A product of Japan’s golden era of wheel design, the SSR Hiro V-2 Libra stands as one of the most distinctive and technically advanced five-spoke wheels ever produced. A rare collaboration between Hiro Engineering Ltd. and Speed Star Co. (SSR), the V-2 Libra was the second in a four-wheel series following the infamous Hiro V-1(R), and debuted in 1987 as a bold evolution in both form and function.
The V-2 Libra pushed visual boundaries with its asymmetrical dual-five-spoke layout; a sculpted, almost aerodynamic twist on the traditional five-spoke format. This wasn’t only for show. The design was deeply intentional, playing with airflow and spoke tapering to achieve a sense of speed even at a standstill. Its multi-layered face, aggressive offsets, and deep lips gave the wheel an unmistakable presence, whether tucked under flared fenders or sitting flush on classic JDM platforms.
Constructed as a true three-piece modular wheel, the Libra was offered in 14", 15", and 16" diameters and supported a wide array of bolt patterns, including 4- and 5-lug applications ranging from 100mm to 114.3mm PCD. Finishes included white, gunmetal, black, and chrome. Often matched with a high-polish lip and signature gold hardware that signaled premium craftsmanship. As a detail of particular rarity, this example features SSR’s cutting-edge EX-C Electron Center Lock system; an engineering flex far ahead of its time.
The EX-C system wasn’t a gimmick. It utilized a key tuned to a specific magnetic frequency, which, when turned counterclockwise under spring tension, retracted internal teeth hidden inside the center mechanism. This effectively disengaged the wheel’s locking engagement from the wheel nut walls, allowing for removal. It was a showcase of mechanical innovation and a glimpse into the obsessive detail SSR poured into its top-tier offerings during the late '80s and early '90s.
Despite a production span that stretched nearly a decade, the V-2 Libra was never mass-produced in large volumes, and today, surviving sets are exceedingly rare. Complete, original wheels with EX-C center caps are almost never seen for sale, making them a holy grail item among SSR enthusiasts and vintage wheel collectors. They are typically found only on high-end show builds, private collections, or vintage JDM restorations done with period-correct accuracy.
In the world of Japanese wheel manufacturing, the SSR Hiro V-2 Libra represents a perfect collision of design audacity, technical experimentation, and subcultural legacy.