Apex Wheels

For over 15 years APEX has engineered motorsport wheels for driving enthusiasts, weekend track day warriors, and competitive wheel to wheel racers at an unprecedented value. That theme continues as we broaden our offering for a wide variety of Porsche models in both 5 lug and centerlock applications, including new fitments for the highly desirable 718 GT4 and GT4 RS chassis.

APEX is located in the Bay Area of California, and is owned and operated by passionate enthusiasts and racers that have a keen understanding of what drivers desire in a well performing wheel. Market-specific Product Experts like myself work hand-in-hand with enthusiast communities like Rennlist to ensure that APEX is providing the best possible wheel solutions for your specific needs, and our team of experienced engineers bring them to life.

The purpose of this thread is to provide insight and transparency regarding how APEX approaches all aspects of wheel development and engineering, and to highlight the functional features and 3rd party testing that set our forged wheels apart. We'll walk through existing solutions that are readily available, as well as new fitments that are on the horizon while providing detailed notes regarding fitment, tire options, and any required suspension/alignment modifications. If you would like to see a new fitment or finish from APEX, or you have fitment or product related questions, please jump in!


True Motorsport Blanks - 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 which gives us total control over the final product, resulting in exceptionally deep spokes and stronger designs. Learn more about this interesting topic by reading our blog article, or by viewing the video below.


How APEX Engineers a Better Track Wheel - Many of you have probably heard the phrase, “All forged wheels are not created equal”, and this couldn’t be more true. Watch the video below to get a better understanding of how APEX Wheels delivers functional features that can actually be felt in the real world.


3D Laser Scanning, Brake & Suspension Clearances - When we say that we develop wheels from the ground up for each vehicle application, we mean it. Prior to the engineering phase of wheel development, we bring test vehicles into our facility for 3D laser scanning and extensive fitment testing. We use our handheld Creaform 3D scanner to scan front and rear brakes, along with other components under the fenders like suspension and brake ducting where proper wheel and tire clearance is critical.

In addition to 3D scanning the standard 380mm steel and optional 410mm PCCB brake packages for the 718 GT4, we also reviewed aftermarket brake templates from PFC and Essex AP Racing as these are popular upgrades for hardcore track enthusiasts. Our team of engineers leverage the 3D scans and aftermarket 2D template files to optimize spoke and barrel designs for strength to weight, stiffness, and critical brake clearance.

Initially our goal was to provide the community with 19” wheel solutions that could clear the optional 410mm PCCB front brakes, however, even when our experienced engineers implemented a zero degree draft on the barrel (the maximum amount of space any wheel barrel can offer), the tolerance between the front caliper and the inner barrel is dangerously tight at 1 - 2 mm and did not meet our internal safety standards. In the garage, 19” wheels can technically clear, but it is important to note that wheels flex under load. At that minuscule tolerance, even if the calipers do not directly make contact with the barrel of the wheel (which we have experienced first hand with 19” motorsport wheels from other wheel manufacturers), debris will inevitably get lodged in between causing damage/scoring to the barrel. In conclusion, our policy is that 20” wheels must be used with 410mm PCCB equipped cars for proper tolerances.


FEA Analysis - 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. 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. What’s the point of a lightweight wheel if it’s fragile?

Independently Tested - 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. At the end of the day, drivers deserve to know if wheel companies are truly delivering on the promises they are making. Learn more about our rigorous independent testing.
Side-milled Spokes - To be as light as possible these forged wheel designs feature 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. Click here to learn more about our wider and deeper side-milling.

Paintless Knurled Beads - 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. Click here to learn more about why our forged wheels have unpainted knurled beads.

Laser-Engraved Specs - 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.)

Apex Wheels

As a performance & motorsport oriented company, our wheel development journey for the 718 GT4 naturally started out with an easy to install lightweight 19” setup. The two primary reasons enthusiasts pursue a smaller 19” wheel and tire configuration are to reduce rotational mass, and to unlock a wider variety of desirable tire compounds. As many of you HPDE and W2W racers know, tires are one of the more costly consumables (think cash incinerator) and in many cases the move from OEM 20” to aftermarket 19” wheels can also help reduce the annual tire budget. Anytime we can simultaneously gain performance AND divert more cash towards seat time, we’re all for it!



The GT4 has alway been very impressive straight off the showroom floor, but like most cars in factory trim it has a tendency to understeer when pushed around a race track. You don’t have to be Jörg Bergmeister to experience this fun-sucking trait, it can even rear its ugly head during Sunday canyon drives and “spirited” commutes. Aside from suspension and alignment tweaks, one of the easiest ways to mitigate understeer is to increase front end grip by installing wider front tires, therefore, we took the opportunity to increase our front wheel width to 9 inches (1/2” wider than stock) to better support popular 255/35-19 & 265/35-19 upgraded tire sizes. After 3D laser scanning and performing several rounds of on-car fitment testing, we landed on an ET50 offset which positions the front wheel at the edge of the bodywork while slightly increasing inner suspension clearance in comparison to the factory 8.5” wheels.

Every 255/35-19 tire we’ve ever tested on our 9” front wheels has bolted up to the car without any suspension or alignment modifications, and while select 265/35-19 tires may bolt up to the car without installing aftermarket suspension components, we strongly recommend installing aftermarket camber plates to ensure they clear the fenders under suspension compression. It is important to note that increasing negative camber by shimming the lower control arms (LCA) does not help solve this potential fender clearance issue with 265 tires. Adding shims to the LCA lengthens the control arms which pushes the bottom of the wheel and tire outward which does not improve fender clearance. Aftermarket camber plates (aka adjustable top mounts) will allow you to dial in negative camber by tilting the strut inward towards the center of the car, which in turn pulls the wheels and tires inward away from the fenders. You can learn more by watching our YouTube video on the subject.

You Tube

We have two 19” rear wheel options for the GT4 which ensures every enthusiast has the right solution for their specific needs based on how you enjoy the car, what rear tire size you desire, and whether or not you are open to suspension and alignment modifications. The easy button is our 19x10.5” ET44 fitment which sits in the exact same outer position as the factory wheels in relation to the rear fenders, and most importantly it is a direct fit without any suspension or alignment modifications required. While you may be thinking that 10.5” rear wheels are a downgrade from the factory 11” rear wheels, it is important to note that the GT4 Clubsport factory race car actually comes with 10.35” rear wheels. 10.5” wheels provide plenty of sidewall support for 285 and most 295 tires (unless the 295 compound you choose runs really wide), and they will weigh slightly less than 11” wheels.

The second option is our more aggressive 19x11” ET48 fitment which is a fantastic solution for enthusiasts that plan to run 295 rear tires in a compound that runs wide, or 305 tires due to added sidewall support. Our 19x11” ET48 is intentionally 2mm more aggressive (further out towards the fenders) in comparison to the factory 20x11” ET50 to improve inner clearance to the suspension. When you reduce wheel diameter from 20” to 19” the inner lip of the 11” wide rear wheels gets very close to suspension components, therefore, aftermarket motorsport style toe links are a requirement. Aftermarket toe links are one of the most popular suspension modifications among GT4 track enthusiasts due to their ability to correct toe settings when camber is dialed in, so they are highly recommended regardless of what wheel and tire configuration you plan to run. Furthermore, there are now several aftermarket rear camber plate options available to help dial in additional rear camber and improve fender clearance for really wide rear tire configurations.

At the end of the day, both rear 19” rear wheel sizes are very effective on the GT4. It is important for you to review your long term plans for tires and suspension before making a decision. And remember, wider is not always better. The type of tire compound makes all the difference

Apex Wheels

Once we determined the need for a 20” fitment to clear the factory PCCB equipped GT4’s and Spyders we knew where we wanted to end up. Our 19x9”ET50 sits perfectly with the fender so we wanted to keep that fitment just stepped up in a 20” diameter. Going to a 20” rear means we could offer the factory rear spec of 20x11”ET50 which fits so well on the GT4. Our 20” VS-5RS offers a total weight saving of ~14.4 lbs while providing an extra ½” of front wheel width.

One of the biggest selling points of the factory tire sizes is the breadth of tire availability. In order to run Hoosiers in the 19” sizes you have to step up to a 265 front tire or drop down to a 235, this makes the factory sizes compelling to select customers that are not interested in downsizing the wheels or doing much modification. We still advise camber plates for the factory sized Hoosier setup due to the amount of camber necessary to get the most performance and life out of this DOT slick. While getting close to -3° of front camber is possible with the lower control arm, this has negative effects on caster and wheel/tire clearance.

• Max Performance Summer: Michelin PS4S (300 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport 02 (340TW)
• Extreme Performance Summer: Goodyear Supercar 3 (220 TW)
• R-Compound: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N1 (180 TW), Dunlop Sport Maxx Race 2 N1 (80 TW), Yokohama AD09 (200TW)
• Semi-Slick: Hoosier R7 (40 TW) - *Camber plates required

Apex Wheels

With the introduction of the GT4RS, we knew we needed to make a bolt on solution for it. Finally, we get a Cayman with a proper 493hp GT3 heart. With this came 992 GT3 factory front brake sizing which in this case is either 408mm steel or 410mm PCCB. The need for a 20” wheel was clear to safely provide clearance to the caliper. Our 20” GT4RS wheels are a direct fit with no need for modifications and utilizes the factory tire sizes. While the idea of running a wider tire is appealing, not only does this make the overall tire diameter taller but it also hurts tire availability. You lose options like the Hoosier R7 and Goodyear Supercar 3 as track tire options. Both of which, along with the factory installed tires, will benefit from the increased width of the 9” front wheel.




One of the biggest selling points of the factory 20” diameter and tire sizes is the ability to keep the factory brakes and the scope of tire availability. With the factory steel brakes increasing to 408mm front rotor diameter (up from the 380mm from the GT4) and having the same caliper location as the optional PCCB, this rules out 19” wheels as a safe to run option. For those looking to run 19” wheels with aftermarket brakes we will have something for you shortly. If you would like to see more photos of this incredible Shark Blue GT4RS including some great fitment shots, follow THIS LINK to our wheel gallery.

• Max Performance Summer: Michelin PS4S (300 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport 02 (340TW)
• Extreme Performance Summer: Goodyear Supercar 3 (220 TW)
• R-Compound: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 N1 (180 TW), Dunlop Sport Maxx Race 2 N1 (80 TW), Yokohama AD09 (200TW)
• Semi-Slick: Hoosier R7 (40 TW) - *Camber plates required

gesmith55

Awesome! Been waiting for these.

I assume the 19x11” clear the rear toe link just like the SM-10’s?

Also is it a typo on the 305/35/19 in the rear? Typical fitment is 305/30/19, correct?

Apex Wheels

As a performance and motorsport oriented company we knew we wanted to give the GT4RS a 19” fitment for the true track enthusiasts. With the popularity of the 19” fitments on the GT4, and seeing the most popular tire configurations, we decided to optimize for the 265/35-19 front tire we saw so often. This led to the 9.5” front wheel which offers proper sidewall support to that 265 tire to reduce understeer and further aid that turn in response we are all looking for. This is something that we had not seen done before so we went about doing some test fits as soon as possible. What did we find? Short answer is it works. Not only does it fit under the fender, but works perfectly on track. In order to make room for the additional 1” of wheel width over stock we require front camber plates, especially for someone looking to dial in a track alignment. This offsets some of the workload of shimming the lower control arm.

The tire options we recommend for this fitment are designed to reduce understeer and offer the widest availability of tire models to fit your needs. This is everything from a 300TW street tire, into your 200TW and 100TW track day tires, all the way to Hoosiers. There are more tire size combinations available but we expect these to be the most popular.

Notable Tire Options

Apex Staff Pick: Front: 265/35-19 // Rear: 295/30-19
Front camber plates required

• Max Performance Summer: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 (300TW), Michelin PS4S (300 TW)
• Extreme Performance Summer: Nankang CR-S (200TW), Yokohama AD09 (200 TW), Goodyear Supercar 3 (220 TW), Continental ExtremeContact Force (200TW)
• R-Compound: Toyo R888R, (100TW)
• Semi-Slick: Hoosier R7 (40TW)

Option 2: Front: 265/35-19 // Rear: 305/30-19
Front camber plates required
Rear camber plates strongly suggested

• Max Performance Summer: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 (300TW), Michelin PS4S (300 TW)
• Extreme Performance Summer: Falken RT660 (200TW), Goodyear Supercar 3 (220 TW), Nankang CR-S (200TW)
• R-Compound: Nankang AR-1 (100TW), Michelin Cup 2 (180TW), Goodyear Supercar 3R (100TW)
• Semi-Slick: No options currently available

This Fitment, as incredible as it is, is not a bolt on solution and does require a few reversible modifications to be done. The biggest of which is changing the front brake system. There are a number of possibilities from a 991 GT3 steel brake caliper and 380mm rotors, an AP kit from the guys over at AP/Essex, or one of the PFC Sport kits (which sadly doesn't clear the spokes on the factory front wheels). Next is a motorsport style rear toe links. This gives you the clearance to run the reduced diameter 19” wheel as well as give you control over your toe setting at increased negative camber values as the OE part runs out of adjustment. The last crucial piece of the puzzle are the aforementioned front camber plates which give you the clearance to the fender. Many of you will opt for the rear camber plates as well knowing fender clearance can be limited even on the factory setup. Both Dundon Motorsports and Alekshop will have rear camber plate solutions coming soon for those of you who need them.

We are very happy with the results of this fitment for the GT4RS and look forward to everyone getting their hands on them later this year. As always if anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out and I will be happy to assist. To see the full Gallery of the GT4RS on this fitment CLICK HERE


-Brandon

Ksdaoski

You sell tires too?

ExMB

I think I would prefer front 20x9 ET55 for a GT4RS CL fitment considering Porsche widened the track on that car.

Let us know when those would be available.

Apex Wheels

We do, however, as you all know the tire industry has been hit hard by COVID. With the supply chain in disarray, it has been a challenge to broaden our tire offering. Our tire inventory is very spotty, therefore, we will not be offering tire packages in the Group Buy pre-sale.

Congrats on the allocation! Our Forged Sprint Line includes 19" and 20" centerlock applications for the 997/991 chassis, so if there is demand from the GT4RS crowd we can certainly tackle those as well.


- Ryan

65ac408

Glad to see you guys entering the game

Reedy

These wheels look stunning. One of my favourite designs i've seen. Any plans to make 20 inch ones in the future? I really want something with identical size and offset to the OEM wheels so I can swap between them without throwing the alignment out.

enduro

Sexy.

KelvinC

Yes, they plan on releasing them this summer. You can see the size and offsets in the first post, even the MSRP.

Rear is identical to OEM at 11x20 et 50.

Front wheel is 0.5” wider than OEM at 9x20 et 50 (vs 8.5x20 et 61).

So they will stick out a bit wider than stock by about 0.67”, which should work just fine. Stock tire size should stretch just a bit more on this width, but I don’t think it should be a problem.

I am waiting for the 20s as well. The wait is killing me!

qil

Will the 20” fit over pccb? Any way to sign up to be notified when they are on sale/pre-sale

korzry

The VS-5RS look great. I'll take a set of those in 20s when they're available.