When the team at APEX Race Parts initially reached out to the Volkswagen community with the intention to offer a race-focused wheel line for the MK7 Golf chassis, the feature and functionality requests from engaged enthusiasts was overwhelming. We quickly learned there were numerous gaps in the current aftermarket offerings, and as a result we made it our mission to engineer better wheel solutions for VW drivers on and off the race track.
Specifically, there was demand for an aggressive, strong, and lightweight 17” track-focused wheel line with the ability to clear many of the popular big brake kits that typically forced enthusiasts to use 18″ wheels. For weekend track warriors and racers, running unnecessarily large 18” wheels meant more weight, less tire sidewall, and higher tire running costs. Enthusiasts also unanimously agreed that they wanted hub-centric wheels made specifically for the MK7 Golf chassis, so they could do away with the use of centering rings.
As a response, APEX developed 17” and 18” wheels in both 8.5” and 9” widths to ensure all types of drivers have access to the right wheel fitment for their specific needs. Leveraging laser scanning and exhaustive on-car fitment testing sessions, our engineers optimized the barrel shape and spoke curvatures of the SM-10 design which allows our most track focused 17×9” wheel to clear the popular Macan/Q5 340mm brake upgrade, as well as noteworthy aftermarket BBK’s like Essex AP Racing and StopTech 355mm kits.
Here are just a few of the features that set our new Volkswagen race wheels apart:
– Multiple MK7 Golf chassis-specific widths and offsets to optimize performance and support popular track/race tire compounds. – Wheel design and spoke curvatures based on in-depth studies of each chassis, and numerous laser scans of factory brakes. – High clearance barrels that result in maximum brake clearance. – “I” beam spokes that remove unnecessary material and weight. – Knurled beading reducing unwanted tire slippage. – True VIA certification with load ratings that meet JWL requirements. – Manufacturing that uses toolings built exclusively for Volkswagen production, which means no compromises. – Volkswagen specific 5×112” bolt pattern and 57.1mm hub bore for a hub-centric fitment. – Designed to accept OEM MK7 center caps and factory wheel hardware. – Stocked on the shelves in healthy quantities to ensure you have wheels when you need them most.
WHEEL REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
These wheels are covered under APEX’s famous no-questions-asked wheel replacement policy. If you damage a wheel in any way, such as curb rash, off-track excursions, potholes, or berms, you only pay 50% of the replacement cost. See full terms and conditions for details.
NEW VOLKSWAGEN 17″ & 18″ SM-10 FITMENTS:
17” SM-10 17×8.5” ET43 17×9” ET42
18” SM-10 18×8.5” ET43 18×9” ET42
- Bolt pattern: 5x112mm
- VW, GTI, MK7
- Wheel design: SM-10
- Wheel diameter: 17"
- Wheel diameter: 18"
- Fitment type: OEM+
- Fitment type: Performance Street and Track
- Wheel line: Flow Formed Evolution Line
Geirsen Kalhagen
Geirsen K.
Geirsen (pronounced “gear-sen”) has been a Product Expert at APEX Wheels for more than four years, specializing in VW/Audi and BMW wheel fitments. Prior to joining APEX, he worked for five years in various roles at a BMW dealership, including detailing, service, and BMW Genius. During this time he participated in multiple, corporate training classes in the technical and motorsport aspects of new BMW models. The first car he ever purchased, at the ripe old age of 17, was an E46 325i sedan. That car introduced him to the automotive enthusiast world and instilled a passion for driving that has continued to grow ever since. More recent rides include a Z4M coupe and a 2011 335i, both of which allowed him to further expand his driving skills at HPDEs. Fun Fact: After picking up a Tacoma in his home state of Washington, Geirsen now tows his boat to the river more often than he tows a car to the track.
Have questions about wheels for your VW/Audi, or BMW? Use our contact form and ask for Geirsen.
