0MY CARTThe Truth About Motegi Racing Wheels
March 24, 2021
The infamous Motegi Racing Wheels has been around for quite some time and was originally developed for high-end racing enthusiasts. This still holds true today because Motegi has been involved and still is heavily involved with almost everything racing and motorsports that you can think of; it's their bread and butter.
So, how did Motegi get to where they are today?
Quick Links:
- Motegi Racing Wheels History
Motegi Racing Wheels History
Motegi Racing gets its name from the Japanese prefecture, Tochigi, which is the home of the Twin Ring Motegi that was founded by Honda Motorsport and introduced everything automotive related to the car community.
Motegi falls under the Wheel Pros umbrella which collectively owns ten different companies, Motegi being one of them.
Their wheels are made for high-end racing enthusiasts, not necessarily for the daily driver, but that doesn't mean you won't see Motegi wheels out in the wild.
Motegi mainly focuses on their racing heritage and inspiration which is very well represented online. This is what they know and care about and ultimately want to be known for.
Motegi is one of only two brands to have partnered with Ferrari so you could say they are doing alright. They take great pride in what they do and want to be the very best wheel brand in the racing industry which has gotten them very far.
Despite not being incredibly popular in the streetcar scene, they make some absolutely stunning wheels that would do very well for those involved in autocross or other types of racing.
Popular Motegi Wheels
Motegi wheels are known for their durability on the track and their ability to handle really hot conditions due to their huge emphasis on racing and motorsports.
Their wheels are renowned for their cornering abilities which is why they make such great racing wheels for both high-end racers and the autocrossers. Their most popular models are the MR145, MR146, and the MR148
The Motegi MR145
The Motegi MR145 is one of their most popular wheel models because of its versatility, lightweight, and classic JDM styling. The MR145 features a thinner 6 spoke design only weighing 19.73lbs!
This track-inspired wheel has the look and feel of those in forged wheel market and clears big brakes which is a huge plus for those on the STI, Evo, for ST platforms, for example.
The technology used to create such a lightweight and strong wheel is Motegi's flow-formed manufacturing.
This process actually strengthens the material of the wheel by changing the grain structure of the aluminum.
The Motegi MR146
The Motegi MR146 is another one of those versatile wheels that suits a variety of different styled cars. This wheel is a 12 spoke design offered in 15x8, 17x7, 17x8.5, 18.8.5, and 18x9.5 with two finish options, Black and Hypersilver.
This wheel was also designed to support cars with big brakes from the factory or cars with aftermarket big brake kits. This also fits that lightweight wheel checkbox with its largest size, a 18x9.5 +45, weighing only 19.77lbs!
The Motegi MR148
Lastly, we have the Motegi MR148 which is a really unique 13 spoke design. This Motegi wheel model starts at 16.98lbs for a 15x7 size and maxed out at 23.15lbs at their largest size, 18x9.5.
This particular model is offered in the stunning Matte Bronze finish that so many love and rightfully so. The thin spokes of the MR148 feature steps which give it another level of dimension.
Closing Thoughts
You may not see Motegi on that many streetcars at car meets and such because of this, but they actually make some pretty bangin' wheels that are lightweight and racing-inspired.
Their long and intense history of racing and motorsports from 25 Hour Le Mans, the IMSA, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and everything in between.
It's an incredible portfolio of racing experiences and they use all of it to create some lightweight wheels that the enthusiast community should definitely take advantage of, especially if you're an avid autocross racer or participate in other motorsports.
Comments (0)
Be the first to leave us your thoughts!