About This Lotus Exige S2 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Green Lotus Exige S2 sits on a set of 16×7 and 17×7.5-inch Advan RZ II wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Advan for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Lotus Exige builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the Green exterior with the Advan RZ II creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Advan RZ II on the Lotus Exige S2
I walked around this Exige for an hour just to soak in the proportions. The Advan RZ II in 16x7 front and 17x7.5 rear is the ultimate setup for this chassis. It respects the Lotus DNA while sharpening the handling significantly.
The 16/17 staggered combo keeps the factory geometry perfectly balanced. We see too many people go too big and ruin the steering feel. This setup maintains that telepathic connection to the road.
Clearance is always the biggest headache on the S2 platform. These Advans clear the AP Racing calipers without needing any sketchy spacers. The spoke design arcs out just enough to provide that vital breathing room.
We checked the inner barrels and found no interference with the lower control arms. The offset sits flush with the fender line without poking like a drift car. It looks purposeful and tight.
The hub bore fits the Lotus knuckles like a glove. You do not need hubcentric rings that fail after a few track days. It is a true bolt-on affair that feels solid at high speeds.
Watch your inner liner clearance if you run a sticky tire. A 235/45ZR17 rear is beefy, so check your alignment specs. Any extreme camber might bring the tire too close to the tub under hard compression.
The RZ II spokes taper toward the center to highlight the wheel’s structural strength. It creates a deep, aggressive look despite the relatively narrow widths. Every gram of weight saved here helps the Exige feel even lighter.
What We Recommend for Lotus Exige S2 Owners
Stop hunting for massive wheels because you want a deep dish look. The Exige hates heavy wheels, so stick to flow-formed or forged designs like the Advan. Weight is your biggest enemy in this mid-engine beast.
Aim for the 16x7 and 17x7.5 range every single time. It provides the best contact patch without upsetting the delicate balance of the car. Going square might look cool, but you lose the turn-in bite.
Pay close attention to your offsets. If you go too aggressive, you will rub the fiberglass arches on every bump. Keep the wheels tucked just enough to preserve your paint and your sanity.
Stick to a performance tire that matches the width of the wheel. I see guys stretching tires to get "fitment" and it ruins the sidewall stiffness. You bought a Lotus for the handling, so do not sacrifice it for a trend.
Skip the cheap spacers and long lug bolts. If you need a spacer to make a wheel fit, you bought the wrong wheel. Do it right the first time and your suspension will thank you.
Style and Build Analysis
The Indigo Blue finish against the traditional British Racing Green is a bold move. Most people would play it safe with silver or black wheels. This owner took a risk, and it paid off in spades.
The deep blue has a metallic pop that changes as the sun moves across the body. It brings out the hidden depth in the green paint. It looks like a modern take on a classic racing livery.
The RZ II design has a technical, racing-derived aesthetic that screams performance. The twin-spoke pattern keeps the wheel looking busy yet lightweight. It fills the arches perfectly without looking like a toy.
I have seen a dozen Exiges this year, but this one stands out. The stance is just aggressive enough to hint at its track potential. It sits low, mean, and ready to attack a corner.
The proportions feel like they belong on a factory prototype. You get a sense of speed even when the car is parked in the paddock. This is how you modify a Lotus with class and intent.
Why We Love This Build
This Exige is a masterclass in restraint and vision. The Indigo Blue wheels catch the light and transform the character of the Green body. It is a visual punch that we simply cannot look away from.
When the car rolls, the blue flashes against the dark green like a blur of high-end engineering. It makes the car look faster, lighter, and more capable than anything else on the road. We want to drive it until the fuel light glows.
If you want to build a Lotus that commands respect, stop looking for cheap shortcuts. This is the exact blueprint you need to follow for a perfect weekend toy. Build it right and drive it hard.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Lotus Exige S2
- Vehicle Color: Green
- Wheel Brand & Model: Advan RZ II
- Wheel Size: 16×7 and 17×7.5
- Offset: Contact dealer
- Wheel Finish: Indigo Blue
- Tires: 235/45ZR17 rears
Additional Build Info:
ET35 rears
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Lotus Exige owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 16×7 and 17×7.5-inch wheels fit my Lotus Exige? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Lotus Exige owners run 16×7 and 17×7.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
