Interest In Apex Wheels?

[jran76]

Apex makes some relatively inexpensive lightweight wheels for several other platforms, but not Audi. I talked to them about possibly doing some Audi fitments, but I'd like to see if there is any real interest in these before I keep bugging them.

Their wheels are common track wheels in the BMW world, but look equally good on the street. I started looking into this with the idea of finding an 18" wheel that would clear 370mm/380mm brake kits (thanks boro92).

Link to site: http://www.apexraceparts.com/apex-pr.../#.VqEZeDaUdg1


EC-7: 18x9" is about 20 lbs. and $299. 18x9.5" is 21 lbs. and $319. 19x9.5" is 23 lbs. and $369.


ARC-8:


PC-7:

[Johnnycash]

looks identical to the vmr 710, and many other makers mesh wheel designs, classic look for pretty much anything european. with that said i know that vmr flow formed series come in really close weight wise depending on the spec, and last i checked they were about $300 per wheel, $1200 for a set.

[jran76]

looks identical to the vmr 710, and many other makers mesh wheel designs, classic look for pretty much anything european. with that said i know that vmr flow formed series come in really close weight wise depending on the spec, and last i checked they were about $300 per wheel, $1200 for a set.

Yep, the PC-7 is very similar to the VMR V710FF (albeit a tad heavier), and I mentioned that to them when they asked what I though the Audi community would be most interested in. I told them I thought the EC-7 would make the most sense, followed by the ARC-8, and then PC-7.

[Loe]

Wow, perfect timing..i was actually browsing their website tonight as i love the ARC-8 on bmw's and wanted to see if i could fit their 5x120's onto our 5x112's witha adapter. But if there will eventually be a perfect fitment, ill wait.

Love the purposeful look of the arc-8

[Johnnycash]

Yep, the PC-7 is very similar to the VMR V710FF (albeit a tad heavier), and I mentioned that to them when they asked what I though the Audi community would be most interested in. I told them I thought the EC-7 would make the most sense, followed by the ARC-8, and then PC-7.

st seems strange to me that they make these wheels for bmw and others but not audi?

[jran76]

Wow, perfect timing..i was actually browsing their website tonight as i love the ARC-8 on bmw's and wanted to see if i could fit their 5x120's onto our 5x112's witha adapter. But if there will eventually be a perfect fitment, ill wait.

Love the purposeful look of the arc-8

I'll update this with what they come back with.

st seems strange to me that they make these wheels for bmw and others but not audi?

They mainly focus on lightweight inexpensive track wheels, so I think there is more appeal for that in the BMW world. They also make fitments for the FRS/BRZ, and newer Mustangs which are both probably more common track vehicles than your typical Audi. I'm sure, like most companies, they aren't opposed to broadening their market, but they probably need to know that there are enough track enthusiast to make it worth while.

[boro92]

I would be interested in ec7.

Guys, it's not just about style. For some, brake clearance is a serious concern and these do the job. They also happen to be a proven and reliable flow formed track wheel--as odd as this sounds, it isnt always the case. Lots of instances of wheels breaking at the track.

More options are better, and the ec7 looks quite different from the v810. Jran, dforce may also be an option

[The Fat Kid]

I like the EC-7 and Apex's track-proven background. I am probably not tracking the car (no time with a baby at home), but have been looking for a reasonably priced, light, strong 18" wheel.

I see that they only offer three finishes on the website, but do you know if other custom finishes? I would likely jump in on a group buy, especially if I could get something in bronze. I love the bonze Volk ZE40 but can't justify $800+/wheel when it is largely for aesthetics.

My wife, "Wait, you will have three sets of wheels?" Anyone want to buy my WS80s/Enkeis in a couple months?

[jran76]

Thanks for the feedback. One of things I mentioned as necessary would be clearance for a 380mm BBK on the 18" wheel.

I'll bump this up a few times over the next couple of weeks, and follow up with them at some point along the way. When I sent them an email, their VP of Sales replied back within minutes with several questions, and they at least sounded open to the idea.

[chris@fifteen52]

You have a template for the 380mm kit? Our cast 17x8s clear stock B8S4 brakes and the 18x9 TurboMacs clear B7RS4 brakes. And I bet the 18x8.5 or 18x9.5 Tarmacs would as well.

[jran76]

You have a template for the 380mm kit? Our cast 17x8s clear stock B8S4 brakes and the 18x9 TurboMacs clear B7RS4 brakes. And I bet the 18x8.5 or 18x9.5 Tarmacs would as well.

I do somewhere. I'll email it to you if I can dig it up. I should have the 380mm Stoptech template, and 370mm AP template.

[sigaddict]

I'll update this with what they come back with.



They mainly focus on lightweight inexpensive track wheels, so I think there is more appeal for that in the BMW world. They also make fitments for the FRS/BRZ, and newer Mustangs which are both probably more common track vehicles than your typical Audi. I'm sure, like most companies, they aren't opposed to broadening their market, but they probably need to know that there are enough track enthusiast to make it worth while.

These wheels wouldn't just fit Audi's if they made them in our fitment. There are tons of Volkswagen's that track like the GTI's, and our wheels are a direct fit for those. I know this because I sold my peelers to a GTI owner and they fit perfectly including offset.

[jran76]

These wheels wouldn't just fit Audi's if they made them in our fitment. There are tons of Volkswagen's that track like the GTI's, and our wheels are a direct fit for those. I know this because I sold my peelers to a GTI owner and they fit perfectly including offset.

Yep, that's the idea. If they did a few fitments for the B8 A4/S4, A5/S5, and 8V A3/S3 it would also cover a lot of the VW GTI/Golf R sizes.

[Shimmy]

I've asked them last year if they of be interested or willing to produce wheels for us. they politely said no plans to ever support 5x112

[jran76]

I've asked them last year if they of be interested or willing to produce wheels for us. they politely said no plans to ever support 5x112

That may be where this ends up, but it can't hurt to pursue it. They didn't say no when I asked at least. Here is the response I got from them- I hope they mind me sharing this:

-------------------

Thanks for reaching out to us. We have considered VW/Audi fitments. The more people share interest in this market, the quicker it might happen :)

If you wouldn't mind sharing some other wheels you were considering with us, and a good place to verify some fitments and offsets, I'd be happy to bring this up in our round table discussion about new applications.

Thanks kindly!

Steve Bailey - V.P. of Sales
APEX Race Parts

[Shimmy]

That may be where this ends up, but it can't hurt to pursue it. They didn't say no when I asked at least. Here is the response I got from them- I hope they mind me sharing this:

-------------------

Thanks for reaching out to us. We have considered VW/Audi fitments. The more people share interest in this market, the quicker it might happen :)

If you wouldn't mind sharing some other wheels you were considering with us, and a good place to verify some fitments and offsets, I'd be happy to bring this up in our round table discussion about new applications.

Thanks kindly!

Steve Bailey - V.P. of Sales
APEX Race Parts

That response is much more promising than what I got! Sweet! Perhaps more people have shown interest since my inquiry.

[The Fat Kid]

That may be where this ends up, but it can't hurt to pursue it. They didn't say no when I asked at least. Here is the response I got from them- I hope they mind me sharing this:

-------------------

Thanks for reaching out to us. We have considered VW/Audi fitments. The more people share interest in this market, the quicker it might happen :)

If you wouldn't mind sharing some other wheels you were considering with us, and a good place to verify some fitments and offsets, I'd be happy to bring this up in our round table discussion about new applications.

Thanks kindly!

Steve Bailey - V.P. of Sales
APEX Race Parts

I just shot them a message regarding Audi/VW fitments via their website; anyone interested should do the same.

[bbhbba]

I'm interested as well. But does anyone know where these wheels are manufactured? Do they pass any JWL or TUV wheel certification?

[jran76]

I'm interested as well. But does anyone know where these wheels are manufactured? Do they pass any JWL or TUV wheel certification?

They state that their wheels are JWL tested and VIA certified. Not sure on TUV.

[The Fat Kid]

I received a response from Apex regarding Audi/VW fitment. It was similar to what Jran posted; they are considering Auid/VW. The rep asked for, and was sent, a link to this thread so they could come answer questions

Again, shoot them a message via the link I posted (especially if you are lurker), so they know Audi owners are interested.

[chris@fifteen52]

TUV certfication is very difficult and expensive. You basically have to have every wheel size, bolt pattern, diameter and offset tested. It is very expensive for any company not located in Germany. It makes it very difficult for custom forged wheels.

[The Fat Kid]

James,

I just read through the thread and I must say, you are very helpful to the community. Your answers are spot on in that we would love to service the Audi community, and would just need to out our feelers out for what current demand is like. We are always looking to move into new markets, and have our sights on a few other chassis that are commonly used at track days at the moment.

Although Audi's may not be as prevalent in the track community, we know that street going enthusiast still appreciate a quality flow formed wheel at a price point that will not kill their wallet. Enthusiasts recognize that our products are track tested/proven, and that also provides piece of mind to our street customers, as many benefits and characteristics can carry over to the street as well.

At some point our sales/marketing department may decide to join the forum as a site sponsor, this way we can identify ourselves to those that are not familiar, and paint a picture of what we can offer the community. We would like to take the opportunity to prove to the community that we can offer a product and level of customer service that many others in the industry can not.

We have the ability to provide custom finishes, and could discuss what this looks like in more detail once we became site sponsors.

Much appreciated, and hope to work with you soon.

Ryan March
APEX Race Parts
Direct: (925) 605-7397
Main Office: (925) 245-0773

He said it was OK to post his response and contact info here. They definitely seem interested in Audi/VW fitments if there is enough demand.

[VMRWheels]

http://www.vmrwheels.eu/certificates.html
^ Our TUV certificates for some of the most popular designs we make

[Loe]

Bumping this, highly interested in ARC -8's

[The Fat Kid]

Bumping this, highly interested in ARC -8's

Send them a message (I provided the link in an earlier post) if you are interested. They might not be keeping an eye on this thread.

[rloverton01]

Bumping


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[jran76]

As The Fat Kid mentioned, please shoot Apex a message through their site if you are seriously interesting. I'll bump this from time-to-time so people can respond here too, but communicating serious interest directly to them will go a long way.

I did hear back from them again, and it sounds like it is something they are definitely looking into. It won't be super quick as a lot goes into releasing new wheels, but they said they hope to have some good news for Audi/VW owners this year. If anything, I will give it to them for at least being super fast to respond and really open for communication.

[Loe]

I did =) they are currently running a big group buy at the moment too (up to $400 off), but they do it a couple times a year.

I may just bite the bullet and get a Mustang-spec EC-7 and run wobble bolts + center bore rings if the VW/Audi wheels never happen.