In the world of Japanese performance tuning, the Volk series of wheels made by Ray’s Engineering have always stood head-and-shoulders over everything else. And whenever you think about anything Ray’s, their flagship TE37 wheel usually comes to mind, being probably the most famous and common design they’ve ever created.
In recent years the TE37 has become somewhat over-used in my opinion, though don’t let that sway you into thinking I don’t like them – I don’t think there is a car made that looks bad when shod with a set of these. Lately though, I’ve noticed that the CE28N has become a lot more popular, and in recent memory I’ve seen more cars sporting them than just about anything else – though I must mention a lot of them are fakes, albeit some of them quite good ones.
The CE28N has always been my favourite creation that came out of Ray’s factory – which you might notice from the banner I use on this blog – and it’s a bit disheartening to see them on so many cars now. I mean, I’m happy for Ray’s to be doing so well for themselves by selling this so may of this design, though I’d probably think twice about putting them on my car when I got to that decision with my next vehicle.
I think if there’s ever an automotive museum built one-hundred-odd years in the future celebrating Japanese tuning and they have a section dedicated to wheels, I have no doubt the TE37 will hold pride of place in the most prestigious spot, I just think the CE28N is starting to steal a bit of their thunder.
Whatever happens, they’re both absolutely gorgeous sets of wheels that I’d love to have on any car I own; unless I ever get that Ferrari F430 I’ve been dreaming of lately, then I think I’ll stick with the stock items that come with it.
- Leon.
