Polo GTI - 18' Detriot Wheels

[polojoegti]

Hi Guys,

First time blogger! Just purchased a new VW Polo GTI late last year which I'm hoping to get my April (if the dealers keep there word), but I'm not the biggest fan of the 17' rims which are stock with the car. As my car is candy white and will have the black sunroof, I think the 18' detriot rims which are an option for the Golf GTI would look awesome on the car! Is anyone aware as to whether this is possible or whether there are any issues surrounding this change? Also, does anyone have photos of this being done as I wouldn't mind seeing what it looks like before I do it.

[alias_vw]

The Golf has a PCD of 5x112 whereas the Polo is 5x100 so the VW original Detroits won't fit.

Until and unless someone comes up with a replica with a 5x100 PCD I'd start looking at other options but maybe call Tempe Tyres to see what they have to say about the linked wheels.

[philthy]

Maybe have a look at getting a custom spray job on your stock wheels, or vinyl cutouts to turn your denvers into "detroits".

edit: from the polo picture thread -

[noone]

If you go cheap, the wheels will be heavy. Good wheels from the US are the way to go, but be prepared to spend a little more. You also want to get the wheel offset and width spot on to get the best handling and looks. Fitment is the same as last Polo, mk4 Golf, mk3 vr6, mk1 Audi TT, mk1 A3/S3.

[pologti18t]

In europe the 17 inch Detroits are a factory option on the Polo GTI. Pity they aren't available here

[polojoegti]

I think I may go down the path of painting the stock wheels to be similar to the detroits. Would be awesome if i could find 17' detroits though....

[shauno]

Hmm, I thought the new Polo was 5x112... Has someone got the exact GTI wheel specs?

[alias_vw]

They're definitely 17x7" PCD 5x100 and I believe the offset is ET38 (but haven't found 100% confirmation of the offset as yet).

[shauno]

Bugger, that reduces the wheel options significantly - no picking up a set of cheap Golf/A3 rims!

[polojoegti]

I just saw on the Tempe Tyres website that they have the detriot style rims in stock. May be a possibility of drilling the rims to be the same size as the polo gti?

Tempe Tyres - Product Listing

[noone]

Be aware of the wheel weights with copy rims. Weights do make a difference, my old rims were 25 pounds each, new ones are 16.5 each. Acceleration and handling are adversely affected by heavy rims...

[polojoegti]

Is there a way of finding out the weight of the stock 17 inch rims for the GTI? As this may now influence my decision.....

[shauno]

They should be close to the Golf Denvers - same size and width, even if the PCD and offset are different.

[schoona]

I have to say i was under the impression that the new pogo GTI was 5x112 as well....

[Capercat]

Be aware of the wheel weights with copy rims. Weights do make a difference, my old rims were 25 pounds each, new ones are 16.5 each. Acceleration and handling are adversely affected by heavy rims...

I agree, you don't want to hinder your new Polo GTI's performance because of appearance.