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 last weekend and the fitment on these Option Lab R555s is spot on. We are looking at a square 18x8.5 setup with a +35 offset all around. This spec pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fenders without looking cartoonish.
The +35 offset is aggressive for a stock body Focus, but it works perfectly here. It fills those arches out much better than the factory Ford wheels ever could. You get that meaty, planted look the ST platform desperately needs.
Clearance is always the big worry with these cars because of the massive front calipers. Luckily, the barrel and spoke design on the R555 clears the brakes with room to spare. You will not need any annoying spacers to make these fit over your stock setup.
The hub bore on these wheels matches the Focus perfectly, so you get a vibration-free ride. You just bolt them on and go. It is a true plug-and-play setup for any ST owner tired of the factory geometry.
Since this car runs on coilovers, the drop really completes the look. The tighter suspension keeps the tires from smashing into the fender liners during hard cornering. Without that drop, you would definitely be poking a bit too much for a daily driver.
Watch out for the rear fenders if you decide to go with a really wide tire. I noticed just a hair of clearance, so aggressive alignment settings are your best friend. A little bit of negative camber keeps everything tucked and safe during heavy compression.
The spoke design on the R555s is a classic five-spoke layout that feels right at home on a hot hatch. It gives the car a purposeful, rally-inspired vibe that screams performance. The barrel lip depth is subtle, adding just enough dimension to break up the flat surface of the wheel.
What We Recommend for Ford Focus ST 2013 Owners
If you want this look, stick to the 18x8.5 width. It is the gold standard for the Focus ST platform. Anything wider and you start fighting with the fenders, which is a headache nobody needs.
For offsets, keep it between +35 and +40. That +35 sweet spot we see here provides the most aggressive stance possible. It brings the wheels flush with the body lines and gives the car a much wider track width.
Avoid staggered setups on this car at all costs. The Focus ST is front-wheel drive and needs consistent traction on all four corners. A square setup lets you rotate your tires and keeps the handling neutral and predictable.
Do not cheap out on tires if you want to pull off this look. A high-performance summer tire with a slightly rounded sidewall will prevent rubbing. It gives you that flush look without needing to roll or pull your fenders.
Common mistakes usually involve buying wheels with the wrong center bore or offset. Always check your specs before you pull the trigger on a set of wheels. Trust me, nothing is worse than waiting weeks for wheels that do not clear your brakes.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gunmetal finish on these R555s is a stroke of genius against the factory paint. It is dark enough to look serious but light enough to show off the sharp angles of the spokes. In direct sunlight, the metallic flake really pops and grabs your eye.
This wheel design feels like a modern evolution of the old-school rally wheels. It looks fast even when the car is parked at a meet. It brings a level of maturity to the Focus that the flashy aftermarket wheels usually lack.
The stance is undeniably perfect thanks to the coilover setup. The car sits low, but it does not look like a slammed show car that cannot drive over a pebble. It has a functional, track-ready aesthetic that I absolutely love.
When you compare this build to others, the R555s make the ST look wider and more hunkered down. It changes the whole silhouette of the car. It transforms the Focus from a budget hatch into a street-legal weapon.
I have seen a lot of ST builds, but this one stands out because it is cohesive. Nothing feels out of place or tacked on for the sake of trends. It is a masterclass in how to build a clean, driver-focused street car.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this Focus ST in person reminded me why we do this hobby. The way the Gunmetal spokes catch the light when the car rolls into the lot is mesmerizing. The wheels tuck perfectly into the arches, making the whole car look like it was carved from a single block of steel. We love this build because it stays true to the rally roots of the platform while adding a sharp, modern edge.
It is the kind of setup that makes you look back every time you park. This build proves that you do not need over-the-top parts to make a statement. Sometimes, the right set of wheels and a solid drop are all you need to win. Stop dreaming and get your build started.
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: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Gunmetal
- Tires: Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 255/35 25″x10″ / 255/35 25″x10″
- 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.
