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 R716 fitment hit me instantly. We see a lot of these cars running generic wheels, but the 18x8.5 setup here changes the whole attitude. The 40 offset pushes the face out perfectly flush with the fenders.
The 8.5-inch width fills the wheel wells much better than the factory rollers. It gives the car a broad-shouldered look without making it look like a caricature. I checked the clearance and it sits right where we like it.
That 40 offset is the magic number for the ST platform. It clears the front big brake calipers without needing any janky spacers. Everything bolts up tight to the hub without any vibrations.
The hub bore matches up spot on, so we don't have to hunt for plastic rings. That peace of mind matters when you are pushing this car through the twisties. A solid, direct mount makes the steering feel sharp and responsive.
Looking at the barrel lip, you get that nice, aggressive depth that the R716 is known for. The spoke design arcs out just enough to clear the brakes while staying clean. It looks purposeful rather than flashy.
Because the owner threw on lowering springs, the gap is almost gone. The tire shoulder tucks just inside the fender lip. It looks tight, but it keeps the paint from getting shredded by the metal.
If you push the car hard in corners, watch the front liners. We have seen some rubbing on the plastic clips when the suspension fully compresses. Just a quick trim of the fender liner solves that issue forever.
This setup proves you do not need widebody kits to make a Focus look mean. It is all about getting the geometry right from the start. We love how balanced this car feels on the road now.
What We Recommend for Ford Focus ST 2013 Owners
If you own an ST, stop looking at heavy 19-inch wheels. Stick to 18-inch wheels to save weight and keep the ride quality bearable. You want a setup that helps the car rotate, not one that adds unsprung mass.
For your offset, stay between 35 and 40. Anything higher than 40 makes the wheels look tucked and sad. Anything lower than 35 will turn your fenders into bacon the second you hit a bump.
Run a square setup every single time. Staggered wheels on a front-wheel-drive platform like the Focus ST makes absolutely zero sense. Keep the rotation easy and the handling predictable by keeping all four tires identical.
Don't fall for the massive tire stretch trend. It ruins the contact patch and makes the car handle like garbage in the rain. We suggest a 235 or 245 width tire for a nice, meaty look that actually grips.
If you plan on going lower than a standard spring kit, roll your fenders. It gives you that extra few millimeters of safety when you hit a pothole. It is cheap insurance for your paint job.
Common mistakes usually involve buying the wrong bolt pattern or failing to check clearance. Always confirm the big brake clearance before you drop your cash. An ST with wheels that don't spin is just a paperweight.
Style and Build Analysis
The black finish on these R716s creates a dark, brooding aesthetic. Against the factory paint, the wheels look like they belong in a dark alleyway. It makes the car look faster even when it is sitting perfectly still.
The split-spoke design brings a modern race aesthetic to the Focus ST. It contrasts sharply with the rounded, organic lines of the Ford chassis. You get a nice blend of aggressive edges and soft curves.
Proportions are everything in this build. The 18-inch diameter fills the arches without looking stuffed or uncomfortable. It strikes that perfect balance between a track tool and a street machine.
Compared to other builds we have featured, this one shows restraint. It does not scream for attention with neon colors or massive wings. It commands respect through clean lines and perfect positioning.
When the sun hits these wheels, the black finish shows off the intricate spoke contours. It doesn't just disappear into the shadows like a cheap matte wheel. The depth of the face is visible from every angle.
We see a lot of cars, but this one sticks in our brains. It is the kind of build that makes you double-take as you walk away. It is the definitive way to mod a Focus ST.
Why We Love This Build
I stood there staring at this Focus ST for ten minutes straight. The black Option Lab R716s ground the car to the pavement, making it look planted and ready for war. The way the light catches the spokes highlights the engineering that went into these wheels. It is not just about the parts; it is about the cohesive vision of the owner.
The stance is aggressive without being impractical, which is a rare feat on this platform. You can tell this car is driven hard, not just polished for shows. It is a true driver’s build that prioritizes performance and looks in equal measure. This is exactly what a Focus ST should look like. Build it right and never look back.
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: Black
- Tires: Lexani 235/35 24.5″x9.3″ / 235/35 24.5″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.
