While very impressive at the time of release. Many later questioned why the factory 996 Turbo wheel setup was so much smaller than the GT2 with which it shared a body. This has become one of the most popular setups for the 996 Turbo and nothing will help improve performance like a set of lightweight chassis specific wider wheels. This is available in our Apex Forged VS-5RS, EC-7RS, and SM-10RS as well as Flow Formed SM-10. Be sure to check out the Porsche 911 996 C4S & Turbo Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide to see all of the available fitments for your Turbo.
The 996 Turbo debuted for the 2000 model year and delivered astonishing performance for the time. Powered by the impressive 3.6l water cooled flat six derived from the 911 GT1 race car, the 996 turbo pumped out 414 hp through the use of twin turbo chargers. While we don’t recommend anyone get rid of their beautiful OEM turbo wheels, if you plan on hitting the track, need a winter fitment, or just a spare set of extra lightweight wheels for days in the canyons, we’ve got chassis tailored 996 turbo wheels for any application.
What sets the turbo apart on its exterior is a widened rear track and fenders just like the Carrera 4S model. Those wide rear fenders also feature large inlet vents on both sides. Further styling changes included a bespoke front bumper made to accommodate three separate radiators to assist with engine cooling. All 996 turbo and turbo S models came equipped with Porsche’s all wheel drive system. Transmission options included a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed tiptronic shiftable automatic.
In 2002, Porsche began offering the X50 package which consisted of larger K24 turbochargers, larger intercoolers and an X-pipe which netted an increase to 444 hp. Later in 2005, the Turbo S model was released which included the X50 package along with carbon ceramic brakes, and upgraded aluminum faced gauges.
A massively powerful engine derived from the Porsche Lemans prototype, all wheel drive, and a 6 speed manual transmission. Enough said! While not generally a first pick for a full on track build, if you own one of these sweet machines, you owe it to yourself (and the car) to explore its limits out on your local road course. The 996 Turbo is a brilliant machine and you simply can’t approach its limits on public roads.
At the time of writing this, the 996 generation turbo is still the most affordable turbo 911. This should help make the thought of tracking a bit more realistic while still enjoying one of the greatest vehicles made. While quite powerful, the Porsche all wheel drive system does a great job of putting power to the ground in a controlled manner. The classic rear engine layout helps to deliver unparalleled rear end grip to rocket out of corners. After just one track day, we’re pretty certain you’ll be coming back for more! A set of lightweight and wider 996 turbo wheels paired with some sticky tires will make all the difference in both raising your confidence on track and lowering your lap times. There’s really no better mod available for this car.
If we haven’t convinced you to take your 996 turbo out on track, maybe the article from Car Throttle linked below will do the trick!
Six Reasons Why the Porsche 996 Turbo is Not a Bad Track Car
* Designed to fit Porsche 5x130mm center caps
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.
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 to give us total control over the final product.
One of the most significant upgrades to the EC-7RS 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.
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.² What’s the point of a lightweight wheel if it’s fragile?
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.²
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.
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 stronger.
More reinforcement
than our flow formed wheels3
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.
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.
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.
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.
Socket Diameter Clearance
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.)
All EC-7RS wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications. Very few applications require centering rings.
All APEX wheels come with our gloss black cap included that is interchangeable with the OE cap. We also offer additional colors for select fitments.
APEX wheels can be used with all OEM mounting hardware, proper aftermarket hardware and most wheel spacers. Wheel locks and stud conversion kits also work perfectly.
All APEX wheels accept OEM and aftermarket Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors and standard fit valve stems. If you don’t have sensors, then select from our metal stems available in multiple finishes.
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.
See terms and conditions.
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.
See terms and conditions.
¹ EC-7RS Vs. the original EC-7R comparing side milling of 18x9” ET46 5x130 fitment
² Strength and weight comparisons are based on an 18” BMW 5x120 wheel.
³ Comparing the amount of material reinforcement in our standard inner lip profile vs Sprint™ spec inner lip profile on an 18” wheel.
⁴ All wheels compared with equivalent 18x10” ET25 5x120mm / 72.56mm fitment