Calling All 8Y RS3 Owners! APEX Is Looking For Your Help To Develop 8Y RS3 Wheels

[APEXWheels]

APEX Audi 8Y RS3 Enthusiast Survey

Over the last couple of years, we have been working alongside the MQB VW/Audi community to develop new wheel fitments specifically tailored by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. Most notably, our newest MQB VW/Audi wheel, the 18x9.5” ET41 Forged SM-10RS, was engineered to offer the most ideal track-focused setup for the 8V RS3 chassis. We spent months engaging with HPDE enthusiasts to fine-tune the width, offset, and design of that wheel to cater directly to what the community wanted to see from a dedicated 8V RS3 track fitment.

Following the introduction of the 8Y RS3, we have received countless inquiries from enthusiasts searching for aftermarket wheel solutions specifically tailored to this new chassis. From these requests, we noticed a wide range of various fitment and functionality preferences across the board. Without a particular fitment having noticeably more demand over others, we decided to start from square one to learn for ourselves what the “perfect fitment” would be for this new chassis.

Over the last few months, we have gotten our hands on a couple of 8Y RS3s to play around with and to learn more about the chassis differences compared to the previous generation 8V RS3. After laser scanning the brakes, hubs, and suspension components, we pivoted to taking fender clearance measurements, as well as test fitting a few existing Audi wheels as a benchmark. Since these cars are still quite new and there isn’t much technical information out there yet, we figured it would be worth sharing with the community what we have learned thus far.

Much like the previous generation 8V RS3, the new 8Y RS3 comes with a 19” reverse staggered wheel & tire setup from the factory. However, while the 8V RS3 utilizes similar offset wheels both front and rear, the 8Y RS3 has a more unique factory fitment with significantly lower offset 19x9" ET25 front wheels, and higher offset 19x8" ET46 rear wheels. This configuration makes things a bit tricky when trying to run a true rotatable square setup, as large 18-22mm front spacers are required for a flush fit with the fenders and to match the track width of the rear wheels and tires.

While the factory reverse staggered fitment helps alleviate some of the understeer characteristics common on this chassis configuration, it is not quite as ideal for track applications, as you lose the ability to rotate your wheels and tires. Taking into consideration the Quattro AWD system and front-biased weight distribution of the RS3, a rotatable square setup is a must to ensure even tire wear at all four corners. Shedding unsprung weight by downsizing to an 18" wheel will also improve upon the overall handling, braking, and acceleration characteristics of the car.

Currently, we have tested and confirmed fitment with two of our existing MQB Audi wheels, the 18x9” ET42 Flow Formed SM-10 and the 18x9.5” ET41 Forged SM-10RS. Both of these wheels utilize a 5x112 bolt pattern, a 57.1mm centerbore, and have OE spec R13 lug seat recesses, making them a perfect fit for the 8Y RS3.

The 18x9” ET42 SM-10 is a bit more of a street-focused fitment and was tested with a 255/35-18 Michelin PS4S tire. In the rear, that wheel bolts right up and offers a flush fitment with the fenders without poking past them. Up front, we used a 20mm spacer to match the rear track width and to get a flush fit with the front fenders.

The 18x9.5” ET41 SM-10RS is a bit more of a track-focused fitment and was tested with 265/35-18 Falken RT660 200TW tires (which run quite wide for their size). In the rear, the fitment was a touch more aggressive compared to the rear of the 8V RS3. Since the car we tested was on stock suspension with stock camber specs, there was a bit of visual poke. However, one could easily dial-in that setup with some suspension and camber mods. Up front, we once again used a 20mm spacer to match the rear track width and for a flush fit with the fenders. With the 20mm spacer, there was a bit more fender clearance compared to the rear but we would still recommend running some additional front negative camber, especially with 200TW tires, to ensure a rub-free fit under suspension compression.

You can learn more about these two fitments, as well as a plethora of other details regarding the 8Y RS3 via our chassis specific fitment guide below:

APEX 8Y Audi RS3 Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

While these rotatable square setups offer a solid starting point for this chassis, we understand that they aren’t exactly the best fit for everyone. Some folks prefer not to use large spacers, while others might prefer to use a reverse staggered setup similar to OEM. At the moment we are considering a couple of different wheel configurations for the 8Y RS3; a non-rotatable square setup utilizing a lower offset 18x9.5” front wheel that can fit without spacers, as well as a wider reverse staggered setup that will maximize wheel/tire size without spacers.

With that said, we are looking for your feedback to help fine-tune these all-new 8Y RS3 specific fitments. If you currently own an 8Y RS3, or have one on order, if you could please take a few minutes to answer a few survey questions, we would greatly appreciate it!

APEX Audi 8Y RS3 Enthusiast Survey

If you have any technical questions or feedback regarding 8Y RS3 wheel fitment, please feel free to post a response to this thread below.

-The APEX Team

[993140]

Great! I suggest you also post this on AudiWorld... https://www.audiworld.com/forums/aud...s-3-mkiii-241/

[APEXWheels]

Great! I suggest you also post this on AudiWorld... https://www.audiworld.com/forums/aud...s-3-mkiii-241/

Appreciate the heads up! It seems certain sections on Audizine are a bit slow traffic-wise. We will definitely look into a vendor account over at AudiWorld. Any other forums you would recommend posting our survey on?

-Geirsen

[993140]

Any other forums you would recommend posting our survey on?

There is Audi-Sport.net but it is mostly populated by EU residents:

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/forums...y-chassis.431/

I do not know of any other forums but I will let you know if I find any.

[xeonoex]

Saw the 8Y fitment guide a few days ago. I would purchase the 9.5x18" square setup if they were flow formed. My track wheels might take damage and I already spent money on a forged set, staggered offset 9" set.

I'm curious if 10" wheels would fit without rubbing. I think the widest I would go is probably like 265 or 275 on a 10", so maybe?

[stummiller]

Thanks for asking! I massively prefer the y-spoke designs (VS-5RS or RC7-RS) to the 10 spoke design. I'd definitely prefer the track oriented forged option in the y-spoke design (bronze or silver then satin black). Thanks for paying attention to the 8y owners!

[APEXWheels]

Saw the 8Y fitment guide a few days ago. I would purchase the 9.5x18" square setup if they were flow formed. My track wheels might take damage and I already spent money on a forged set, staggered offset 9" set.

I'm curious if 10" wheels would fit without rubbing. I think the widest I would go is probably like 265 or 275 on a 10", so maybe?

We likely won't offer a VW/Audi 5x112/57.1mm CB 18x9.5" wheel in one of our flow formed designs, as most of the folks with 8V/8Y RS3s wanting to run an aggressive fitment like that tend to lean more towards our forged offerings. That said, we do have our 18x9" ET42 flow formed SM-10 design that can fit in a square setup on the 8Y RS3 with spacers up front.

From our testing, the 18x9.5" ET41 fitment is a bit more aggressive on the rear of the 8Y RS3 compared to the 8V RS3 and requires a bit of tweaking to fit without rubbing on the fenders. Due to this, a 18x10" square setup would definitely not work on the 8Y RS3. However, with the right offset and a bit of front camber, you could potentially get a 18x10" to work up front in a reverse staggered setup using a slimmer rear wheel. That said, from the survey results we have gotten so far, we will likely be pivoting to a 18x9.5" ET20~ front VS-5RS forged wheel to pair with our existing 18x9" ET42 VS-5RS in the rear for a spacer-less reverse staggered fitment on the 8Y.

Thanks for asking! I massively prefer the y-spoke designs (VS-5RS or RC7-RS) to the 10 spoke design. I'd definitely prefer the track oriented forged option in the y-spoke design (bronze of silver then satin black). Thanks for paying attention to the 8y owners!

Always happy to engage with the community, as your feedback helps us tremendously when deciding which wheel projects to prioritize, especially for brand new cars that don't have too much existing info listed on the forums. Would you be wanting to run the VS-5RS in a spacer less reverse staggered setup or a square setup?

-Geirsen

[Allen8]

"18x9.5" ET20~ front VS-5RS forged wheel to pair with our existing 18x9" ET42 VS-5RS in the rear for a spacer-less reverse staggered fitment on the 8Y."

this sounds pretty much ideal :)

[stummiller]

Would you be wanting to run the VS-5RS in a spacer less reverse staggered setup or a square setup?

-Geirsen

I would prefer the spacer-less reverse staggered setup to maintain the stock handling dynamics for track use.

[xeonoex]

We likely won't offer a VW/Audi 5x112/57.1mm CB 18x9.5" wheel in one of our flow formed designs, as most of the folks with 8V/8Y RS3s wanting to run an aggressive fitment like that tend to lean more towards our forged offerings. That said, we do have our 18x9" ET42 flow formed SM-10 design that can fit in a square setup on the 8Y RS3 with spacers up front.

From our testing, the 18x9.5" ET41 fitment is a bit more aggressive on the rear of the 8Y RS3 compared to the 8V RS3 and requires a bit of tweaking to fit without rubbing on the fenders. Due to this, a 18x10" square setup would definitely not work on the 8Y RS3. However, with the right offset and a bit of front camber, you could potentially get a 18x10" to work up front in a reverse staggered setup using a slimmer rear wheel. That said, from the survey results we have gotten so far, we will likely be pivoting to a 18x9.5" ET20~ front VS-5RS forged wheel to pair with our existing 18x9" ET42 VS-5RS in the rear for a spacer-less reverse staggered fitment on the 8Y.

Ahh, that's unfortunate. I already have a set of 18x9"s, so I'm not interested in another set. I bought the staggered offset for track use and I'm realizing that I should have just used a spacer. There is a huge difference in wear between the front and rears. Even with more camber. Being able to rotate is worth it. Probably won't spend money on the forged set just for another half inch of width.

[stummiller]

Any updates on availability and which model wheels? I voted for the vs-5rs ;-)

[APEXWheels]

Any updates on availability and which model wheels? I voted for the vs-5rs ;-)

Hi there,

After reviewing all of the survey answers, we have decided to move forward with a 8Y RS3 specific 18" VS-5RS front wheel to be used in a reverse staggered setup. Fitment-wise, we will be offering a 18x9.5" ET20, which will pair with a 18x9" ET42 in the rear. This will result in a 1/2" wider front fitment and a 1" wider rear fitment to support wider/more aggressive tires in a reverse staggered configuration. With the offsets we opted for, this setup will be flush with the fenders both front and rear but should not require any additional mods to fit.

Along with the 18x9.5" ET20 and 18x9" ET42 VS-5RS reverse staggered setup, we will also have square fitment options in our 18x9.5" ET41 SM-10RS or with the 18x9" ET42 VS-5RS/SM-10. Both of those wheels can be used in a rotatable square configuration with 20mm front spacers.

Since this market is quite niche and any specific fitments will likely only pertain to the 8Y RS3, we plan to gauge community interest with these initial offerings, then potentially pivot to a 19" reverse staggered setup later down the line if there is enough demand.

Stay tuned!

-Geirsen

[FSTSNAL]

Nice.

[stummiller]

Awesome! Can’t wait

[Rod Paine]

Interesting product. Our switch to 18-inch wheels have certainly improved our Audi's performance
as we continue our country back road runs 3 days a week at 10am to 2pm times as weather
permits. Now at 48,574 total miles of which 34,832 miles have been fast country back road
runs as weather has permitted, running 245/40/18 Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+, soon to be
replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, as the AS3+ has been discontinued.

Total mileage updated today 12/6/23 based on back road run yesterday.

[APEXWheels]

Interesting product. Our switch to 18-inch wheels have certainly improved our Audi's performance
as we continue our country back road runs 3 days a week at 10am to 2pm times as weather
permits. Now at 48,166 total miles of which 34,616 miles have been fast country back road
runs as weather has permitted, running 245/40/18 Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+, soon to be
replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, as the AS3+ has been discontinued.

The smaller the wheel diameter (that can still clear your brakes), the better the performance and functionality! With smaller wheels, you have reduced unsprung weight, improved ride comfort and compliance, additional rim protection, and less expensive tire options.

I personally run a set of our 17x8.5" ET43 SM-10 wheels on my MK7 Golf Sportwagen with 235/45-17 Michelin Pilot AS4 tires and it's a great setup for a daily driver. For an all-season, I can't recommend the new AS4s enough!

-Geirsen

[stummiller]

Any pictures you can share of the 18" VS-5RS wheels on the RS3?

[APEXWheels]

Any pictures you can share of the 18" VS-5RS wheels on the RS3?

Not yet, but the above pictures in the thread with the 18" SM-10 and SM-10RS should give you an idea of how they will look fitment wise.

We are expecting to get our 18" 8Y RS3 VS-5RS samples within the next couple of months, so once they arrive we will be sure to get some professional shoots done to show y'all the finished product!

-Geirsen

[993140]

We are expecting to get our 18" 8Y RS3 VS-5RS samples within the next couple of months, so once they arrive we will be sure to get some professional shoots done to show y'all the finished product!

Any reason why the 8V - VS-5RS - 18x9 ET42 doesn't already work on the 8Y RS3?

[Xxyion]

Any idea when the VS-5RS wheels will be available? I'm hoping to take delivery of my RS3 sometime early next year and these are the wheels that i want, in Bronze. Looking for something that can pull both daily duty and light track duty. Will probably run MP4S or whatever is the newest version thats out with these wheels.

[993140]

Any idea when the VS-5RS wheels will be available? I'm hoping to take delivery of my RS3 sometime early next year and these are the wheels that i want, in Bronze. Looking for something that can pull both daily duty and light track duty. Will probably run MP4S or whatever is the newest version thats out with these wheels.

In a 9/5 post above, Geirsen stated: "We are expecting to get our 18" 8Y RS3 VS-5RS samples within the next couple of months, so once they arrive we will be sure to get some professional shoots done to show y'all the finished product!"

[APEXWheels]

Any idea when the VS-5RS wheels will be available? I'm hoping to take delivery of my RS3 sometime early next year and these are the wheels that i want, in Bronze. Looking for something that can pull both daily duty and light track duty. Will probably run MP4S or whatever is the newest version thats out with these wheels.

The first production run for these wheels should be showing up around the end of the year, so perfect timing if you are taking delivery in early 2024. This setup will be perfect for both street and track use!

-Geirsen

[Xxyion]

The first production run for these wheels should be showing up around the end of the year, so perfect timing if you are taking delivery in early 2024. This setup will be perfect for both street and track use!

-Geirsen

Perfect! These will probably be my first purchase for the car.

[JustinP142]

You can count me in for a 19 inch setup when you make it.

[fzr100098]

we will also have square fitment options in our 18x9.5" ET41 SM-10RS or with the 18x9" ET42 VS-5RS/SM-10. Both of those wheels can be used in a rotatable square configuration with 20mm front spacers.

I'm pretty sure I want to go with an 18" square setup, any caliper clearance issues?

[APEXWheels]

I'm pretty sure I want to go with an 18" square setup, any caliper clearance issues?

Nope! Brake clearance is just fine when using our recommended spacers up front to match the rear track width. Plenty of room for brake cooling too, even with 18"s.

-Geirsen

[stummiller]

Edit: So I see the wheels are available for order on the site. Any chance we can get the VS-5RS in motorsport gold? Looking for 18 x 9.5 +41 square setup. Thanks.
I asked the question to APEX through their website form and the VS-5RS is specifically for those wanting to match the stock reverse stagger setup. That's what I was originally after (and I prefer the look of the VS-5RS) but have been convinced by my HPDE club that square setup to be able to rotate the tires is the way to go for dedicated track wheel setup.
So since I am currently stock ride height and camber, the SM-10RS in 18x9.5 +41 may rub depending on the tires I choose. Was thinking of Yokohama AD09s in 255/35R18. Interested if anyone has tried this spec on stock suspension setup?

[FSTSNAL]

For those running the 18x9.5 on rear with 265/35r18 what mods were needed? More camber I assume. Able to get there with stock camber arms or need aftermarket? Looking to order soon just want to make sure. I’ll be lowered 1/2-1”

[APEXWheels]

Edit: So I see the wheels are available for order on the site. Any chance we can get the VS-5RS in motorsport gold? Looking for 18 x 9.5 +41 square setup. Thanks.
I asked the question to APEX through their website form and the VS-5RS is specifically for those wanting to match the stock reverse stagger setup. That's what I was originally after (and I prefer the look of the VS-5RS) but have been convinced by my HPDE club that square setup to be able to rotate the tires is the way to go for dedicated track wheel setup.
So since I am currently stock ride height and camber, the SM-10RS in 18x9.5 +41 may rub depending on the tires I choose. Was thinking of Yokohama AD09s in 255/35R18. Interested if anyone has tried this spec on stock suspension setup?

For those running the 18x9.5 on rear with 265/35r18 what mods were needed? More camber I assume. Able to get there with stock camber arms or need aftermarket? Looking to order soon just want to make sure. I’ll be lowered 1/2-1”

The 18x9.5" ET41 square setup will only be available in our SM-10RS design, which is currently offered in Motorsport Gold. With that said, that particular fitment was developed specifically for the 8V RS3, which has a bit more rear fender clearance compared to the 8Y RS3. While that setup can work on the 8Y RS3 with 20mm front spacers with plenty of front fender clearance to support 255/35-18 or 265/35-18 tires, the rear fitment will be very tight. In most cases, additional rear negative camber will be required to fit these wheels out back, depending on your ride height and specific tire selection. I would say around -2.2 to -2.5 degrees would be a good ballpark figure for rear camber but more aggressive tires, especially in a 265 size, may require a bit more camber in some cases.

-Geirsen

[S3DUDE]

I would like you to offer a square wheel set-up in such way that you don't require spacers and longer studs in the front. Ideally you don't want to have to use spacers and longer studs


What I am personally looking for is a wheel set that can work without rubbing neither the inner shock/strut tower but also not too wide that it hits the inner wheel well. I see a ton of pictures from vendors showing wheels on RS3, you name it, all models, 18's, 19's, 20's but so few actually track tested that will fit without rubbing and while the car is lowered on coilovers. Not "slammed" on coilovers but lowered and with just marginal clearance that the wheel and tire combo can "duck" into the inner side of the wheel well.

[APEXWheels]

I would like you to offer a square wheel set-up in such way that you don't require spacers and longer studs in the front. Ideally you don't want to have to use spacers and longer studs


What I am personally looking for is a wheel set that can work without rubbing neither the inner shock/strut tower but also not too wide that it hits the inner wheel well. I see a ton of pictures from vendors showing wheels on RS3, you name it, all models, 18's, 19's, 20's but so few actually track tested that will fit without rubbing and while the car is lowered on coilovers. Not "slammed" on coilovers but lowered and with just marginal clearance that the wheel and tire combo can "duck" into the inner side of the wheel well.

Hi there,

Due to the significant offset differences between front and rear on the new 8Y RS3, a true rotatable square setup is impossible to run without larger front spacers (typically 18-22mm depending on your setup). This will be the case, regardless of stock or aftermarket suspension or wheel width/diameter. With that said, this is the main reason we developed our 8Y RS3 specific reverse staggered VS-5RS setup with a 18x9.5" ET20 front and a 18x9" ET42 rear. That fitment will work without any spacers up front and can be used with 275/35-18 front and 255/35-18 rear tires as a complete direct fit on a stock or lowered 8Y RS3.

The only way to get a square setup to work without spacers is if you ran two different offsets front and rear (for example, 18x9" ET20 front and 18x9" ET42 rear). However, doing so removes the main benefit of a true square setup, which is the rotatability, as you can't swap the lower offset wheels to the rear and vice versa.

If you have any other questions, please let me know!

-Geirsen

[S3DUDE]

^^Literally I just got off the phone talking to you. I asked you a tons of questions and you answered everything. Ordering today but I need to make my mind on what set-up I want.

[Rguy]

I love these wheels, but the option for a 19" would be killer....

[S3DUDE]

^^ Not so much of a killer when you are in the market for tire choices, specially for 200TW ones. I will be putting 18" for the benefit of the market choices and prices of tires.

[AdamSheikh]

I love these wheels, but the option for a 19" would be killer....

Agreed. I'm not tracking my car and prefer how the car looks with 19's. 18s are cool from a performance and tire option standpoint, but some of us are just looking for well made wheels that look nice and fit properly to replace the stocks.

[Rguy]

^^ Not so much of a killer when you are in the market for tire choices, specially for 200TW ones. I will be putting 18" for the benefit of the market choices and prices of tires.

All the tires Im in the market for, Azenis, R888R, Indy 500s, all come in 19s. Sure they cost a bit more, but it's not like 19s are hard to find.

[LightningRhod]

Not yet, but the above pictures in the thread with the 18" SM-10 and SM-10RS should give you an idea of how they will look fitment wise.

We are expecting to get our 18" 8Y RS3 VS-5RS samples within the next couple of months, so once they arrive we will be sure to get some professional shoots done to show y'all the finished product!

-Geirsen

I see that you guys are located in the Bay Area and not too far from me. I'd be very happy to volunteer my RS3 for a photo shoot since I'm looking at getting these when my car comes in June :).

Any chance that you'd be able to offer the VS-5RS in Motorsport Gold? Would love them on my Kemora Gray.

[S3DUDE]

All the tires Im in the market for, Azenis, R888R, Indy 500s, all come in 19s. Sure they cost a bit more, but it's not like 19s are hard to find.

Hard to find no but limited on low treadwear options yes. Obviously each person has a criteria, I am personally looking for 200TW tires for my second set of wheels and I am looking for 200TW. 18" wheels size have about 2.5 to 3 times more options. I haven't explored all the big vendors but I did my search on Tirerack. Not only the 19" are limited in choices of 200tw but they are also a chunk more expensive.

If you are just looking for your average tire that fits on a 19" wheel then you don't have to worry. I just tried to download 3 pictures of 3 sheets of papers that I wrote this afternoon with all the choices of oem tires vs 275/35/18 and 255/35/18 but the website wouldn't let me download my pictures even on the smaller format (33kb). Anyways, what I was trying to point out for instance is that I wrote down all the available tire sizes through Tire rack on tires of less than 300TW. It came down to about 2.5 to 3 times more tires available on low treadwear on 18's compared to 19's. Prices were significantly more too.

For someone like me looking for a second set of wheels on 18's to hit the track(road course) the 18's is a better choice from the standpoint of price and availability.

[Rguy]

Dont buy a tire based on a treadwear rating!! Those are guesstimates at best, and really mean nothing. The manufacturers just throw those numbers on there... There are no regulations on how factual those numbers are at all.

Shop based on customer feedback based on your requirements for a tire and actual reviews of tire performance. You might love an R888R which has a ZERO rating for TW...they might last you thousands of miles as well....

[0000 RS5]

Dont buy a tire based on a treadware rating!! Those are guesstimates at best, and really mean nothing. The manufacturers just throw those numbers on there... There are no regulations on how factual those numbers are at all.

Shop based on customer feedback based on your requirements for a tire and actual reviews of tire performance. You might love an R888R which has a ZERO rating for TW...they might last you thousands of miles as well....

^this


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