[Pyrat 2]

Originally Posted by 135

It's already been announced that the 19" wheel will be in 19x8.5 ET40 and 19x9.5 ET57 so, since wheel diameter doesn't really make any difference to fitment as far as offset is concerned, you can almost guarantee that an 18x8.5 ET40 and 18x9.5 ET57 will also be released.

Yes, there are likely to be other offsets but, to introduce an 18x8.5 ET45, there would have to be a greater spacing between offsets to make an ET45 worthwhile, e.g. my suggestion of ET33, ET38 & ET45 would work well to provide two aggressive fitments and one standard fitment - don't forget, these wheels will most likely be made in a range of offsets, not just for 1-series.

Otherwise, if you want an 18x8.5 ET45 then you can buy pretty much any VMR wheel, including the lightweight V810.

I believe (and very much hope) that this new wheel will be targeted at those who really do want to run a very wide front tyre (255/35/18) without a spacer and, to do that, an ET38 is really required or, at worst, an ET40 (just think, most wide tyre fitments on an 18x8.5 ET45 require a 5mm spacer so why not make the wheel with the right offset to begin with). And when I'm referring to wide tyres, that would obviously be complimented with suitably upgraded (track-worthy) suspension, otherwise, why bother going wide if you still have standard struts. It's this change to coilovers (due to the lower positioning of its lower spring perch and collar width) that necessitates an ET38-ish offset.

The weight of this new wheel in an 18x8.5 will probably be just over 20lbs but sub-20lbs would be great - the more it is below 20lbs the better - 18lbs is possible dependent on the wheel design.

Agree that a 42 or 40 offset is best for the front. I'm running 45 with a 5 mm spacer with 245/35 and no issues. Not sure if the same would work in back though without work like pulling or rolling which I'm not willing to do. Hence my request.