MK5 GTI Wheel Performance
The 5th generation GTI has long been praised by enthusiasts for its refined driving dynamics but the stock MK5 GTI wheels and tires tend to be less than ideal when enjoying a spirited drive on a twisty backroad. This is mainly due to the slim OEM wheel and tire sizes used, as they quickly reach their limit of grip at a much lower speed than what the chassis is capable of. If you want to maximize the performance of your MK5 GTI, a chassis-specific set of lightweight wheels in a wider fitment will completely transform your driving experience. We developed our forged VS-5RS and flow formed SM-10 wheels to reduce weight and improve overall traction. You can check out all of our offerings for MK5 GTI wheels via our chassis specific MK5 GTI wheel & tire fitment guide.
History of the MK5 GTI
If you’re searching for MK5 GTI wheels, you’ve come to the right place! However, before you lock in your final fitment, design, and finish selections let's first take a quick look at the history of the MK5 GTI chassis.
The 5th generation GTI made its debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in October 2003 and was sold during the model years of 2004-2009. In North American markets, the MK5 GTI was offered in 3-door and 5-door hatchback variants and was marketed under the Rabbit nameplate. The MK5 GTI was offered with a 2.0T 4-cylinder engine making just shy of 200 hp at the crank. Power was sent to the front wheels via a standard 6-speed manual, or optional 6-speed DSG transmission. Over the years, these cars have become an enthusiast favorite for a budget-conscious, yet fun and practical hot hatchback. With plenty of aftermarket parts support and a very tunable engine and chassis, the MK5 GTI makes a great option for a cheap and reliable track car. For the best “bang for your buck” modification we suggest starting with a set of Apex MK5 GTI wheels and tires in a wide and flush fitment.
For the MK5 chassis, we recommend a smaller diameter 17” wheel, which offers more performance and functionality benefits compared to larger diameter wheels. You can learn more about the benefits of 17” wheels via our VW-focused article: Meatier Tires and Faster Lap Times: The Benefits of 17” Wheels
While a set of Apex MK5 GTI wheels paired with some sticky performance tires can completely transform your car’s handling ability, it is important to always consider maintenance before mods. Especially with an older chassis such as the MK5, there are plenty of things to keep an eye on to ensure your car is running smoothly. TopGear wrote up an excellent used buyers guide/review on the MK5 GTI.
* 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