehicle dynamics at the limit thanks to superior stiffness and low unsprung mass. For 4x4 enthusiasts, RAYS' off-road lineup (including the TE37XT, 05X, and G025GC) is engineered to meet JWL-T standards, readily handling the heavier payloads of pick-up trucks and full-size SUVs. Drivers seeking executive luxury and exquisite finishing can turn to the VMF and HOMURA series for a more premium approach. Positioned firmly in the high-end aftermarket tier, RAYS wheel pricing reflects advanced forging costs, decades of motorsport pedigree, and the premium quality of authentic "Made in Japan" manufacturing.