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 how the Option Lab R716 wheels transform the stance. We are looking at an 18x8.5 setup on all four corners. That width is the absolute sweet spot for this platform.
The +40 offset pushes these wheels out just enough to sit flush with the fenders. You get that aggressive, track-ready look without needing to pull the metal. It fills the wheel wells perfectly.
Caliper clearance is a common headache on the ST, but these wheels handle it with ease. The spokes arc outward enough to clear the front brakes without needing spacers. I hate dealing with hub rings, but these fit the factory hub bore like a glove.
The lowering springs drop the car just enough to kill that unsightly factory gap. Because the offset is conservative, you avoid most rubbing issues. You might hear a tiny tick on a massive bump, but it stays clear for daily driving.
The barrel lip depth gives the wheel a bit of extra character. It feels substantial without looking like a heavy, bloated mess. Option Lab really nailed the weight-to-strength ratio here.
I love the multi-spoke design. It draws the eye toward the center of the wheel. It makes the 18-inch diameter look much larger than it actually is on the road.
Watch out for the rear inner fender liner if you load the trunk up. The +40 offset puts the tire close to the plastic bits. It is nothing a quick trim cannot fix, though.
What We Recommend for Ford Focus ST 2013 Owners
Stick to a square setup every single time. Staggering wheels on a front-wheel-drive platform like the Focus ST kills your handling balance. Keep the 18x8.5 dimensions consistent front and rear.
If you want that perfect flush look, +35 to +40 is your target zone. Anything higher than +45 looks tucked and weak. Anything lower than +30 will poke too far and shred your tires.
Don't fall for the trap of buying massive, heavy wheels. The ST is a nimble car that thrives on low unsprung weight. Stick to flow-formed wheels like the R716 to keep the steering sharp.
Tire selection matters just as much as the rim. A 235/40/18 tire is the gold standard for this width. It provides a clean, square sidewall that protects the rim from potholes.
Avoid excessive tire stretch. It ruins the ride quality and offers zero rim protection. We want a functional build that actually drives well on canyon roads.
Check your alignment after the install. Lowering springs change your camber geometry. A proper performance alignment keeps your tires from balding in a month.
Style and Build Analysis
That bright white finish against the body paint creates an incredible contrast. It pops in direct sunlight and makes the whole car look fast sitting still. White wheels are a bold choice, but they absolutely pay off here.
The R716 design is modern but nods to classic rally heritage. It fits the Focus ST’s personality perfectly. This is a hot hatch, not a luxury cruiser, and these wheels prove it.
Look at the side profile and you see perfect proportions. The spokes reach all the way to the outer edge of the rim. This makes the car look hunkered down and ready to pounce.
I have featured plenty of ST builds with black wheels, but they often get lost in the shadows. These white wheels force you to look at the detail. They demand attention every single time the car rolls past.
This build feels cohesive. The owner didn't go overboard with flashy aero. They let the stance and the wheel choice do the heavy lifting.
It is simple, clean, and intentional. We see a lot of over-the-top builds at meets, but this one stands out for its restraint. It is a masterclass in effective wheel selection.
Why We Love This Build
This ST stops us in our tracks because it looks like it just rolled off a rally stage. The white paint on the R716s catches the light beautifully when the car cruises through corners. We love how the springs tighten up the geometry to make the car look planted and aggressive.
It is the perfect balance of form and function. Every time I see this car, I get the itch to grab a set for my own daily. It turns a standard commuter into something that feels special every time you grab the keys.
Don't overthink your build; just get the fitment right. This Focus ST shows exactly how a few smart choices make a massive impact. Go out and build something that makes you look back every time you park.
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: White
- 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.
