MK8 Golf R Wheel Performance
The MK8 Golf R’s main appeal over the GTI is its impressive AWD system, which helps maintain traction and put the power down at all four corners of the car with torque splitting differentials. From the factory, the OEM MK8 Golf R wheels leave a bit to be desired from both an aesthetic and performance standpoint. While the stock square setup allows for a more neutral handling balance at the limit, the OEM wheel/tire sizes tend to find that limit a bit sooner than they should. If you want to fully take advantage of your MK8 R’s chassis and drivetrain, a set of Apex MK8 Golf R wheels in a wide and aggressive fitment will allow you to do just that. We created forged wheels such as the Apex VS-5RS, and flow formed wheels such as the SM-10 to increase overall performance. You can learn all about our recommended wheel & tire fitments for the MK8 Golf R via our chassis specific MK8 Golf R Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.
Overview of the MK8 Golf R
Prior to locking-in your preferred set of MK8 Golf R wheels, let’s take a look at what makes the newest generation of VW’s flagship performance hot hatch such a solid performer both on the street and at the track
Since its initial release in 2022, the MK8 has been praised by enthusiasts as the best driving and performing Golf R to date. The newest generation Golf R carries over a similar recipe from the outgoing MK7, offering a 2.0T pushing 315hp and 310 lb-ft of torque at the crank. Transmission options include either a 6-speed manual (NA markets only), or a 7-speed DSG. Power is sent to all four wheels via an all-new AWD system that improves upon the Haldex based setup in previous Golf R models. The older Haldex system was limited in its ability to only send up to 50% of power evenly split between the rear wheels. However, the MK8 Golf R AWD system allows for a greater amount of torque to be sent to the rear through a newly designed differential that can then send up to 100% of that torque to each individual wheel. This allows for improved cornering speeds, reduced understeer, and the ability to “drift” the car under power, which was not possible in previous generation Golf Rs.
If you’re a technically savvy enthusiast that’s considering picking up a new MK8 Golf R, there are plenty of interesting engineering details to nerd-out about on these cars. While MK8 Golf R wheels are a vital consideration when looking to improve upon the capabilities and driving dynamics of your car, it is also important to first understand how these cars were engineered from a performance and handling standpoint. Mighty Car Mods wrote an excellent tech article highlighting all of the differences between the new MK8 Golf R’s drivetrain compared to previous generation Golf Rs. You can check out their article: Mighty Car Mods: Why The MK8 Golf R AWD Is Better Than Anything They Have Given Us Before.
* Designed to fit VW Golf 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.
To be as light as possible the VS-5RS features extra-deep, 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 VS-5RS 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 VS-5RS 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