VW MK8 GTI Wheels

MK8 GTI Wheel Performance

The newest 8th generation GTI improves upon many aspects that made the previous 7th generation GTI so well loved amongst enthusiasts. However, one pain point that carries on into the new generation is the stock MK8 GTI wheels and tires, as they don’t allow you to take full advantage of the mechanical grip offered by this chassis. 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 MK8 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 all about our recommended wheel & tire fitments for the MK8 GTI via our chassis specific MK8 GTI Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.

Prior to picking out your preferred set of MK8 GTI wheels, let’s take a look at what makes the newest generation of VW’s beloved hot hatchback such a solid performer both on the street and at the track.

The 8th generation VW GTI is the newest installment of VW’s “bread and butter” everyday performance hatchback. Throughout the previous generations of the GTI, VW has always stayed true to the recipe that has made these cars so well loved in the enthusiast community. With the MK8 GTI, that tradition carries over once again, as the overall chassis and drivetrain configuration stays relatively the same as the previous generation MK7 GTI. In North America, the MK8 GTI launched in 2022 and is offered with a 2.0T 4-cylinder engine making a respectable 241hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed DSG gearbox and sent to the ground via the front wheels using a limited slip differential as standard. The best way to utilize all of that additional power and torque is with a wide and aggressive set of Apex MK8 GTI wheels.

With the new revised and refined suspension and drivetrain setups of the MK8, the all-new GTI offers more track capability than any generation to come before it. One of the best modifications you can do to these cars to prepare for your next HPDE is installing a set of Apex MK8 GTI wheels paired with some sticky 200TW or R compound track-focused tires. If you want to learn more about what makes the MK8 GTI so great out on track, Jalopnik wrote a great article diving into exactly that. You can check that article: Jalopnik: The MK8 GTI Is The Most Trackable GTI Yet.