Front, 18", Profile 1, 5 Lugs, Anthracite- Rear, 18", Profile 1, 5 Lugs, Anthracite
VW MK8 Golf R Wheels
Lightweight forged & flow formed APEX wheels for your 2021+ VW MK8 Golf R
Construction Type
AllFinish: Anthracite
Total
$1,556.00Overview
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.
MK8 Gallery
VW Golf R MK8
VW Golf R MK8
VW Golf R MK8
VW Golf R MK8
VW Golf R MK8
VW Golf R MK8
VW Golf R MK8
VW Golf R MK8
VW Golf R MK8
SM-10 Specifications
Reproductive Harm - www.p65warnings.ca.cov 
REAL DRIVERS NEED REAL PERFORMANCE.
Not all claims of performance are backed up by facts—and it's a big problem. Don't get sold fashion when you want function.
Fitment guides
Which Wheels Should I Get?
Check out our Fitment Guides, the most in-depth, authoritative guides for wheel and tire fitments, tailored for your vehicle and how you drive it.
SM-10 features
The Flow Form Advantage
Flow forming enables us to create high performance wheels without the price premium of forging. It improves the mechanical properties and grain structure of the barrel, increasing its strength and stiffness, which allows us to use less material and reduce weight. Thanks to our superior engineering, our flow formed wheels have a higher load rating than some competitors' forged wheels.
"I" Beam Spokes
One of the most prominent features of the SM-10 is its advanced "I" beam spoke machining. Any excess material that doesn’t add strength is carved out from the sides of the spokes using a precision CNC ball cutter. This process is often deemed cost-prohibitive by others, but for performance without compromise we believe it's essential.
Bigger, Tougher Inner Lip
The inner lip is the most vulnerable part of a wheel because it has no spokes for support. Our Flow Formed Evolution line adds more material to this high-impact area as an extra layer of protection against track berms, potholes, and whatever else the road may throw at you.
Maximizing Concavity
We use the deepest concave face profiles we can for every application after factoring in critical clearances such as brake calipers. The SM-10 utilizes 3 unique profiles to make this possible, with the deepest concave face delivering reduced weight and a stunningly aggressive appearance.
Big Brake Clearance
Big brakes often require bigger, heavier, more expensive wheels, which aren’t ideal in a performance environment. The SM-10 is one of our many wheels which solve this problem. Through comprehensive laser scanning and endless rounds of test-fitting, we’ve created 18” wheels to clear huge brakes that typically require 19” wheels from other manufacturers.
Weight Optimized
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
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.
32mm
Socket Diameter Clearance
Finishing Touches
The SM-10 is finished using a multi-stage liquid paint over a powder coated base coat. This coating process leaves lug holes, center bores and mounting pads untouched, which ensures proper fit and torque values.
JWL and Beyond
All APEX Flow Formed wheels meet or meaningfully exceed JWL load rating requirements. Some manufacturers don't meet the minimum requirements, yet still claim to be compliant. Always compare load ratings to ensure you aren’t sacrificing critical strength for a slightly lighter wheel.
True VIA
The VIA is an independent wheel testing and auditing agency similar to TÜV. Many companies falsely claim their wheels have been certified, and even use the VIA stamp without permission. Our Flow Formed wheels have been certified, and we provide the registration numbers for every wheel. Protect yourself. Demand registration numbers from manufacturers.
Additional features
Hub Centric
All SM-10 wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications. Very few applications require centering rings.
Center Caps
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.
Wheel Hardware
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.
TPMS
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.
Accessories
A Wheel You Can Depend On
Accidental damage replacement
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.
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.
¹ All wheels compared with equivalent 18x10” ET25 5x120mm /72.56mm fitment
If you like cheap gear you will hate this newsletter.