About This Ford Focus ST 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Ford Focus ST 2017 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch Option Lab R716 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Option Lab for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Ford Focus ST builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Option Lab R716 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Option Lab R716 on the Ford Focus ST 2017
I walked around this Focus ST last weekend and the fitment on these Option Lab R716s is spot on. We are looking at an 18x8.5 square setup with a +40 offset at all four corners. This choice pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fenders without going overboard.
The +40 offset is the magic number for the MK3 chassis. It gives the car a much wider track width than the factory wheels. You get that aggressive stance while keeping the scrub radius well within safe limits.
Caliper clearance is always a concern with these big front brakes. Thankfully, the R716 design features a face that clears the ST calipers with plenty of room to spare. You will not need any wheel spacers to make these fit over the factory hardware.
The hub bore on these wheels matches the Ford 63.4mm spec perfectly. We love a hub-centric fitment because it eliminates those nasty high-speed vibrations. You bolt them on and the car tracks straight as an arrow.
Looking at the barrel, the lip depth adds a nice sense of dimension. It isn't a deep-dish wheel, but the spoke geometry makes it look deeper than it actually is. It creates a great visual transition from the tire sidewall to the hub.
The owner dropped the car on lowering springs, which changes the game entirely. That slight drop closes up the wheel gap and makes the +40 offset look even more flush. The tires now sit perfectly in line with the body lines.
I checked the inner liners for any signs of rubbing during full lock. Because the width is only 8.5 inches, you rarely run into issues with the frame rails. Just watch out for big dips if you run a meaty tire, as the rear fenders might kiss the rubber.
What We Recommend for Ford Focus ST 2017 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 18-inch diameter. Going up to 19s kills your ride quality and makes the tires look like rubber bands. The 18x8.5 spec is the sweet spot for handling and aesthetics.
Stay away from staggered setups on a front-wheel-drive platform. We always recommend a square setup because it allows you to rotate your tires. You save money on rubber and keep the car balanced in the corners.
Watch your tire sizing carefully to avoid rubbing. A 235/40R18 tire is the gold standard for this specific wheel width. It provides a nice square shoulder that protects the rim without ballooning over the edge.
Do not go lower than a +35 offset unless you want to roll your fenders. We have seen people try it, and they always end up cutting their sidewalls on the metal tabs. Stay in that +40 to +45 range for a stress-free install.
Avoid the temptation to use cheap slip-on spacers. If you need a tiny bit more clearance, buy high-quality hub-centric spacers with built-in studs. Never compromise on the hardware that keeps your wheels attached to the car.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gunmetal finish on these wheels provides a sharp contrast against the factory paint. It looks sophisticated and serious without trying too hard. It hides brake dust much better than a bright silver or white wheel would.
The split-spoke design of the R716 mimics a motorsport aesthetic. It gives the Focus ST that rally-bred look that the designers intended. The spokes reach all the way to the outer edge, making the wheel look larger than it is.
Proportions are everything when you are building a hot hatch. These wheels fill the arches just enough to make the car look planted and ready for a canyon run. It isn't a show-only stance, but it definitely turns heads in the parking lot.
We see a lot of these cars at meets, but most people pick generic designs. This R716 setup stands out because it balances form and function perfectly. It looks just as good at the grocery store as it does at a track day.
The car has a grounded, aggressive presence now. It feels like the wheels were meant to be there from the factory. You can tell the owner cared about the details by choosing a finish that complements the ST’s aggressive front bumper.
Why We Love This Build
I love how this car looks when the sun hits the Gunmetal finish. The light dances off the spokes, highlighting the concave profile while the car sits low on those springs. It turns a standard commuter into a street weapon.
This build works because it is functional and clean. The wheels fill the arches with enough room to actually drive hard without worrying about cracked fenders. It represents the best way to modify a daily driver.
This Focus ST makes us want to clear out our own garage and start a project. It is the perfect blend of style, tire grip, and aggressive offset. This is how you build a real car enthusiast's machine.
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: Ford Focus ST 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R716
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 40 / 40
- Wheel Finish: Gunmetal
- Tires: Nitto NT555 G2 235/40 25.4″x9.3″ / 235/40 25.4″x9.3″
- Suspension: Lowering Springs
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Ford Focus ST owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels fit my Ford Focus ST? 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 Ford Focus ST owners run 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
