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 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 2013
I walked up to this Focus ST and immediately noticed the stance. Running the Option Lab R716 in 18x8.5 all around gives this hatch a serious road-ready profile. That 35 offset pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fender line.
The 8.5-inch width is the sweet spot for the ST chassis. It gives you enough meat on the road without turning the steering into a chore. The car feels glued to the tarmac compared to those narrow factory rollers.
Those 35 offsets mean you get a nice, aggressive poke. It clears the stock front calipers easily, which is always a relief with aftermarket wheels. You won't need spacers to get that flush look we all crave.
The hub bore on these wheels fits the ST perfectly. Everything sits dead center on the hubs with zero vibration. That makes for a smooth ride even when you are pushing it hard on back roads.
Since this owner is on lowering springs, the fender gap is finally gone. The tires tuck just enough to look purposeful without killing the fenders. It is a tight fit, but it looks absolutely killer.
I always look at the barrel lip depth when I see these wheels. The R716 design creates a deep, concave look that pulls your eye toward the center. It makes the wheel look much larger than a standard 18-inch hoop.
You need to watch out for rubbing if you drive like a maniac over big bumps. The rear fenders on these Focus models can catch the tire if you go too low. Keep your alignment specs tight to avoid any unwanted scrubbing.
What We Recommend for Ford Focus ST 2013 Owners
Stick to a square setup if you want to rotate your tires. Staggered setups on a front-wheel-drive platform like this just ruin your handling balance. Keep the 18x8.5 specs all around for the best performance.
Offset is everything when you are shopping for your ST. We have found that 35 to 40 is the perfect range for a flush fitment. Anything lower than 35 and you will be dealing with way too much poke for the street.
Don't be afraid of a little tire stretch if you want that track-inspired look. A 235 or 245 width tire works great on this rim width. Just make sure your sidewall stiffness matches your driving style.
Most guys mess up by buying wheels that are too heavy. The Option Lab R716 keeps the unsprung weight manageable. You want your suspension to react quickly, not fight against a boat anchor.
Stay away from cheap spacers unless you absolutely need them for clearance. They just add unnecessary stress to your wheel studs. If you buy the right offset initially, you never have to worry about them.
Style and Build Analysis
The Bronze finish on these R716s creates a hell of a contrast against the paint. It isn't too flashy or gaudy, just the right amount of race-inspired grit. Every time the sun hits these wheels, the metallic flake really pops.
The multi-spoke design of the R716 screams rally heritage. It matches the aggressive personality of the Focus ST perfectly. It looks like it belongs on a gravel stage or a city street.
Proportions are everything in this build. The 18-inch diameter fills the wheel wells without looking like a donk. The car sits low, mean, and ready to attack every corner.
I have seen a lot of ST builds, but this one hits differently. It avoids the common trap of overdoing the modifications. The wheels become the centerpiece without overshadowing the car itself.
This build feels cohesive from the front bumper to the rear wing. You can tell the owner spent time dialing in the stance. It is a masterclass in making a factory chassis look like a custom shop project.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this Focus ST parked in the light is a total vibe. The bronze wheels glow against the dark bodywork, catching every single ray of sun. It makes the car look wider, faster, and much more intentional than stock.
We love this setup because it balances daily driving comfort with pure visual aggression. The fitment is tight, the color choice is bold, and the whole package just works. It makes you want to grab the keys and hit the highway immediately.
This is how you mod a hot hatch properly. You do not need a widebody kit to turn heads at the local meet. Just a clean drop and the right set of wheels will do the trick every time. Get yourself a set and go drive.
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 R716
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp-2 235/40 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.
