VW MK8 GTI Wheels
Lightweight forged & flow formed APEX wheels for your 2021+ MK8 GTI
Construction Type
AllFinish: Anthracite
Total
$1,556.00Overview
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.
MK8 Gallery
- VW GTI MK8
- VW GTI MK8
- VW GTI MK8
- VW GTI MK8
- VW GTI MK8
- VW GTI MK8
- VW GTI MK8
- VW GTI MK8
- VW GTI MK8
SM-10 Specifications
![Product image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/eb62bc7da36a073f00a089788db90ed436712888-1200x1856.png?fm=webp&w=300&q=80)
![Product image](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/eb62bc7da36a073f00a089788db90ed436712888-1200x1856.png?fm=webp&w=300&q=80)
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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/5993c811b4b7d32855ae8d711e057488ffd6059d-1166x722.jpg?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
"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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/6d0c080822ce5fde0cc982ef46fd3f1a2ee15d11-1160x778.jpg?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/e3a6a3184bffdb522f5b1df5e8f35f2236ef3aa1-790x508.jpg?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/9e20c95ce8e3aac73b92e2c9d8cacc9d8b6c396c-1120x747.jpg?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/10ef8f81e87bc499994548c37abf4be8f950566b-1120x747.jpg?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
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
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/f9760d39d6703e2f1ef2e2c4f02775d1de362477-1200x899.jpg?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
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
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/ce5da45a60b6489e496e73297b4e3d8425baf957-1268x846.jpg?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/71a2cfaf5faa15e833e5315493a44766b019908a-1120x747.jpg?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/59d43bae6bfafeaac005a5fa64c2c0fc11050973-882x784.jpg?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/c733d3575f60bb9002b37a1f3fccc3211dde01d4-610x500.png?fm=webp&w=647&h=485&q=80)
Additional features
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/79270c10e2369122e779c29a1a1bab062760048e-1000x640.jpg?fm=webp&w=900&q=80&fit=min)
Hub Centric
All SM-10 wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications. Very few applications require centering rings.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/4b34d1b289fff909c499b53e53ef8bf5f174d776-1000x640.jpg?fm=webp&w=900&q=80&fit=min)
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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/4a84a3b9f41a3f19a36506e9192dac010ee8762a-1000x640.jpg?fm=webp&w=900&q=80&fit=min)
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.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/c8ihu5xk/production/883462e86bd120fd0797b4d1a3aba0416e2e9d4a-1000x640.jpg?fm=webp&w=900&q=80&fit=min)
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.
![](/_ipx/q_80&fit_cover&s_1000x574/img/warranty.png)
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
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