The introduction of a new wheel design by Enkei is always an event among car enthusiasts. And, the Kojin and Tenjin are no exception. Enkei Tuning Series wheels are a perennial favorite among those looking to upgrade the performance and look of their vehicle with an option that's lightweight, strong and stylish.
The Enkei Tuning Series Kojin takes the traditional five-spoke design and adds just the right contours to give it an aggressive tuner look without being too loud. Enkei Tuning Series' Tenjin is the latest addition to the Enkei lightweight tuning line. In keeping with Enkei’s design philosophy, the Tenjin exhibits nine spokes carefully designed to achieve ultra high rigidity while maintaining low weight and style.
Both the Kojin and Tenjin are built using Enkei's state-of-the-art MAT Technology and SPEC-E wheel testing:
MAT Technology
Enkei developed a manufacturing process to produce the next aluminum wheel generation. The Most Advanced Technology (M.A.T.) combines one-piece cast wheel technology with a rim forming technology called spinning process. Using this new technology of casting and rim forming by MAT process is critical to improve the material property and strength of the wheels. Rim-Rolled technology shapes the rim to improve material elongation without sacrificing the wheel's hardness.
SPEC-E
All Enkei wheels are engineered to pass rigorous testing. In fact, Enkei established its own test standard called “Spec-E,” which is tougher than JWL requirements. Enkei’s Spec-E test setting requires a higher drop point in the impact test and 20% more cycles for the rotary bending fatigue and dynamic radial fatigue tests than JWL standards. The Spec-E represents Enkei’s confidence in its technology and quality of their wheels.
With the new 2014 Mazda6, Mazda has built the family sedan a mom and dad will want to drive.
Have you just brought home or ordered your new Mazda6? If so, you've made an excellent choice! Owners of this vehicle in a fair weather state may be looking to upgrade their Mazda6 with some new wheels. However, if you reside in the northern part of the country, you may want to consider adding some winter / snow tires to your purchase.
We were fortunate enough to bring a 2014 Mazda6 in for test fitting this past week. So expect it to appear as an option in our Upgrade Garage shortly. We'll have plenty of choices for both summer wheels, as well as winter options.
For example, Enkei Performance Series makes the Falcon in both a hyper silver with machined lip and gunmetal with machined lip finish. This clean, five-spoke design is an ideal complement to the 2014 Mazda6 Sport.
Wheels are ultimately in the eye of the beholder, however I like how the hyper silver with machined lip finish looks on a black Mazda6. For the soul red, meteor gray, liquid silver and snowflake white pearl colors, I'd select the gunmetal with machined lip finish because it offers more contrast between wheel and vehicle colors.
Now you can zoom, zoom with a little bit more style!
The RC-G4 is Enkei Racing Series' design for rally use. It's constructed using Enkei's MAT technology for optimum strength and light weight.
MAT combines Enkei's MAP (Most Advanced Production) and flow-forming forging technology. MAP is a highly automated system. Each process is connected in a single-piece flow system that transports wheels from the melting process, through heat treatment and on to machining. The flow forming process produces a finer, more even aluminum structure, yielding a light yet strong wheel.
In addition to advanced manufacturing, the RC-G4 has been carefully designed for the demands of rallying. The large center area helps prevent debris and gravel from lodging in the brake system, while the many short spokes optimize strength and allow cooling air to reach the brakes.
Enkei's state-of-the-art construction and quality control, combined with carefully optimized design give these wheels excellent resistance to impacts, stresses and damage.
The contour of the barrel and face of the wheel are designed to optimize brake clearance. This allows for the largest possible calipers and rotors within a 15" wheel. Proven in use on Group N rally cars, these wheels are truly race ready!
Selecting wheels for a vehicle is subjective based upon one's taste and ultimately up to each individual customer. Here at Tire Rack, we offer many different brands to suit the various tastes of our customers.
While I'm frequently asked, "What wheel would look best on my car?", I must admit it's a very difficult question to answer. Even though I've been customizing cars for years and certainly have my thoughts as to how things should be done, my feelings don't always match that of the consumer.
When I do weigh in, I try to recommend wheels that aren't overstated, of good quality and are as purposeful as possible. For customers looking for a wheel that is durable, good looking and extremely lightweight, one of my favorite choices is Enkei's PF01.
Part of the Enkei Racing Series family, this product weighs as little as 10 lbs. in certain sizes and maintains a much lower price point than other high-end wheel manufacturers. The broad range of bolt patterns and sizing of this wheel allows it to be used on a wide variety of vehicles.
The 4x100 bolt pattern is a popular choice for Honda and Mazda Miata owners, while the 5x114 option has proven to be very popular on countless other makes and models. Besides the physical allure of this wheel, it's proven quite handy when trying to clear Big Brake Kits due to its large amount of spoke clearance.
When considering aftermarket wheels or aftermarket rims as they are commonly called, take a look at many of the various wheels from Enkei. With many wheels to chose from, your tastes doesn't have to exactly mirror my own.
If you're an automotive enthusiast, you likely know the name Enkei for their outstanding high quality aluminum alloy wheels. Enkei has been producing lightweight, strong and reliable wheels in Japan since 1950 for everything from Original Equipment options to Formula One and WRC rally racing. The
Enkei Racing Series is their highest level of aftermarket wheels and incorporates their MAT process and extensive testing that exceeds JWL and VIA strength standards.
MAT stands for "Most Advanced Technology" and is a process that combines Enkei's MAP (Most Advanced Production) and flow-forming forging technology. The complete MAT process has a drastic impact on the microstructure of aluminum and results in outstanding improvement of the mechanical property of the material. With wheels and tires becoming larger, use of the MAT process to manufacture wheels becomes even more important. In order to reduce weight under a vehicle's suspension, larger wheels must remain light. Enkei Racing Series' newer generation of 10% - 15% lighter weight, forged MAT wheels are stronger and retain optimum anti-flex properties.
One of Enkei Racing Series most popular wheels is the
RPF1. The RPF1 is available in a variety of bolt patterns in diameters from 14" up to 18" to fit a large number of vehicle applications from a 1990 Mazda Miata to a 2012 Nissan 370Z. Some of the most popular vehicle applications are Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, Subaru Impreza WRX, Mazda MX-5 and Honda S2000 cars. It's also available in many different finishes including
black painted and
bright silver paint.
Check out this photo of a 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX with the Enkei Racing Series RPF1 wheels in a black painted finish.
To check to see if this wheel is available for your vehicle, shop by vehicle. Our site will show you the complete list of wheels that fit your car and let you view them on the vehicle. You can also pair up your wheels with high performance tires to create a Tire & Wheel Package that's ready to install upon arriving to your home or installer.
If you're someone who notices the details on any vehicle, you can probably recall seeing a nice set of black wheels only to have your eyes wander to the bright silver valve stem. These silver valve parts look out of place on a black aftermarket wheel.
Tire Rack offers an optional black TPMS sensor / valve part kit for $2.99 per wheel. Therefore, when you order black wheels like the O.Z. Racing Ultraleggera or Enkei Racing Series PF01, they can arrive with the complete black-out appearance. Purchasing the optional black sensor kit can provide you the look you desire at a very low price!
To view black wheel options for your vehicle, shop by vehicle and filter by finish to view all black finished wheels for you application.
Enkei Racing Series custom wheels feature the latest designs, composite alloy technology and casting and forging processes. Enkei's quality testing surpasses stringent JGTC standards. This dedication to perfection helps them deliver the best in modern alloy wheels.
Creating the unique styles for today's market, Enkei Racing Series wheels are manufactured using the MAT (Most Advanced Technology) process. This combines one-piece cast wheel technology with a process of spinning the rim. Using this technology, casting and rim forming by MAT will drastically improve the strength of the wheels. Rim-rolling technology shapes the rim to improve material elongation without sacrificing the wheels' hardness.
The following two options are not only a few of my favorites, but also two of the lightest we offer. The RPF1 is a classic Japanese tuner style look and is available in a 14", 15", 16", 17" and 18" rim diameter. Featuring a much more modern look, the PF01 showcases a 10-spoke design with snap-in, exposed lugs. Both wheels look great without center caps, as this is appealing to drivers of autocross and where there are track regulations.
Since the release of the Subaru BRZ and its twin the Scion FR-S, we have been able to get both vehicles to Tire Rack's headquarters for measurements. First indication is that these very capable cars have been very "under tired" from the factory. Despite its excellent poise and impressive skidpad numbers, the BR-Z and FR-S are shod with a narrow 215/45-17 all-season tire from the factory. Such a fitment, although good for fuel efficiency and tread life, severely inhibits the cars' true performance. The wheels also seem a bit too narrow and use a very conservative high offset which makes them appear sunken into the fenders.
Based upon our measurements, these two cars are capable of running a 245 width tire on all four corners -- utilizing anywhere between a 17"-19" wheel. If you're wanting to run a staggered set-up, the rear fender arches can accommodate a width up to 265mm with the correct wheel.
Autocross and track driving participants will likely wish to use a square set-up to maintain the car's balance. The hot set-up for these, in my opinion, would be a 17x8 wheel using a 245/40-17 tire at all four corners. This tire size allows for many popular street tires to be installed including the Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08, Bridgestone Potenza RE-11, Kumho Ecsta XS, Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec and Hankook Ventus R-S3. Are you looking to utilize a purely competition tire? You may find interest in the Hankook Ventus Z214, BFGoodrich g-Force R1, Hoosier A6 or Hoosier R6
With many tire choices available, as well as a large inventory of wheels from manufacturers like Enkei Racing Series, O.Z. Racing and Sparco, the best way to start looking for your desired set-up is to view our Tire & Wheel Packages.
Good news for those running stock class in SCCA that have their Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S.
Enkei Racing Series is making a version of their popular RPF1 wheel in a 17x7" size with an offset of ET42. Weighing in at a scant 14.5 lbs, the wheel will be a great choice for both vehicles. The 5-100 bolt pattern wheel is available in both the black and bright silver finish.
While we aren't expected to receive this wheel until the fall, it will definitely be worth the wait. Especially If you're going to compete in the stock class. Feel free to check out all of the wheel options for your BRZ or FR-S.
This past week, I decided it was time to get the grime, filth and brake dust off of my bright silver Enkei Racing Series PF01 wheels.
Luckily, last year, I assembled a kit of Griot's Garage cleaning products. My advice for anyone who gets aftermarket wheels is to invest in a good cleaning kit. My kit includes:
I have to say, I really am impressed with the Wheel Cleaner. It's the centerpiece of my kit. This premium product is made of biodegradable ingredients so you don't have to worry about its impact on the environment. Since the product is environmentally friendly, it's not a spray-on, spray-off cleaner. You'll have to use some "elbow grease" after giving the cleaner about a minute to start working. This product is approved by BBS, and recommended by Tire Rack. For those drivers who own chrome wheels, Griot's Garage makes a Chrome Wheel Cleaner made from citrus oil. Remember to pick up the Finest Sprayer as it fits all Griot's Garage 35 ounce bottles.
When it comes to cleaning wheels, I like to clean one at a time with a Detail Sponge. Next, the 3-Finger Detail Mitts allow me to get into the finer spots of the wheel around the lugs. The sponges have just enough "scrub" to them to remove most of the grime with one swipe. After they're clean, I rinse and use a microfiber cloth to dry. Once dry, I apply the Paint Sealant with another Detail Sponge and 3-Finger Detail Mitt. Lastly, is the buffing and my wheels are bright silver again!
Check out Griot's Garage products to find a premium cleaning product for every surface of your vehicle.
After what seems to be decades of waiting, the first Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ are beginning to arrive.
Initial vehicle availability will be tight. Here at Tire Rack, we're still waiting to get them in our studio to be photographed. Thanks to the help from our suppliers, we've been able to post a preliminary list of compatible wheels for the FR-S and BRZ (fitment is obviously the same for both). The Original Equipment wheel is 17x7, 5-100 48mm offset. Many drivers will prefer a wider, lightweight wheel with the same offset.
If you prefer a wheel that weighs less than 18 lbs., the list is narrowed down to: the 17x8 45ET Enkei Racing Series RPF1 in black or bright silver, 17x8 48ET O.Z. Racing Alleggerita HLT available in matte graphite silver, white, black, orange, blue, gold and red, the Enkei RP03 in bright silver (the black painted version is estimated to arrive in June) and the Ultraleggera HLT in black, bright silver, matte graphite silver and gold.
As for tires, I'd go with 225/45-17 sizing to complement the wider wheels. Personally, I prefer the 25" overall diameter better than the slightly larger 25.3" 235/45-17 tires. When making your tire choice, consider the best value Extreme Performance Summer tires discussed in a previous blog post, as well as the Toyo Proxes R1R and Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08.
Switching out your vehicle's heavy, factory steel or alloy wheels is one of the easiest bolt-on performance upgrades for your track vehicle. Just by switching to a lighter weight wheel, your car will instantly feel quicker and respond better compared to your stock wheels. The rotational force to get a lighter weight wheel to move and stop is less, therefore the engine and braking system of the car can now respond quicker. Reducing the unsprung weight by switching to a wheel with less weight will also reap benefits when cornering - as the shocks and springs will have less weight to dampen during rebound and compression - keeping the car more stable on the track.
Typically, the answer to a lighter wheel is purchasing a fully forged alloy wheel, however, this option can be expensive. There are many highly engineered cast alloy options that are more affordable and provide a great bang for your buck.
These wheels are designed to achieve the strongest wheel possible using the least amount of material. Many cast wheels are created the opposite way from a track wheel: form over function. The wheel looks good, so people want to put it on their car and dress up their ride. A track wheel is designed to provide the function of being lightweight over the appearance of the chrome clad bling you can add to your car.
Many autocross and road race customers have had excellent results with Kosei K1 Racing, Kosei K1 TS, Enkei RPF1, Enkei PF01, TRMotorsports MT1 and TRMotorsports C1. And some of these wheels start at an astonishing 13.5 lbs. in 15x7!
Enkei has a rich history dating back over thirty years, originating in Japan with a focus on lightweight aftermarket and Original Equipment wheels intended for high-performance applications. In fact, Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and his team rely on Enkei wheels for their durability and weight savings for their race cars.
While many new vehicles come equipped with Enkei wheels from the factory, including Subaru, Mitsubishi and Honda, many consider the older designs to be what built the Enkei brand and reputation. With that in mind, Enkei is revisiting some of their classic designs from the past and has recently introduced the Apache II in select 15" sizes for Honda, Toyota, Datsun/Nissan and other four lug applications.
The Apache II model is available in both machined with black accent and sliver machined with clearcoat, four spoke finishes with a polished lip. Apache II wheels feature simulated assembly bolts to give the illusion of a multi-piece wheel but with a more cost-effective, one-piece design.
Be sure to check out all the wheels in Enkei's Classic line to see if one is a good fit for your vehicle.
Enkei has been best known for offering high-quality wheels that are lightweight and durable for smaller sports cars. Recently, the company introduced the Raijin wheel that features the classic split-spoke design for larger sport sedans and even SUVs in an 18" diameter.
The Enkei Tuning Series Raijin combines the very desirable spoke design that has become a timeless classic with the latest MAT technology to provide additional strength with less aluminum. Raijin wheels are a great fit for the following vehicles:
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Audi A4
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BMW 3 Series
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Subaru WRX
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VW GTI
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BMW X3
Available in a black painted, gunmetal painted and hyper silver finish, make the wheel a part of your next Tire & Wheel Package.
I've been seeing more posts and questions about the Enkei Tuning Series Raijin wheel on the BMW forums. Enkei has been producing high quality wheels since the 1950s and is well known by racers and tuners.
This lightweight performance wheel is hub centric for the BMW 3 Series in most sizes and offers outstanding quality. The wheel even carries a lifetime structural warranty. One particularly popular fitment is a staggered 18" setup for 2006-2012 BMW 3 Series cars (often referred to as E90 and E92 on the forums). This 18x8 front and 18x9.5 rear set-up weighs in at approximately 21 lbs. per wheel. The wheels allow for use of the popular sizes of 235/40R18 up front and 265/35R18 on the rear.
The wheel is available in three finishes:
The Enkei Tuning Series Raijin is available for many vehicles besides BMW. Audi, VW, even Nissan 370 Z and Infiniti G37 car fitments are available. The warm weather is here; so enhance your vehicle's look with a Tire & Wheel Package today.
New for 2012, Enkei Tuning Series has released the Raijin, named after the Japanese god of thunder.
Enkei did a fantastic job of creating a beautiful, functional wheel. The face of the spokes have just enough of a cut to create some contrast on the wheel, while the concave center adds a touch of softness.
Raijin wheels come in an 18" diameter and are available in a black painted, hyper silver and gunmetal painted finish. The Enkei Tuning Series Raijin wheel offers the following features and benefits:
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14-spoke
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One-piece, cast construction with MAT Technology
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Snap-in center cap
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Exposed lugs
2012 Ford Focus 5-Door
If you're someone who notices the details on any vehicle, you can probably recall seeing a nice set of black wheels only to have your eyes wander to the bright silver valve stem. These silver valve parts look out of place on a black aftermarket wheel.
