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Official APEX VW VS-5RS Forged 17" & 18" Wheel Thread

APEXWheels

Autocross Champion


Introducing The All-New APEX Forged Sprint Line
Engineered Specifically for MK6/MK7/MK8 VWs

Our forged Sprint™ line was built to be extremely light while still offering a meaningful strength increase over our flow formed wheels. Engineered for drivers looking to shed as much weight as possible to improve lap times.


➡︎ 10K ton forged 6061-T6 aluminum

➡︎ Stronger Sprint™ spec inner lip

➡︎ Side-milled spokes for reduced weight

➡︎ Massive brake clearance

➡︎ Unmatched replacement program

➡︎ Lifetime structural warranty

➡︎ Independently tested and certified








VW Specific Fitments




10K Tons Of Pressure


Our new forgings weigh as much as 120 pounds before machining. To form such a thick blank we require special equipment capable of 10,000 metric tons of pressure. This extreme pressure increases the strength of the aluminum by eliminating porosity and improving the grain structure.

True Motorsport Blanks


Many companies use 3rd-party blanks intended for non-motorsport wheels which can severely limit sizes, concavity, spoke design, and critical brake clearance. We designed our very own blank profiles from scratch which gives us total control over the final product, resulting in exceptionally deep spokes and stronger designs.

Learn more about our true motorsport blanks.

Side-milled Spokes


One of the most significant upgrades to our Sprint wheels is the addition of wider and deeper side-milled spokes. Any excess material that doesn’t add strength is carved out using a precision CNC ball cutter. Side-milling is often deemed cost-prohibitive by others, but for true performance without compromise we believe it's essential.

➡︎ 40-50% Wider
➡︎ 50-100% Deeper

Learn more about our wider and deeper side-milling.

A Stronger Lightweight Wheel


Our forged Sprint™ wheels are lightweight without the strength compromises found on typical lightweight wheels. First, we carved out as much material as possible, then we purposefully added one pound back to reinforce critical areas, creating a stronger inner lip and a higher load rating.¹ What’s the point of a lightweight wheel if it’s fragile?

Weight Optimize


We conducted extensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to reinforce high-stress areas and to remove material where it didn’t improve strength. The result is a wheel that is exceptionally light without the strength compromises found on typical lightweight wheels.

Independently Tested


We don't rely solely on computer simulations or unverifiable in-house testing. We believe independent testing is critical to protect consumers in this unregulated industry. We chose STL, an independent lab in Ohio, to test our Sprint™ wheels far above JWL standards, including increases in testing duration, impact drop height, and total load.

Learn more about our rigorous independent testing.

Tough Inner Lip


Introducing the Sprint™ spec inner lip, with a unique channel profile that makes it even stronger than our previous designs. So even though our Sprint™ wheels are pounds lighter than comparable flow formed wheels, the inner lip is 32% stronger.

Learn more about our Sprint™ spec inner lip.


Big Brake Clearance


From day one, APEX has been on a mission to build wheels that clear big brakes. Our new forged wheels are the product of everything we’ve developed over the past 10+ years, including an innovative high-clearance barrel design and vehicle-specific spoke profiles.

Deeper Concavity


Our new forgings were redesigned to create extra deep, concave spoke profiles. Their new shape allows us to make any profile, from flat to deep and everything in between. Each one is optimized for a specific application using 3D laser scans of factory and aftermarket brake kits.

Paintless Knurled Beads


Whether it's a day at the track or months of street driving, repeated hard braking and acceleration can make a tire slip along the bead seat and go out of balance, causing vibration. Knurled beads help, but are less effective when painted over. Our forged line features unpainted knurled beads that stay sharp and maximize grip.

Learn more about why our forged wheels have unpainted knurled beads.


Built for impact sockets


Track wheels need track tools. Don’t settle for wheels that require undersized tuner lugs or thin walled sockets. All APEX wheels accommodate over-sized race lugs and impact sockets to make swapping wheels lightning fast.


Laser-Engraved Specs



As track enthusiasts ourselves, we know how frustrating it is to try to locate and decipher wheel specs that have been hastily hammered into the rim or become unreadable over time. With our new Sprint™ wheels, we chose to invest a little extra and laser-engrave the specs on the barrel, in plain sight, making them easy to find and read. (You’re welcome.)

Additional Features

Hub Centric - All APEX VW/Audi wheels with a 5x112mm bolt pattern are purpose-built featuring a 57.1mm center bore. No centering rings required.

Center Caps - We don't charge extra for caps and we design our wheels to be interchangeable with the OE center caps for enthusiasts seeking a clean factory look. All wheels come with our gloss Black APEX caps included. We also offer optional gloss red and gloss blue VW/Audi spec APEX caps.

Hardware - APEX wheels can be used with all OEM VW/Audi R13 Ball Seat mounting hardware, OE-Spec aftermarket hardware, and wheel spacers.

Lifetime Warranty


All APEX wheels come with a lifetime structural warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, plus a 1-year finish warranty. Exchanges are fast, easy, and hassle-free.

Learn more

APEX Wheel Replacement Program


Curb rash or pothole damage on the street? Make an oopsie at the track? We’ve all been there. APEX is proud to offer 50% off replacement wheels, no matter the damage.

Learn more

A Fitment For You


We’ve tirelessly test-fitted hundreds of setup combinations in order to provide direct-fit, spacer-free wheel packages for everything from showroom-fresh cars to all-out race builds. Our detailed fitment guides help you avoid costly trial-and-error and walk you through every step of finding your perfect setup.

Explore our MK6 Golf/GTI/R Fitment Guides

Explore our MK7 Golf/GTI/R Fitment Guides

Explore our MK8 Golf/GTI/R Fitment Guides

Questions?
Call: 925-245-0773
Email: expert@apexraceparts.com
Web: www.apexraceparts.com
Hours: M-F 9a-5p PST
 
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APEXWheels

Autocross Champion
We greatly appreciate all of the interest thus far. While many here already have direct experience with our existing wheel designs for the VW, I recognize that some of you may still not be familiar with APEX.

After 15 years of engineering lightweight flow formed wheels for motorsport use, we knew it was time to leverage our growing in-house engineering department and everything we had learned over the years by adding forged wheels to our offering. To be honest, it took much longer to launch this Forged Sprint Line than we would have liked, but most of that was due to the fact that we had to create custom motorsport blanks to ensure we could deliver the motorsport features we wanted our wheels to embody. Many wheel companies market their wheels as track/motorsport oriented, however, not all of them truly deliver when when you look past the surface.

Here are some good supportive blog articles and videos that dive further into the details of what sets our newest Forged Sprint Line wheels apart:

Testing to a Higher Standard

All Wheel Blanks are not Created Equal





- Geirsen
 

APEXWheels

Autocross Champion
With 32 pledges locked in 62 enthusiasts on the interested list, we are seeing some great momentum as we wrap up the first week of this deal. With just under a month remaining in our 17” VS-5RS Group Buy, there is still plenty of time for us to reach the max discount of $300 off plus free shipping*.

Just as a friendly reminder, it is important to note that our Group Buys are “first come, first served”. With that said, the sooner you lock in your official pledge, the higher the chances are that you will be able to get your preferred finish/fitment!

Meatier Tires and Faster Lap Times: The Benefits of 17" Wheels

When we initially reached out to the VW community with the intention of developing a track-focused wheel for the Golf, GTI, and Golf R, we quickly recognized the lack of aftermarket 17” wheels that prioritized functionality. Many of the 17” aftermarket wheels available to VW enthusiasts were not designed from the ground-up for a chassis-specific application, nor were they offered in fitments that the VW track community desired. This resulted in many enthusiasts needing to run spacers and/or centering rings if they wanted to use 17” wheels, and even then, brake clearance was still a major concern. For the MK7 GTI and Golf R specifically, 18” wheels were often the only option available for a hub-centric track wheel that could clear larger OEM and aftermarket brake kits while providing a performance-focused fitment.

With our long history in grassroots motorsports, we understand that many enthusiasts have to pursue their passion on a tight budget. When it comes to consumables, the price difference between a set of 17” and 18” tires can typically equate to another full day at the track. As enthusiasts ourselves, we recognize the value of any additional seat time that we can get throughout the season.

Taking into consideration that larger diameter wheels are quickly becoming more popular amongst enthusiasts, we feel that it is worth diving into some of the benefits that come along with downsizing to a proper track-focused 17” wheel.

The Main Benefits of 17" Wheels

+ Less weight

+ Lowest price

+ Less expensive tire costs

+ Additional wheel protection against road hazards or going off track

+ Can fit taller tire sidewalls for improved ride quality

+ Provides a functional and performance-oriented appearance


Here are a few examples of track-focused VWs running our 17x9” ET42 VS-5RS wheels in Brushed Clear, wrapped in 255/40-17 Hankook RS4 tires:







-Geirsen
 

APEXWheels

Autocross Champion
Update Time!

With 39 pledges and 78 listed as interested, we are well on our way to reaching the maximum discount of $300 off plus free shipping! With 20 days remaining, there is still plenty of time to jump in on this deal to secure your own set of track-focused 17x9" ET42 Forged VS-5RS VW/Audi wheels at a significant discount.

For your viewing pleasure, here are a few shots from our recent MK8 GTI photoshoot. This particular MK8 GTI is completely bone-stock and is running a set of 17x9" ET42 VS-5RS in Brushed Clear wrapped in 255/40-17 Hankook RS4 tires:





-Geirsen
 

APEXWheels

Autocross Champion
Max Discount Unlocked!

We have officially passed the 50+ pledge threshold to unlock the maximum discount for this deal of $300 off plus free shipping!*

If you haven't already, now is the time to lock in your pledge. This deal is first come, first served. The sooner you submit your official pledge to the deal, the higher the chances are you will get your first preference on wheel finish/fitment. With only 12 days remaining, you do not want to miss out on this incredible discount for our all-new 17" track-focused and fully-forged VS-5RS VW/Audi wheels!

For your viewing pleasure, here are a few of our favorite shots of Golf MK7 forum member @ckuhns MK7 GSW!


Specs:

APEX Wheels Forged VS-5RS in Brushed Clear

F/R: 17x9" ET42 with 245/40-17 Hankook RS4 tires


Golf R Front Bumper

APR Stage 1 Tune - 91 Octane

APR 350mm Front Brake Kit

GTI Powerpack Rear Brakes

Bilstein B16 coilovers with 034 Motorsports Camber mounts

034 Motorsports Front and Rear Swaybars








-Geirsen
 

APEXWheels

Autocross Champion
Only 6 days remain in our 17" VS-5RS Group Buy!

With 71 pledges and 147 enthusiasts listed as interested, we are well past our goal of unlocking the max discount for this deal of $300 off plus free shipping! With 6 days remaining, there is still some time to join this Group Buy to claim your own set of our all-new 17x9" ET42 Forged VS-5RS wheels at an incredible discount! For both the MK8 GTI and MK8 Golf R, these wheels can clear the factory brakes without any additional spacing.

For your viewing pleasure, here are a few shots from our recent MK7 GTI photoshoot. For those curious, you can find the full mod list for this car below:

Mike's 2019 MK7 VW GTI Autobahn

APEX Wheels Forged VS-5RS in Brushed Clear

F/R: 17x9" ET42 with 255/40-17 Hankook RS4

Motor:

AFe Dry Filter, OEM Airbox Mod
034 Turbo Intake hose
034 Turbo Inlet Pipe
Neuspeed Front Mount Intercooler (black)
Neuspeed Hi Flo Turbo Discharge Pipe
Neuspeed Turbo Muffler Delete
034 Boost Hose Kit
RS3 Coil Packs
RS7 Spark Plugs
Forge Motorsports Air/Oil Separator
034 Billet Oil Filter Housing
Spullen DSG Oil Catch Can
034 Upper & Lower Dogbone Mount Inserts
FluidDamper Engine Damper
EQT Grounding Kit
COBB ABS Module Heat Shield
ECS Tuning Brake Master Cylinder Brace

Tune:

Equilibrium Tuning Stage 1 IS20 91
Equilibrium Tuning TCU 7spd DSG Tune
Approximate Power : 310hp - 375ft lbs

Exhaust:

034 Res-X Resonator Delete (mid-pipe)
OEM Down Pipe
OEM Muffler

Chasis:

Audi S3 Aluminum Subframe
iSweep Tunnel Brace
iSweep Rear Sub Frame Brace
EuroSport Upper Front Strut Bar
Racing Line Carbon Fiber Rear Body Brace
TyrolSport Deadset Rigid Subframe Collar Kit

Suspension:

Bilstein B16 Damptronic Coilovers
034 Motorsports RCO Camber Ball Joints
034 Motorsports Adjustable Rear Sway Bar
SuperPro Front Lower Control Arms
SuperPro Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
Moog Anti Sway Bar End-Links

Brakes:

StopTech Trophy BBK (Front)
StopTech Sport Slotted Rotors (F&R)
StopTech Stainless Steel Brake Lines (F&R)
StopTech R660 Performance Brake Fluid
Ferodo DS2500 Pads (Front)

Aesthetic:

Aerofabb Front Splitter v2
Aerofabb Spoiler Extension
RokBlokz Mud Flaps (Short)
Acexxon Motorsports Rear Reflector Delete
Lamin-X Yellow Fog Light Covers (2 Layers)
eBay Paddle Shifter Extensions
Rennline 45mm Competition Wheel Stud Conversion (19mm socket - torque to 90 ft/lbs)





-Geirsen
 

APEXWheels

Autocross Champion
17” VS-5RS Forged Wheel Group Buy Ending Soon!



With a little less than 1 day remaining in this Group Buy, now is the last chance to submit your pledge for a set of our all-new 17” Forged VS-5RS wheels at this incredible price point! With 88 pledges locked in and 164 enthusiasts on the interested list, the max discount of $300 off a set plus free shipping* is fully unlocked, but only for those who officially pledge to the deal.

It is important to note that if you are on the interested list, you will not be included in this deal once it closes. With that said, now is your last opportunity to submit your official pledge to ensure your selections are locked-in! The 17” VS-5RS Group Buy will be closing to any additional pledges on Tuesday August 9th at 11:59 PM Pacific.

If you have any last minute questions regarding wheel fitment or the Group Buy process, please let us know as soon as possible to ensure you have the correct selections once the deal ends.

Happy pledging from The APEX Team!​
 

APEXWheels

Autocross Champion
I'm still waiting to see a 18" setup on a MK8R. Any word when that will happen?!

Hi there,

We currently have our 18x8.5" ET43 and 18x9" ET42 Flow Formed SM-10s in stock and ready to ship, which both provide a great fitment solution for the MK8R. Here is a pic from a recent shoot with our 18x9" ET42 Anthracite SM-10s wrapped in 255/35-18 Michelin PS4S tires on a bone-stock MK8R:



As far as forged 18" wheels go, we ran into some brake clearance issues with the VS-5RS design in the 18x9" ET42 fitment we had planned. This is mainly due to the design of the VS-5RS being a bit more concave on the spoke side, which is great for lower offset and wider fitments but makes brake clearance super tight in slimmer and higher offset VW/Audi sizes. That said, we still plan to offer 18" forged MQB VW/Audi wheels but we are pivoting to an all-new, yet-to-be-released forged design to ensure we still meet our brake clearance requirements without sacrificing any functionality. Stay tuned!

-Geirsen
 

bentin

Autocross Champion
Geirsen, any idea if the minor issues @tigeo ran into with the Sportwagen will come into play in the rear of the Mk8 R? I don't mind grabbing some 5mm spacers for the back if you think it might be beneficial. This is for the 17x9 VS-5RS, I don't think it matters, but 255/40-17 RS4s.
 

APEXWheels

Autocross Champion
Geirsen, any idea if the minor issues @tigeo ran into with the Sportwagen will come into play in the rear of the Mk8 R? I don't mind grabbing some 5mm spacers for the back if you think it might be beneficial. This is for the 17x9 VS-5RS, I don't think it matters, but 255/40-17 RS4s.
From what I have seen, I don't believe it will be an issue on the MK8R. I also feel like that particular clearance issue could be solved with low profile wheel weights placed in a more strategic location to avoid any contact with the suspension components. Considering there are quite a few AWD Alltracks/Sportwagens running around with the 17x9" ET42 VS-5RS setup that did not need to run a rear spacer, I am led to believe it is not a problem that will affect all cars.

-Geirsen
 

APEXWheels

Autocross Champion
Just as a heads-up, our Black Friday sale is coming up shortly with discounts up to 30% off across our entire catalog! You can check out the details on our Pre-Sale page below:

APEX Black Friday Sale 2022

If you have any fitment or technical questions before placing an order, please feel free to reach out to us here or via PM!

-Geirsen
 
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