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 around this Focus ST at the meet and the fitment immediately caught my eye. The Option Lab R716 wheels in 18x8.5 with a +40 offset sit perfectly flush with the fenders. It nails the aggressive stance that every ST owner chases.
The +40 offset is the magic number for the MK3 platform. It pushes the wheels out just enough to kill that sunken stock look without sticking out past the bodywork. You get a wider track width that actually helps in the corners.
Caliper clearance is always a concern on the Focus ST because those front brakes are chunky. The R716 design clears the factory calipers with plenty of room to spare. You won't need spacers to clear the hardware here.
The hub bore on these wheels fits the ST center hub like a glove. I always recommend using a good set of hub-centric rings to keep everything vibration-free. Never skip that step if you want a smooth ride on the highway.
Because this owner runs coilovers, the wheel gap is non-existent. The tire shoulder sits right inside the fender liner edge. It looks tight, but you have to watch for rubbing on big dips or full-lock turns.
The spoke design on the R716 adds a lot of visual depth to the side profile. I love how the spokes stretch to the outer edge of the barrel. It makes the 18-inch wheels look bigger than they actually are.
If you go this low, keep an eye on your inner fender liners. You might need to trim a small section if you hear any scrubbing under heavy compression. It is a small price to pay for this level of flush fitment.
What We Recommend for Ford Focus ST 2013 Owners
Stick to an 18x8.5 setup if you want the best balance of looks and performance. Going wider often leads to rubbing issues that ruin your daily drive. Keep it simple and keep it effective.
Avoid staggered setups on this front-wheel-drive platform. You want a square configuration so you can rotate your tires and keep the handling predictable. A square setup is the secret to a fast ST.
The +38 to +42 offset range is your playground. Anything lower than +35 will poke too much and spray rocks all over your paint. Anything higher than +45 starts to look weak and tucked in.
Don't fall for the trap of extreme tire stretch just to fit a massive wheel. It ruins the grip you bought the ST for in the first place. Run a proper tire width that protects the rim and puts power to the ground.
We often see guys struggle with cheap lug nuts that don't fit the wheel seat. Make sure you use the correct seat type for the R716 wheels. It seems minor, but it keeps your wheels from flying off at the track.
Style and Build Analysis
The Bronze finish against this body color is a masterclass in contrast. It pops without being obnoxious or over the top. It feels like a race car that just pulled off the circuit.
The R716 has a clean, multi-spoke geometry that suits the aggressive lines of the Focus ST perfectly. It looks purposeful and technical. You can tell this build was planned, not just thrown together.
Proportion is everything when you modify a hot hatch. These wheels fill the arches just right, giving the car a planted, grounded feel. It looks like it is ready to attack a back road the second the light turns green.
Most builds we see go for black wheels, but they often disappear into the fender wells. This Bronze finish changes the game by adding character. It draws your eye straight to the wheel and tire setup.
This car holds its own against the best builds we have featured this year. It strikes that rare balance between a clean street car and a track-ready weapon. Every piece of the puzzle fits the theme.
Why We Love This Build
This Ford Focus ST looks like it belongs on a pedestal. The Bronze R716 wheels catch the late afternoon light and show off the detail in the spokes. It creates a bold, aggressive presence that demands your attention in the parking lot. You can see the engineering behind every choice the owner made to get the stance this dialed in.
We love this build because it stays true to the spirit of the hot hatch. It is fast, it is loud, and it looks absolutely lethal sitting on the pavement. Seeing this car move through the gears makes me want to head back to the garage immediately. This is the definitive way to build a Focus ST.
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: 40 / 40
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Achilles ATR Sport 2 235/40 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.
