MK7 GTI Wheel Performance
Out of the box the 7th generation GTI offers refined driving dynamics at an entry-level price point, in a practical and fun to drive hot hatch configuration. However, the stock MK7 GTI wheels and tires tend to be less than ideal when enjoying a brisk run on a twisty backroad. This is mainly due to the smaller OEM wheels and tire sizes used, as they quickly reach their limit of grip at a much lower speed than what the chassis is capable of. The best first step when tuning for performance either on the street or at the track is installing a set of Apex MK7 GTI wheels in a flush and aggressive fitment. We developed our forged VS-5RS and flow formed SM-10 wheels to reduce weight and improve overall traction. You can learn everything you need to know about our recommended MK7 GTI wheel & tire fitments via our chassis specific MK7 GTI Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.
History of the MK7 GTI
Before you finalize your selection for a set of MK7 GTI wheels, let’s first take a dive into the history of the MK7 GTI, and what has made it such a special car in the eyes of enthusiasts over the years.
The 7th generation GTI was sold through the model years of 2015-2021 in North American markets. While mainly offered in a 5-door hatchback configuration, a 3-door hatchback was sold for a brief time at the beginning of the MK7 GTI’s lifecycle. Riding on VW’s MQB platform, the MK7 GTI was offered with a 2.0T engine sending power to the front wheels via a standard open, or optional limited-slip differential. Transmission options were either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG, and were both offered for the entire run of the 7th generation GTI. Commonly referred to as the “everyday enthusiasts car” the MK7 GTI offers plenty of performance in a fun, practical, and reasonably priced package. With that said, the best way to build upon that is with a set of Apex MK7 GTI wheels in a wide and flush fitment.
If you are trying to squeeze as much performance out of your MK7 GTI as possible, shedding unsprung weight and increasing your tire size will be the perfect starting point. Replacing the slim factory 18” wheels with a wide and aggressive 17” setup will provide noticeable improvements to the overall “nimbleness” of the car, as well as significantly increasing your cornering speeds. However, while MK7 GTI wheels are an integral part of building a fast VW, there are also a lot of other things to consider and appreciate on the particular generation of GTI. Jalopnik wrote up a great article recently sharing their opinions on the MK7 GTI following the release of the newest MK8 GTI. You can find that article: Jalopnik MK7 GTI Opinion Piece.
* 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