About This Ford Focus ST 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Ford Focus ST 2013 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch Option Lab R555 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 R555 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Option Lab R555 on the Ford Focus ST 2013
I walked around this Focus ST at the meet and the fitment immediately caught my eye. The 18x8.5 Option Lab R555 wheels sit perfectly flush with those factory fenders. We love an 18-inch setup on this platform because it balances handling and aesthetic perfectly.
The +40 offset is the real secret sauce here. It pushes the wheel out just enough to kill that sunken stock look without requiring insane camber. You get a nice, aggressive track-ready stance that looks like it belongs on a rally stage.
Caliper clearance on the Focus ST is always a headache because of those massive front brakes. The spoke design on these R555s clears the calipers with room to spare. We didn't need any spacers to get them to seat properly against the hubs.
The 63.4mm hub bore makes for a seamless install on the Ford platform. You drop these right on without hunting for hub-centric rings that eventually get stuck or corrode. It is a true bolt-on experience that saves you a massive headache in the garage.
The barrel lip depth on these wheels adds a surprising amount of visual aggression. It breaks up the flat face of the design and gives the wheel some much-needed character. You really notice the depth when the car is rolling down the track.
Since the owner dialed in these coilovers, the fender gap is basically non-existent. You have to watch your clearances if you drive hard through dips or steep driveways. We recommend keeping a close eye on your inner fender liners just in case of rubbing under heavy compression.
The combination of a stiff coilover setup and these wheels creates a tight, connected feel. Every bump and crack in the road transmits directly through the steering wheel. It is exactly how a hot hatch should feel when you are pushing it to the limit.
What We Recommend for Ford Focus ST 2013 Owners
If you own a Focus ST, stick with an 18x8.5 square setup. It keeps the car balanced and allows you to rotate your tires to extend their life. We have tried 19-inch wheels, but they just destroy the ride quality on these cars.
Aim for an offset between +38 and +42. Anything lower than +35 will poke too far and spray rocks all over your paint. Anything higher than +45 starts to look weak and will rub against the front struts.
Do not even think about a staggered setup on a front-wheel-drive platform. You only add unnecessary understeer and ruin the rotation of your tires. Keep the wheels identical at all four corners if you want the car to actually handle well.
Regarding tires, stay away from extreme stretch unless you only care about parking lot clout. A 235/40/18 tire is the gold standard for this width. It provides enough sidewall to protect the rim from potholes while giving you the grip you need.
Common mistakes usually involve buying cheap, heavy wheels that ruin your unsprung weight. The Option Lab R555s are light enough to keep the suspension responsive. Always prioritize weight savings over pure aesthetic when picking your shoes.
Style and Build Analysis
The Black finish on these R555s looks mean against the body lines of the Focus ST. It leans into that sinister, aggressive aesthetic that defines the hot hatch scene. The deep shadows in the spokes hide brake dust, which is a massive win for daily drivers.
The wheel design features sharp, clean lines that mimic the aggressive front bumper of the 2013 model. It is a cohesive look that does not try too hard to be flashy. We appreciate how the design pulls the eye toward the center of the wheel.
When you stand back, the stance looks intentional and serious. The wheels fill the arches perfectly, making the car look wider and more planted. It is a massive upgrade over the factory boat-anchor wheels that Ford shipped these cars with.
We see a lot of builds at these meets that overdo it with colors or massive lips. This car stays classy by focusing on the fundamentals of good fitment and clean contrast. It proves that you do not need wild modifications to build a head-turning machine.
This car holds its own next to much more expensive builds. The proportions look factory-correct, just turned up to eleven. It is a masterclass in how a single, well-chosen set of wheels can transform the entire vibe of a vehicle.
Why We Love This Build
We love this build because it captures the essence of a driver-focused hot hatch. The Black Option Lab wheels catch the light in the curves and make the car look ready to pounce. It is not just a show piece; it is a machine built to be driven hard on a twisty back road. When we saw it parked, the way the tires tucked just inside the arches made our jaws drop. It is the perfect balance of form and function that every enthusiast strives to reach. You need this setup if you want your ST to look like it owns the pavement. Go get yourself a set and transform your ride today.
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 2013
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R555
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 40 / 40
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Federal SS595 235/40 25.4″x9.3″ / 235/40 25.4″x9.3″
- Suspension: Coilovers
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.
