MK6 Jetta GLI Wheel Performance
Despite being marketed as a performance sedan, the OEM MK6 Jetta GLI wheels and tires that come on the car from the factory leave quite a bit of performance on the table. The MK6 Jetta GLI has a lot of tuning potential and can be a relatively quick car both on the street and at the track. However, the stock wheels and tires reach their grip limit well before what this chassis is capable of. If you want to maximize the performance of your MK6 Jetta GLI, 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. Fitment-wise, the MK6 GLI is practically the same setup as the MK6 Golf/GTI, so if you want to learn more about our recommended setups for this chassis, you can check out our MK6 Golf GTI/Jetta GLI Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.
Overview of the MK6 Jetta GLI
Prior to picking out your preferred set of MK6 Jetta GLI Wheels, let’s take a look at what makes the newest generation of VW’s beloved sport sedan such a solid performer both on the street and at the track.
The Jetta GLI is basically a sedan version of VW’s popular GTI sporty hot hatchback. The MK6 GLI initially debuted at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show and was sold through the model years of 2011-2018. The MK6 GLI was offered with a 2.0 TSI engine making 200 hp at the crank, which was mated with a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed DSG transmission. One of the biggest changes made to the GLI compared to the standard Jetta is the all-new fully independent suspension configuration, paired with sportier springs and shocks, offering a slight drop in ride height, as well. With similar driving characteristics to the ever-popular MK6 GTI, the MK6 Jetta GLI offers a well-rounded and sporty package at an affordable price point for the everyday enthusiast. If you are looking to take full advantage of your GLI’s performance potential, then a set of Apex MK6 Jetta GLI wheels wrapped in some sticky tires will be the perfect first step.
The Jetta GLI was developed to cater towards the more sedan-centric North American market, in which hatchbacks and wagons have historically been less favorable compared to international markets. Even though the GLI is practically the same vehicle as the GTI when you look underneath the body work, VW viewed their potential customers as a completely separate market. Taking that into consideration, the MK6 Jetta GLI has a wide range of aftermarket parts support, as it shares the vast majority of its components with the MK6 GTI. Before installing a set of MK6 Jetta GLI wheels and tires, you should check out Autoweek’s overview of the MK6 Jetta GLI to learn more about the quirks and features of these cars.
* 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