BBS FL

As the fourth pillar

It was created through a collaboration between in-house designers and engineers at BBS Japan. It inherits the distinctive BBS cross spokes, but this time the five cross spokes branch out in two stages. It's an outstanding design that follows tradition while also conveying a new image of BBS. — It was created through a collaboration between in-house designers and engineers at BBS Japan. It inherits the distinctive BBS cross spokes, but this time the five cross spokes branch out in two stages. It’s an outstanding design that follows tradition while also conveying a new image of BBS.

No individuality can exist without a solid foundation. No matter how times change and trends change, I believe BBS is a wheel manufacturer that remains true to that foundation. Although it originated in Germany, it has grown into BBS Japan, making full use of Japan’s outstanding die forging technology. The forged wheels made by BBS Japan are now recognized worldwide as the pinnacle of excellence.

However, never resting on their laurels is the source of their tradition and what makes BBS Japan unique. They are constantly innovating while carefully preserving their cross-spoke design and their own in-house die forging process. They are constantly trying new technologies and new designs while keeping the cross-spoke design at the core.

The FL, which was unveiled and released at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, is a symbolic example of this intention. Until now, BBS Japan has developed products based on three pillars: aluminum forging, extra-super duralumin forging, and magnesium forging. However, the Fortega has been established as a fourth pillar, and the FL is the first product to come to fruition. While it is a type of “forging method using aluminum alloy,” it is a new technology that adds ingenuity to the alloy composition ratio and forging process. Compared to conventional products, it is easier to ensure rigidity, and depending on the design, it can also lead to weight reduction.

A beautiful, luxurious finish that suits premium cars

Masataka Yanagida and Kiyoto Fujinami, racing drivers who lead the Central 20 team, have been testing the FL wheels from the development stage, including comparing them with genuine wheels, and have experienced firsthand how powerful they are. — Masataka Yanagida (left) and Kiyoto Fujinami, racing drivers who lead the Central 20 team, conducted repeated tests from the development stage of the FL, including comparing it with the original wheels, and were able to experience firsthand the high performance of the wheels.

Convinced of these strengths, BBS Japan is utilizing them in the rapidly growing popularity of BEVs and SUVs. These vehicles are high-powered and heavy, placing an extraordinary burden on the wheels. While ensuring the load-bearing capacity to withstand these forces, the wheels must also be lightweight and highly rigid to enhance the appeal of the car. A beautiful, luxurious finish befitting a premium car is also required.

The current catalog model is a 21-inch wheel for the Porsche Taycan 4S. “If we’re going to do it, we’ll start with the very best,” is a BBS characteristic. The first Porsche BEV and the FL share the same vector in terms of supporting the electrification era. They plan to expand this to the Cayenne in the future.

And let’s not forget the BMW iX3, which served as the development vehicle for many years. During the development phase, all in-house staff took the wheel and evaluated the car, and test drives were also held for external parties. These efforts clearly highlight the FL’s strong points. The wheels are 21 inches, with 9.0J front and 10.0J rear. While these are one inch larger than the factory M Sport wheels, the light ride is impressive. From the moment you set off, when going over bumps, or when gradually applying weight to a turn, you feel a sense of lightness under your feet, and the tire’s grip is easy to sense. Steering response also seems more agile, as if the large SUV has been shrunk like a hot hatch. Even when gently steering, there was no bouncing feeling, and it was impressive how comfortable it was. In fact, despite the larger wheels, the car is said to be nearly 6kg lighter per wheel.

The high performance of the FL has impressed many professional drivers. Kiyoto Fujinami, who has taken part in numerous tests including test drives, gave this evaluation:

“Even when I put weight on the tires while cornering, I can clearly feel less flex and use the tires more effectively. I also think that the sense of stability at high speeds has increased. I was surprised at how much the feeling changes when the wheels are different, even though it’s the same car.”

High-performance wheels approved by racing drivers

The FL was announced and released at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon, and advance orders for 200 units (50 sets) began, with regular orders starting in April. The color is Selenite Brown. — [1]

The BMW iX3 served as the development vehicle for the FL. The company conducted countless test runs and also held test drives for the media and dealerships. It also served as the lead car for the "TANZO CLUB DRIVING LESSON (Special Edition)" held at the Motor Fan Festa on April 20th. — [1]

Masataka Yanagida, who has also been through the test many times, agreed with this opinion. He has complete confidence in not only the FL but all BBS Japan wheels. This is also because he runs Central 20, a shop specializing in Fairlady Z wheels.

“We take the initiative to install BBS wheels on our demo cars and often recommend them to our customers. We’ve experienced their performance in all situations, from racing to street racing, and from a personal point of view, the design is also outstanding. Of course, they also have a strong brand presence. I think they have all three qualities.”

BBS forged wheels, including the FL, are high-performance wheels approved by racing drivers who are dedicated to shaving off tenths of a second. The FL did not simply pursue dynamic performance, but also aimed to improve comfort, including quietness. The range of vehicle models (sizes) available will gradually expand. “The Fortega story has only just begun. We can’t wait to see how it evolves from here,” an engineer once declared. Perhaps market needs and requests from certain users are what will lead to the expansion of the range of vehicle models available.

REPORT/Daichi NAKAMIGAWA

PHOTO/Nina NAKAJIMA

MAGAZINE/ GENROQ July 2025 issue