The WedsSport TC105N (left) and the TC105X (Right)

Since 1993, the TC series wheel has been the go-to choice for those looking for a strong, rigid and lightweight wheel at a price point under quality forged wheels. After twelve years of the TC105N carrying the torch of its forefathers, the time has come for it to retire. 

For many of the TC105N’s current fans, many of you may be asking one very important question: Where does Weds go next? What will the next generation TC do that the current one can’t? After all, the TC105N has many achievements under its belt, such as setting TWO records for GTAC and WTAC, Hill climb records with Carl Marcum and countless victories with Michele Abbate and many other racing disciplines. (N. American achievement)

  
Michele racing her Scion FR-S with WedsSport Wheels.

 The WedsSport TC105X in the flesh. 

If we look at the trends of past TCs, we see that each wheel became stronger  than the last, with evolutions in wheel design as WedsSport sought to make wheels that pushed the limits of weight reduction without entering the forging process and compromising the strength and rigidity of the wheel. With the TC105X, Weds has engineered the wheel to work with the vehicles of tomorrow; vehicle trends have shown cars to become heavier as more safety equipment and luxury features are added, with manufacturers increasing engine power output correspondingly and increased tire grip performance.

As a weight, power increase and brake performance heavily taxes a wheel with additional load, the TC105X has been designed with tomorrow’s cars in mind. Weds has beefed up important structural elements, revised the shape and profile of certain structures and trimmed off material in necessary places. With a new range of sizes available, the TC105X opens up wheel choices to those with larger, higher power cars. 

Research & Development

  WedsSport BANDOH #19 Lexus RC-F GT500 class racecar with the TC105X

Like its predecessor, the TC105X’s research and development began in Japan’s SuperGT racing series. WedsSport’s partnership with Racing Project Bandoh has given it the opportunity to develop wheels for the GT500 and GT300 class of racecars, making it the perfect testing ground for the TC105X. Since the 2014 SuperGT season, the WedsSport TC105X has performed severe racing duty for BANDOH’s GT500 and GT300 class racecars in forged magnesium form. The precious data collected from the rigour of motorsport was vital when the aluminum version of the TC105X was developed. WEDS’s commitment to motorsport-based testing makes it part of the few manufacturers which develop wheels by putting them directly on the front lines. 

Disclaimer: The TC105X used in the images below is a pre-production model with a different color than final production. Both wheels used in the comparison images are 18×10.5 +12 5×114.3.

First change: Revised N-Frame structure

  
TC105X N-Frame (new)

The N-frame structure on the TC105N was designed as a spoke reinforcement designed to take the 10-spoke wheel design to the next level. By adding the N-frame structure, wheel rigidity was heavily increased, and impact dispersion from various road-hazard forces and vibrations was superb. 

  TC105N N-Frame (Previous)

The TC105X’s revised N-Frame structure includes a larger, more raised reinforcement along the side of the spoke with a peak where the structure ends. This has the effect of increasing spoke rigidity and structural strength in an area where impact stress on the edge of the barrel is channeled. 

Second change: Spoke Side-Mill Cut

  TC-105X Side-Mill cut

A technology first introduced on the WedsSport SA-55M, the TC105X features large side mill cuts on the spoke window next to the N-Frame. Not only does the side mill cut allow us to shed unnecessary weight, it also allows us to increase the surface area of the spoke. In comparison, the TC105N has a flat spoke profile on the neighboring window of the N-Frame. 

  TC105N alternating spoke

Third Change: Advanced barrel profile

  
As a wheel’s barrel acts as a connecting bridge between the face and rear of the rim, it plays a crucial role in a wheel’s integrity. If the barrel is too thick, it will add too much weight and disrupt the balance of the wheel; if the barrel is too thin, it is prone to damage from hard knocks, vibration and deflection. WEDS has updated the AMF (Advanced Metal Forming) manufacturing process for the TC105X. 

The updated barrel profile of the TC105X features a drop-center similar to the newer WedsSport SA series. This new drop center acts as a reinforcement for the face of the wheel when the car is cornering hard. The anti-slip grooving returns on the TC105X, helping the wheel stay beaded in situations where the wheel and tire experience high amounts of stress. 

 The updated AMF process creates a conical barrel shape compared to the TC105N’s flat barrel profile. This new conical barrel allows greater compatibility with large diameter brake kits; this change will allow most customers to run a larger braking system without having to step up to a larger wheel diameter. 

Fourth Change: Modified Flanges, front and rear

  TC105X rear flange (new)  TC105X front flange (New)

As both the front and rear flanges are the furthest leading edges on the TC105X and are thus subjected to many types of abuse, they were also revised. The front flange was flattened, and the rear flange was greatly thickened. This all falls in line with WEDS’s goal of producing a wheel for larger, more powerful cars. 

  TC105N rear flange (Previous)  TC105N front flange (previous)

Fifth change: trimmed weight behind the spokes
  TC105X rear spokes (New)

Further weight reduction on the back of the spokes shows our commitment to weight reduction, no matter how big or small. We were able to achieve this while keeping the strength of the wheel the same.

  TC105N rear spoke (previous)

Sixth change: Weight reduction in the center hub area

  TC105X center hub (new)

The center hub area with its signature “drop” area has had additional weight trimmed off the inner walls where it is not necessary. 

   TC105N center area (previous)

Seventh Change: Enlarged rear mounting surface (Not pictured)

The rear mounting area has an enlargened surface area for increased rigidity in the hub contact points, increasing cornering stability

Eigth change: Paint finish

  
The updated color for the TC105X is the EJ-Titan finish, the perfect finishing touch for the TC105X.

Compared to the TC105N’s 50nm paint thickness, the TC150X’s paint thickness is 16nm, (less than 1/3 the thickness). Paint can add quite a great deal of weight, and the new finish utilizes vacuum deposition of the aluminum paint to reach the new thickness. 

The Brilliant Deep Coating used in the TC105X uses “Vapor Deposition Aluminum” Technology which prevents light diffusion, for a finish which seems to shift in color depending on the viewing angle. This new paint technology also creates a flatter surface by reducing overlapping for a shinier metallic finish. The wheel also undergoes silica treatment, and chemical resistance has been improved. 

The wheel’s high reflective properties, a byproduct of the new paint finish is part of an experiment that was utilized by Weds Japan during R&D testing. The WedsSport BANDOH GT500 class racecar’s TC105X wheels featured a polished mirror surface for the inner barrel, which was designed to repel heat from the massive brakes. As metal is a heat conductor, the rising temperature can have an adverse effect on the nitrogen inside the tire if enough heat is applied. Although the production wheel does not have a polished mirror inner barrel, the reflective surface carries the same principle design.  

Production Details

The TC105X will be available for purchase beginning in the summer of 2018 with initial sizes of 17″ and 18″ offered. 15″ and 16″ sizes will be available in 2019. We will have more information available on our site and social media channels as time goes on, so please check back for updates.

WEDS is very proud of the TC105X and we cannot wait to see what our customers will be able to achieve with this wheel. 

WEDSSPORT: IT’S MORE THAN JUST A WHEEL….IT’S AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE

TC105X Size and Spec Sheet