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.
"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.
BIGGER, TOUGHER INNER LIP
The inner lip is the most vulnerable part of a wheel because it has no spokes for support. Our Evolution line adds more material to this high-impact area for an extra layer of protection against track berms, potholes, and whatever else the road may throw at you.
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 that solve this problem. Through comprehensive laser scanning and endless rounds of test-fitting, we’ve created 17” wheels to clear huge brakes that typically require 18” wheels from other manufacturers.
KNURLED BEADS
Whether it’s a day at the track or months of street driving, repeated hard braking can make a tire slip along the bead seat and go out of balance, causing vibration. We’ve added knurled beads to help grip the tire and reduce unwanted slippage.
WEIGHT OPTIMIZED
We conducted extensive Finite Element Analysis to reinforce high stress areas and to remove material where it didn’t improve strength. The end result is a wheel with an ideal balance of strength and weight.
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.
FINISHING TOUCHES
All Evolution line wheels are 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.
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 wheels have been certified, and we provide the registration numbers for every wheel. Protect yourself. Demand registration numbers from manufacturers.
LEARN MOREJWL AND BEYOND
All APEX 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.
LEARN MORELIFETIME 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. See here full terms and conditions for details.
LEARN MORE50% OFF REPLACEMENT WHEELS
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 our full terms and conditions for more details.
LEARN MOREADDITIONAL FEATURES
HUB CENTRIC
No centering rings required. All VW specific 5x112mm bolt pattern wheels feature a direct-fit, 57.1mm center bore.
CENTER CAPS
All APEX VW wheels come with our Gloss Black cap included which is interchangeable with the OE non-floating VW center cap.
HARDWARE
The SM-10 wheels can be used with all OEM VW and aftermarket mounting hardware with a R13 ball seat.
Models Covered in This Guide
2015-2021 Audi RS3 (8V)
The third-generation Audi RS3 is factory-equipped with massive 8-piston 370mm front brakes and a 19" wheel and tire setup in a reverse-staggered configuration. While the standard reverse-staggered setup provides the car with fewer understeer characteristics out of the box, the lack of being able to rotate the wheels and tires makes it less than ideal for track use. 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.
(18x9" ET42 SM-10s in Satin Bronze W/ 265/35-18 Falken Azensis RT660 tires)
Our 18x9" ET42 SM-10 compliments the third-generation Audi RS3 perfectly for both street and track use. With a 5x112 bolt pattern and a 57.1mm center bore, our VW/Audi-specific SM-10 provides a complete bolt-on fitment without the need for centering rings, spacers, or hub adapters. Designed with brake clearance as a priority, the 18x9" ET42 SM-10 can also clear the massive factory 8-piston 370mm front brakes with room to spare.
Bolt Pattern |
Center Bore |
Lug Seat |
Thread Pitch M14x1.5mm |
Available Finishes
SM-10 Flow Formed
Track and Race: The Perfect Track-Ready Fitment For Your Audi RS3
(18x9" ET42 SM-10s in Satin Bronze W/ 265/35-18 Falken Azensis RT660 tires)
These fitments are the perfect match for weekend track warriors and hardcore racers seeking to maximize the wheel and tire size that they can fit on their Audi RS3. These aggressive wheel specs will occasionally require supportive modifications commonly found on track cars, such as increased negative camber. While certain configurations can provide a complete direct fit on a stock car, additional modifications may be required for a rub-free fitment depending on your suspension setup and specific tire selection. With a focus on brake clearance, our 18" fitments are able to clear the standard 6-piston 370mm factory RS3 brakes with ease, as well as a variety of aftermarket BBK's. To see if these wheels can clear your specific BBK, please check out our brake clearance database at the end of this guide (coming soon!).
Front & Rear: 18x9” ET42 with 265/35-18 tires
- Additional front negative camber is recommended when using aggressive track-focused tire compounds.
- 255/35-18 tires can also be used as an easier fit.
- No additional wheel hardware is required (centering rings, hub adapters, spacers).
APEX Staff tire recommendations:
- All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4: 255/35-18, 265/35-18
- Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: 255/35-18, 265/35-18
- Extreme Performance Summer: Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R: 255/35-18, 265/35-18
- R-Compound: Nitto NT01: 255/35-18, - Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2: 255/35-18, 265/35-18 Toyo Proxes R888R: 255/35-18, 265/35-18
(18x9" ET42 SM-10s in Satin Bronze W/ 265/35-18 Falken Azensis RT660 tires)
(18x9" ET42 SM-10s in Satin Bronze W/ 265/35-18 Falken Azensis RT660 tires)
(18x9" ET42 SM-10s in Satin Bronze W/ 265/35-18 Falken Azensis RT660 tires)
WHEEL CONSTRUCTION | Flow Formed |
---|---|
MODEL | SM-10 |
WHEEL SIZE | 18x9" ET42 |
WHEEL DIAMETER | 18" |
WHEEL WIDTH | 9.0" |
OFFSET | ET42 |
FINISH | Anthracite |
FACE PROFILE | Profile 1; shallow concavity |
BOLT PATTERN | 5x112mm |
CENTER BORE | 57.1mm |
LOAD RATING | 1,543 lbs |
WEIGHT | ~21 lbs |
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$19.99 CAD | $24.99 CAD
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$19.99 CAD | $24.99 CAD
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