APEX RACING WHEELS: STRENGTH, STYLE & FITMENT

This is what a +42 positive offset looks like on the Subaru BRZ.

While we know that most of you already know the ins and outs of wheel measurements, we want to make sure that everyone feels confident in choosing the right fitment for their specific setup. That being said, before jumping into the Apex options, we wanted to take a moment to go over a few wheel basics for those who need them. When looking for a new set of wheels, you’ll undoubtedly run into a series of numbers that will look something like this- 18x9.5 +38 5x114.3. If you’re not sure what these numbers mean, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The wheel’s diameter will be the first number in the sequence (18"), followed by the width (9.5"), then the offset (+38mm), which is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. A positive offset shifts the mounting point outward, typically providing extra clearance for brake components. Finally, there’s the bolt pattern (5x114.3mm), this one in particular would indicate 5 lugs with a diameter of 114.3 millimeters that is measured from the center of one stud to the outside of the farthest stud.

Without getting too technical, the bolt pattern is where you should first start as this is specific to your vehicle, and here’s an example; let’s say you own a BRZ and your buddy is selling his wheels off his 2022+ WRX. While you both have 5-lug wheels, you wouldn’t be able to run them because all BRZs are 5x100, while all 2015+ WRX models are 5x114.3. Of course, you could retrofit them with wheel adapters, but we don’t recommend it. Better to play it safe and get wheels that fit.

SUBARU BOLT PATTERNS

5x100 | 2002-2014 WRX, 2004 STi ONLY, & BRZ/FR-S/86 5x114.3 | 2005-2021 STi, 2015-2024 WRX

The flow-formed EC-7 delivers forged-like performance without the premium price tag.

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s check out the new arrivals. Leading the lineup is the EC-7, known for its balance of lightweight construction and durability. The Apex EC-7 wheels are built using a flow-forming process that closely mirrors the strength benefits of forging. This method involves high-pressure rollers shaping the barrel of the wheel, reducing the porosity of the aluminum and aligning its grain structure for enhanced durability. As a result, the EC-7 offers superior resistance to bending and cracking, making it a strong and reliable option for spirited street use. With their timeless motorsport design, engineered to optimize weight and strength, the EC-7 wheels provide incredible value by delivering forged-like performance without the premium price tag.

The EC-7 wheels are available in fitments for a wide range of vehicles, including the 2015-2021 Subaru VA WRX STI, which we selected as a fitment example due to its popularity as a street performance favorite. Where the EC-7 is concerned, IAG Performance’s pick for this model is the Apex EC-7 Flow Formed Wheel in Satin Black, sized at 18x9.5 +38 with a 5x114.3 bolt pattern, and here’s why; these wheels easily clear the factory Brembo brakes and accommodate a variety of aftermarket big brake kits without having to jump up in size. Apex went the extra mile during development by 3D scanning factory brakes and reviewing 2D aftermarket brake templates to optimize barrel profiles and spoke curvatures, resulting in massive brake clearance. This means you can run smaller wheel diameters while ensuring compatibility with both the factory 4-pot and 6-pot Brembo setups, along with a wide range of aftermarket BBKs.

The durable EC-7 is a street performance favorite.

The Apex SM-10RS is forged from premium aluminum. This strong and lightweight wheel is optimized for racing and track usage.

Forged from premium aluminum, the Apex SM-10RS wheels are designed to be even lighter and stronger than the EC-7, making them perfect for track and racing applications. The wheels feature side-milling on both sides of each spoke, creating an I-beam effect and removing any excess material that doesn’t contribute to the overall strength of the wheel. For the track-ready 2022+ Subaru WRX, IAG recommends the SM-10RS 18x9.5 +40 5x114.3 in Anthracite. How will your WRX benefit from the SM-10RS wheels? In addition to being lightweight and strong, the SM-10RS wheels are crafted with vehicle-specific spoke profiles. These profiles generate extra space within the wheel, so again, you’ll have big brake options, while still delivering the necessary strength and stiffness for high-performance track use. Best of all, if you hit a pothole or have a mishap on the track, Apex provides accidental damage replacement, offering a 50% discount off replacement wheels, no matter the damage.

While the two previous setups we’ve presented were purely hypothetical, the Apex VS5-RS is quite literally our wheel of choice. IAG’s BRZ project car is currently equipped with the VS5-RS 18x9 +42 5x100. Why did we choose this particular wheel for our own car? Why wouldn’t we? Forged from 6061 T-6 aluminum, these sturdy wheels will stand up to our rigorous testing days out on the track, while saving a bit of weight on their construction. Apex’s innovative high-clearance barrel design provides plenty of room. This means that if we want to test bigger brakes in the future, we won’t have to switch to bigger wheels since the VS-5RS wheels offers room to spare. These wheels not only offer an ideal fitment for 2022+ Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 models but are also optimized for racing and track use. With a 1,600-pound load rating and a lightweight construction of just 18.5 pounds, they offer an unbeatable combination of strength and lightness.

The IAG Performance BRZ project car is equipped with the Apex VS5-RS 18x9 +42 5x100 in Satin Bronze. Apex offers additional color options, including Anthracite, Brushed Clear and Satin Black.