Premium Japanese wheelmaker Rays – with sole distributor Stamford Tyres – shows off its newest range of rollers in Singapore

SINGAPORE 

Japanese wheelmaker Rays and its distributor for Malaysia and Singapore, Stamford Tyres, held the Rays World Tour launch event at Cospace Park here this evening.

Unveiled at the event were 21 new wheel designs from the Rays 2019 Summer Catalog (PDF in link) spanning the whole family of Rays’ sub-labels – for a full list of new models, scroll to the end of this story. Pricing details to follow shortly.  

Rays is unique in that it has eight sub-labels each with their own distinct flavour and purpose. Confused? We explain it all below in our sidebar.

Below are some highlights from the new wheel range we saw at the event.

Gram Lights 57DR-X (16-inches) – The 57DR might look familiar as it’s commonly seen on drift cars, but the X model has been developed for crossovers such as the Suzuki Jimny illustrated.

HFullCross ES105 (20-inches) – A large, cast wheel for crossovers/SUVs it stands out with contrast black mirror finishing and the ‘Rays’ logo machined in.

Homura 2X15BD (22-inches) –  A very large 22-inch cast wheel with an intricate spoke design that would look good on a luxury limousine or large crossover.

Volk Racing G025 (19-inches) –  Rays says these wheels have extremely thin spokes, but it’s also very light and strong, made possible only by its own forging and material analysis techniques. 

Rays was founded in 1973 and has taken a different tack from the vast majority of wheel manufacturers that exist today. All of its wheels are made in Japan, and its products occupy a premium position in the market. 

Rays says it uses numerous advanced techniques to produce its wheels, ranging from research and development to actual forging and casting techniques. The former include FEA (finite element analysis), and the company’s own R3 Simulator (which allows it to model cornering forces). The latter span numerous patented production methods, such as its Rays Cast Flow Forming and water cooling during the casting process.

Another important part of that is the company’s extensive motorsport experience (its catchphrase is ‘The concept is racing’) the most high profile of which is the fact that it produced the forged magnesium wheels for Toyota’s LeMans winning TS050 Hybrid. 

“Rays’ wheels really have come from the racetrack to the road,” says Mr Shigeru Mine, the Chief Operating Officer and President of Rays. “We go racing so that we can acquire the technology, know-how and ingredients to make our commercial products possible.” 

(L-R) Mr Wee Kok Wah, president of Stamford Tyres, Mr Shigeru Mine, COO and President of Rays 

Mr Mine told CarBuyer that Rays brand value has improved over the years, especially now that the vast majority of car wheels are made in China. “Our wheels are not inexpensive, but that’s because of what goes into them, including very high quality material and quality checks. We feel we can offer value as a premium brand.” 

Ray Of Light: Rays’ various sub-brands explained

Gram Lights – Rays calls Gram Lights its highest performing cast wheels as they ‘push the casting process to the limits’.
Recommended for: Drivers who favour sport aesthetics and a cast wheel. 
Sample fitment : Japanese classics like the Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R R34

HFullCross – Rays’ series of wheels designed for SUVs and crossovers.  Recommended for : SUV drivers 
Sample fitment:  Lexus RX, Toyota Harrier

Homura – One of the labels that focuses on aesthetics, but in a Japanese style, aiming to push ‘beauty and functionality of wheels to the limit’.
Recommended for: Those who like Japanese minimalist aesthetics and big wheels
Sample fitment:  Lexus LS, Honda Legend

KC Decor – Wheels for kei cars.
Recommended for: Space-efficient people
Sample fitment:  Daihatsu Copen, Suzuki Cappuccino

Team Daytona – A product aimed at a niche market for drivers who want unique and unconventional designed wheels. 
Recommended for: Individualists
Sample fitment:  Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny 


Versus – A cast wheel series that emphasises a European design flavour, for ‘drivers who enjoy dressing up their cars.’
Recommended for: Continental car owners
Sample fitment:  BMW 3 Series, Mini

Volk Racing – One of Rays best known labels, it focuses on light, forged wheels with more simplified designs aimed at motorsports.
Recommended for: Drivers who do gymkhana or track days  
Sample fitment:  BMW M2, Honda Civic Type R, Toyota Supra

Waltz Forged – Like Versus these wheels have a European design influence, but also have a more unconventional look, and are forged for higher performance.
Recommended for: Drivers who need both sport performance and fancier aesthetics  
Sample fitment:  BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLS 


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