The Volkswagen VW Golf R is a performance icon, blending everyday practicality with exhilarating driving dynamics. But in a world full of similar-looking cars, it’s easy to blend in. The stock wheels? Functional, but far from exciting. And they’re not exactly lightweight, which can affect efficiency and handling. To solve this, we designed the AWX, a stylish and lightweight addition to the Atomic Wheels lineup. While not the absolute lightest wheel we offer, it delivers striking looks with excellent performance, ensuring your Golf R stands out while offering a smoother and more responsive drive.
The 18x8.5 ET43 size, weighing just 19.1 lbs, is ideal for those seeking an upgrade from heavier stock wheels. It’s the perfect option for drivers wanting to enhance handling and responsiveness while enjoying a bold, distinctive aesthetic. Designed for a perfect fit—no rubbing or clearance issues—the AWX wheels strike the ideal balance of style and function, complementing the Golf R’s sporty, refined design.
Specifications:
Size: 18x8.5 +43mm - 19.1 lbs
PCD (Bolt Pattern): 5x112
Center Bore: 57.1 mm
Construction: Forged
Loading Rating: 700 KG (1543 lbs)
Insights:
Meet the AWX, a forged wheel that combines exceptional strength with striking style for the Volkswagen VW Golf R. But what does “forged” mean?
Think of forged wheel technology as the art of transforming a single piece of top-grade aluminum alloy—specifically 6061-T6 aluminum—into a wheel that’s both incredibly strong and impressively light. We start with a forged billet—a solid piece of this high-quality metal that has already been forged to enhance its strength and structural integrity. This process changes the metal at its core, making it tougher than traditional cast wheels. Using precise CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, we sculpt this forged billet into the final wheel design with meticulous detail. This process allows us to achieve the intricate styling and exact specifications that make our wheels a perfect fit for your Golf R.
In plain English, forged wheels are like the superheroes of the wheel world. They’re stronger and lighter, which means they can boost your vehicle’s performance. You’ll feel better acceleration, smoother braking, and sharper handling because the wheels reduce the weight your suspension has to deal with. Plus, they’re built to last, standing up to the bumps and potholes you encounter on the road. So not only do they look great, but they also give you confidence in your ride’s durability and efficiency.
We use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure the AWX wheel is as tough as it looks. Think of FEA as a virtual stress test: we simulate real-world scenarios like hitting potholes or carrying heavy loads on the computer. This helps us spot and fix any potential weak spots before the wheel is made. The result? A wheel that’s not just stylish but also built to handle whatever the road throws at you. So you can drive with confidence, knowing your wheels are designed for strength and reliability.
All our Atomic Wheels forged wheels, including the AWX, feature a knurled bead seat. This is a specially textured surface where the tire meets the wheel, designed to prevent tire slippage under hard braking and acceleration. Whether you’re making quick stops or rapid launches, the knurled bead ensures your tires stay firmly in place, providing you with added safety and confidence on every drive.
Additionally, we offer a lightweight hub design featuring strategically placed cutouts to reduce weight without compromising the strength or integrity of the wheel. These precise indentations minimize material while still providing a secure and reliable connection to the vehicle’s hub, further enhancing the overall efficiency of our already light wheels.
Our AWX wheels are fully compatible with the Volkswagen Golf R’s original lug nuts and TPMS sensors, making installation straightforward. Due to the design of our wheels, the lug nut holes are slightly narrower than those on the OEM wheels. We recommend using a thin-wall socket to install the OEM lug nuts. This ensures a proper fit and helps prevent any scratches to the wheel’s finish. With this simple step, you can easily use your existing hardware and enjoy a perfect fit with your new wheels.
Availability:
If you see the "Add To Cart" button, it means our inventory is fully stocked, ensuring prompt delivery. Expect your items to be on their way within two business days after you've made your purchase.
Approved Fitments:
- All years of Volkswagen Golf R.
Tire Fitment Guide:
For VW Golf R
You can also order a tire set with these wheels and tires in the recommended sizes by contacting us directly.
Features:
Please note: The price displayed is for one unit; four must be added to the cart to purchase a set of four.
What is the difference between a forged rim and a flow-formed rim?
The main difference between forged and flow-formed rims lies in their manufacturing processes and materials. Forged rims, made from 6061-T6 aluminum, are formed under extreme pressure and then precisely machined using CNC technology, resulting in ultra-strong, lightweight wheels ideal for high performance. Flow-formed rims, also known as spin-formed, start with a cast mold and are shaped using hydraulic pressure and rotation. This enhances the strength of cast rims while maintaining a more affordable price point, offering a solid balance of performance and cost.
Where do you make the wheels?
The factory where we manufacture the rims is in China, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and rigorous safety and quality control processes. You can see the detailed production process in our video here.
Do you ship outside of the United States?
Yes, we ship worldwide. However, purchasing a rim in stock can be expensive due to shipping costs. Therefore, we recommend placing a custom order where items are shipped directly from the factory to reduce costs. In this way you will get the same price worldwide, because the rims will be delivered from the factory.
What Tire Sizes Do You Recommend for Installing Your Rims?
We recommend sticking with OEM sizes for the best performance and fit. However, there is often some room for alternatives based on your specific needs and preferences. We’re happy to help with any questions and guide you in choosing the best tire size for your setup.
What Are Your Cancellation Policies if I Want a Refund on My Pre-Order?
If you’ve made a pre-order payment, you can cancel your order and request a refund at any time before the shipment is processed.
How Long Does It Take to Receive an Order After Making a Purchase?
We usually ship orders within 1 business day using UPS Ground. Delivery typically takes 2-5 business days after shipment. Please note that tire sets may take up to 10 days to assemble before shipping in some cases.
Can I Pick Up the Rims Directly if I’m Near Your Location?
Yes, you can pick up the rims directly if you’re near our location. Please note that Texas sales tax will be applied to in-state sales.
Are Your Center Caps Compatible with the OEM Ones?
Most of our center caps are 65mm, so they are not compatible with the OEM center caps.
