Going Forged: Fitting TE37 On My Beemer!

Let's face it, most of things in life are unexpected.  We tend to plan everything as much in advance as possible, but yet day in and day out we are facing the unknown forcing us to make decisions that just a few minutes ago were unimaginable.

Just like that, on a cold January night I drove into Super Autobacs to get my car washed and then go on about my own business.

As I was waiting for a member staff to attend to me, I was checking out their impressive wheel collection, and then I saw this.  A set of Volk Racing TE37 Progressive Tokyo Time Attack for a price that just had to be wrong. (price in large red ink includes a set of their most overpriced tires; sometimes I find it hard to follow JDM thought pattern)

Having read the price in small square box on top and confirming with very helpful staff that it wasn't some kind of mistake, it turned out that it was the last set and they just wanted to get rid of the stock ASAP, so immediately I handed them the cash, and this was done.

Naturally, there is only one thing left to do after worlds most renowned wheels are fitted, it is to grab all the camera gear I could carry, get in the car and head down in search for location.

After completing calendar project for Carguy I knew exactly where to go - across AquaLine to the most scarcely populated part of Chiba - Boso Peninsula.  After all, most valuable asset in car photography is space.  Open space with as little things getting in the way as possibly.  While you in California may be taking this for granted, for us in Tokyo.. Well, sometimes we have to fight for these locations, and I am not exaggerating!

As it snowed on the previous day and the weather was rather windy I was greeted by some of the cleanest air I have ever inhaled, naturally for camera junky like myself this was a good thing.

To begin with, let's take a closer look at these magnificent wheels.

"Progressive" Tokyo Time Attack series is one of the latest limited production additions to the TE37 lineup.

The wheels are manufactured with the same Rays RM forging method, but feature diamond cut process as well as manufacturing a of larger lip and trimming of excess material around center hub area, ultimately deriving further weight reduction without impacting structural rigidity of the wheel.

TE37TTA don't have the concave face that we have seen on examples such as TE37SL or Ultra, but have a deep dish look that is certain to make plenty of visual impact. 

Size is pretty similar to Rays Homura 2x7 that I had before: 19/8.5J/35 front

and 19/9.5J/35 rear. 

The fitment is only 1mm wider, but with different design of the outer rim the tire appears less stretched, transforming the stance of the vehicle to a more functional look.

Well, I can't complain.  TE37's are state of the art, extremely light weight forged wheels that are common in the racing world.

Will I ever spot the difference in the dynamics as I drive around, well, I already did.  First impression is that car became more composed, handling became lighter and more responsive as feedback from the front wheels has substantially improved.

I am yet to try any sort of spirited driving as I am anxiously looking forward to the trip to the mountains.  Unfortunately this time around there is risk of icing on the pavement and with overall temperatures close to 0C, conditions are less than ideal for the summer tires.

With such a drastic image change of the car I have to think what should I do next.  Carbon parts come to mind,

but then my thought pattern was brutally interrupted by most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.  Japan has shown me her true colors, instantly stopping me in my tracks.

With that said, before I even noticed it was sunset; meaning I had to turn around and head back as the famous Aqua Line could get a bit busy during these hours.

Thank you for reading everyone, next update will be from HKS Premium Day, until then, please don't forget to check out bonus images below, follow, share, and comment
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