You know how they say clothes make the man? Well, I’ve long felt that in the automotive world, it’s the wheels that make the car. Think about how different – classy, modern, or more aggressive – a car can look with just the simple adoption of a different set of wheels.
The thing of it is, some car makers get this, and provide their cars with the coolest of wheels straight from the factory. That of course makes things tough for aftermarket wheel makers, but it’s a big benefit for car owners because there’s no need for an additional cash outlay just to make your new ride look rad.
For today’s query, what I’d like to know is which of the manufacturers you think does the best job at making cool wheels? Do think there is one maker that is working overtime to put the aftermarket out of business? If so, what car maker has the coolest OEM wheels?
Image: Ferraricraft
Hooniverse Asks- What Car Company Has The Best-Looking Factory Wheels?
By Robert Emslie
Jan 9, 2015
Jeff Glucker
<img src="http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr49/turbocon86/20545_03.jpg" width="600">
You may be on to something…if not best, certainly the most distinctively varied…
<img src="http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/soufpolo/P6150688.jpg" width="500">
<img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4098/4771035074_852ba989a4_z.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2012/01/9403220-640-0.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://saabworld.net/attachments/f150/7692d1335628319-%5Bky%5D-two-sonett-iii-1980-saab-900-1.jpeg" width="500">
The 'Super' Aero wheels available for the 9000 and for a limited time, the NG900, are by far and away my favorite wheels. Ever.
I want a set for my NG900 so bad but the 5 bolt, 16" variants are hard to find.
Making this a double-Swedish start, I can admit I have always had a weak heart for the turbine-inspired Volvo "Perfo" wheels.
<img src="http://swedespeed.com/old_site/resources/gallery/special_cars/wheels/fwd_16/images/large/01.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1996_Volvo_850_Wagon_Turbo_BTCC_Race_Car_Replica_1403042921.jpg" width="600">
I believe the ones fitted to that wagon are not the same wheels you mention. IIRC the 850 t-5 wheels are called Pegasus. But those are both my favorite wheel from any OEM.
Aren't these the Pegasus wheels?
<img src="http://www.swedespeed.com/news/uploads/industry/pegasus.jpg" width="600">
Pretty sure the BTCC clone above stands on Perfo-wheels. 🙂
If you look at each set of wheels you will notice that the face of the ones not on the car have a hard edge on each "spoke" the ones on the bttc don't have that. I will find the names of each wheel.
So true! Wow, details. Wonder if this was a production adjustment for some reason?
These are, indeed, Pegasus, as designed for the 2004-2008 S60R and V70R.
The first "R" cars series, the 850 T5R, had wheels called "Titan", that look a lot like Pegasus with slightly different proportions.
<img src="http://swedespeed.com/old_site/resources/gallery/special_cars/wheels/fwd_17/images/large/14.jpg">
There was also a six-spoke version for the XC90 called "Neptune". For some reason, all the XC vehicles look better with six-spoke rather than five-spoke wheels:
<img src="http://volvopartspeople.com/images/Volvo/Neptune_Wheel.jpg">
Another thing I never thought about. With somewhat lifted cars, "lightness" – even if just optical – doesn't work as well as solid symmetry, I guess.
They are called Columbia wheels. They where why came on the 850 t-5 and the perfo came on the s/v 70 t-5 or t5r.
The BTCC clone above looks like it's on Columba wheels, which were the original 850 Turbo wheels, later updated to the Perfo design on S70/V70 models. My first Volvo was an 850 Turbo wagon that had these wheels, and I still love the design, meant to evoke a turbo fan.
(Scholarly discussion of Volvo wheel design is bringing a little joy to my otherwise dismal Friday…)
<img src="http://swedespeed.com/old_site/resources/gallery/special_cars/wheels/fwd_16/images/large/21.jpg">
Somewhere, in a dusty back room of my mind, I think that we have had this scholarly discussion before. Trying to figure out where and when, I suddenly realize, I've been here for years. Many dull workdays and get-the-kids-to-sleep-sessions (sitting next to their beds at this very moment) have improved greatly with the 'verse.
Anyway, good research! The Columba wheels have literally lost their edge, and I have to admit they remind me of something unwheely:
<img src="http://coachoslo.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/korstroll.jpg" width="400">
While I've been here for a few years now I have the same feeling.
my preference is for Perfos – the sharp angles catch the light nicely
cf: my car :]
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/2xzaSOF.jpg" width="500" title="source: imgur.com" />
Very pretty! Was it you that was thinking about adding an Insight to the fleet? That's a car that looks well with moon disks.
that was me! jus found out that I got the job in rural Texas and will probably have a long daily commute. not gonna move on a new car right away but it seems that I'll have the space, money, and use for it.
Cool! Rural Texas = oil industry?
nope. i'm gonna work for spacex! very exciting, though i'm not big on moving to the middle of nowhere. i'm torn between living nearby on a big farmy property, having no contact with humanity, vs living in Waco, where there are at least some people, and suffering a 30 minute commute.
Holy smokes! That is one cool employer! 🙂 Good luck with finding out what suits you best! 30 min is not that bad. My wife and I have both the farmy environment and the 20/40 minutes commute, so my advice would sound funny either way…
thanks yo! 30 min is not that bad, but it's the upper bound of tolerable, i think.
Another Volvo wheel I really like, and my nr 2 after the Perfo, is the Corona design:
<img src="http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq82/Karlkristian/Felger/corona-2.jpg" width="600">
Pasted them onto the "Volvo Flex" in another discussion, a car I'd love to own:
<img src="http://s26.postimg.org/4vqzz3015/Flex_Volvo2.jpg" width="600">
[img ]http://i.imgur.com/k7CZCLy.jpg[/img]
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/k7CZCLy.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" />
There may be particular styles that are very good, but for the whole body of work, I have to give the nod to BMW, I can't recall a set that ended up looking dated apart from some from the late 80's 7 series that looked like '80 Turbo Trans Am ripoffs.
<img src="http://cars.g93.net/i/e32.jpg" width="600">
if the M Parallel was the only wheel BMW ever put on a car, i don't think anyone could have a problem with that
<img src="http://germancarsforsaleblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/14.jpg" width="500">
Agreed. The car in your picture is one of the cleanest designs going and made the atrocious Bangle butt all the more of a disappointment.
Agreed re: the make as a whole. The bottlecaps and basket weaves of the 70s and 80s stand out in my mind as the best bunch of wheels ever.
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/U2DjOyJ.jpg" width=400>
I agree. None better.
BMW Style 5s are just about the sexiest looking stock wheel ever. They have quite the cult following in the stance community as well
<img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/29oih6v.jpg" width="600">
And here's a modernized version of the Style 3s from that 7 series
<img src="http://www.galerieallegro.pl/zdjecia/z460/4600974/big/1.jpg?screen" width="600">
The goggles, they do nothing.
Those style 3s. Good gravy… Now I just need a BMW to put them on.
<img src="http://image.europeancarweb.com/f/featuredcars/1306_1971_porsche_911_tst/44823646/09-1971-porsche-911-tst-fuchs-wheel.jpg" width=400>
I can't recall ever seeing a Porsche with factory wheels where I thought, "Why did they do that?"
Never was much of a fan of the 928 wheels until they went with the 5-spokes in the last years of production.
Bad:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Porsche_928_S4_Clubsport_Prototype_000_928_1987_1987_backright_2011-12-04_A.jpg" width="600">
Bad:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/Porsche_928_Parkers_Piece.JPG" width="600" 600="">
Good:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/Porsche_928_GTS_hl_blue.jpg" width="600">
I always liked these, especially with white lettering on the tires. I think they still looked good even with the DMC-12's silly American ride height. <img src="https://howtobeswell.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/1329609377_2rqy5v7.jpg" width="500">
I'm also glad the movie kept the original wheels. (the first movie, anyway)
Love the wheels! Some wire effect without actually being wire…it's gorgeous!
The only wheels I like more than old Beemer baskets are these, the coffin-spoke rollers of the Lancia Stratos.
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/h3NftYe.jpg" width=500>
My favourite wheels ever. These and the Speedline Montecarlos used on the Delta Evo.
<img src="http://web.cheapnet.it/bonacchi/lagos.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~blackgtx/cars/gtxinmotion.jpg" width="600">
The standard four spoke Chrysler Corp steel wheel is missing something in my eyes.
The six hole police car version is awesome.
http://www.allpar.com/squads/photos/parade/diplom…
It's funny how the old adage that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' really rings true. Everyone has vast differences of what they like and do not like. Personally, I think those Delorean wheels are one of the most UNattractive designs I've ever seen, but obviously LEROOOY and Sjalabais feel differently.
As to answer this question, if we have to go across the whole line, it'd probably have to be a boutique marque. So, I'll have to pick Koenigseggiggasingathislittlepiggywenttomarket
<img src="http://motoren.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/koenigsegg-hundra-3.jpg"width="400">
Courtesy Embed*.
<img src="http://www.racexpress.nl/imgitems/article/2013/03/KoenigseggHundra5_RX500.jpg">
*Remember, "Courtesy Embed" means thumbs up should be given to the original comment, not this one.
Hehe, you're right! I like the carbon effect, but with the yellow elements it would be a tad too flashy for me. Also: The playful kind-of-wire-wheels work nice on a car like the DeLorean, but I am not sure about more modern designs. Simpler is better today, imho.
Some of my all-time favorites are from Jaguar.
<img src="http://www.thepolishedwheelcompany.com/upload/image/gallery/112_127.jpg" height="360">
<img src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j42/doubledecka/xj40wheels/five_spoke_dt.jpg" height="360">
<img src="http://www.cloud9cars.co.uk/product_pics/6948.jpg" height="360">
<img src=https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/vf8xadVTmLbpsLOqlnklcO9NuevgWXdt260jHRLMdibPCLhM1kXd-lRY13v4r1YPxoQzPtQUYBQcs7VoOueoP4NY7ZTFij0mvXlT9mn8Al-NF5VAVrTA4hoNAQ>
Pontiac
My '79 T/A has a set of the 15×7 "snowflake" rims on it, which were likely factory on the car. The lip (and consequent offset difference) on the 15×8 WS6 version pictured makes a huge difference and the wheels/stance are much better looking IMO. I've got my eye out for a cheap set and/or a compelling explanation of their worth to a wife that will not be able to detect the difference in appearance between the two, but would notice the price of the parts house reproduction versions.
I've always had a thing for the 95 cobra R wheels.
<img src="http://www.leoemm.com/images/MustangCobraR1995.jpg">
http://www.weeklyvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/201…
I'm having a hard time with this. Porsche Fuchs, Twists, Phonedials? BMW Style 5s? Corvette Sawblades?
AMG monoblocks!
<img src="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/attachments/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/115575d1170782585-amg-hammer-w124-only-never-w126-red-hammer-low-rez.jpg" width="600">
I have a thing for classic Lamborghinis…
<img src="http://www.lambocars.com/images/v8_engine/jalpa_57.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://www.kewlwallpapers.com/bulkupload/144/Cars/lamborghini_countach4.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://www.simoncars.co.uk/lamborghini/slides/w_Lamborghini%20Jarama%20wheel.jpg" width="600">
Among modern large diameter and very high offset wheels, Nissan's seem to suck the least.
<img src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/photo_gallery/coupes/1204_2012_nissan_altima_coupe_photo_gallery/41055288/2012-nissan-altima-wheels-3.jpg" width="600">
Yeah, I actually like most of the higher trim level wheels that Nissan used starting about 5 years ago.
What, no love for vintage Pontiac 8-lug wheels? Definitely one of the signifiers that we had reached the Space Age…
<img src="http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/3V/pontiac8lugswheels_470.jpg">
<img src="http://content.mecum.com/auctions/DA0912/DA0912-135212/images/DA0912-135212_1.jpg?lastmod=090612153153" width="500/">
Yes, THOSE are very cool wheels, but I could never say "Pontiac has the best-looking factory wheels," as a blanket statement.
EXHIBITS A & B:
<img src="http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/11/CC-116-079-800.jpg" width="400">
<img src="http://suckleague.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pontiac-sunbird-03.jpg">
Your second example looks pretty good, actually.
Yes, Pontiac did have some stinkers in the wheel design department, but America in the 80s and 90s had lots of bizarre design.
My favorite OEM wheel is without a doubt the Speedline SL299 as fitted on the 205 GTI 1.9!
<img src="http://www.auto-reverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Peugeot-205-gti-1993.jpg" width=640>
I've always liked the turbine spoke wheels on Audi 4000s and other mid 80s VAG products.
<img src="http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/1987_Audi_4000_Quattro_Front_1.jpg">
Also, there are lots of wheels that are just goofy and bad on the vehicle they came on, but somehow seem to work better on the right swap candidate.
<img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r54/hojomoriah/PA150003.jpg" width="500">
I've always had a soft spot for the Alcoa's you see on a lot of semi's. Clean, simple and functional.
I agree. They look excellent on any tractor. My brothers 14 ram 3500 had a set that he replaced with steel wheels for the winter. Our shop burned on the 20 of December and like everything else they where gone.
Right now, Volvo, Jeep, and Chevy (performance) impress me, in that order.
Pepperpots always make me smile
<img src="http://www.classicpark.nl/vehicleimages/0000332%20Jaguar%20XJ%2012%20Vanden%20Plas/1984%20Jaguar%20XJ%2012%20Vanden%20Plas%20(0000332-05).JPG" width=550>
Jag was the only car in the '80s that wore spoked rims and knock off hubs really well
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Jaguar_XJ6_–_09-07-2009.jpg" width=550>
I'm not so sure the factory mags really went well, though
<img src="http://craig.howell.net/x/jag-front.jpg">
2015 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 "77"'s https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A…
posted the wrong picture http://www.drivesrt.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2…
Courtesy embed (I also approve of this wheel… and the car it's bolted to)
<img src="http://www.drivesrt.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Super-21.jpg" width="500"/>
Has that Panasport / TransAm vibe going.
Excellent.
frankthecat nailed my first choice (Saab) followed by Sjalabais with my second choice (Volvo) so I'll submit my third choice: Alpina.
A couple of samples:
<img src="http://www.thesmokingtire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/500x_2010_alpina_b7.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://www.alpina-me.com/fileadmin/user_upload/website/IMAGES/content/parts_accessory/wheels_alpina/wheel_history/2009_ALPINA_DYNAMIC.jpg" width="600">
Alpina wheel history here: <a href="http://www.alpina-me.com/ww/wheels/history.html” target=”_blank”>http://www.alpina-me.com/ww/wheels/history.html
I'm not sure I've ever seen an Audi factory wheel that I didn't like:
<img src="http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/529523532/Selling-font-b-factory-b-font-Aluminum-Alloy-font-b-wheels-b-font-size-19×8-5.jpg" width=600>
<img src="http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8339&d=1302474568" width=600>
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA==/z/m1sAAOxy0QBSRHsy/$T2eC16JHJHEFFmHBSRSMBSRHsyMfYQ~~60_35.JPG" width=600>
<img src="http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t282/CleanedUp9N/Nieuwe%20velgen/DSC00953.jpg" width=600>
<img src="http://www.usarim.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/u/aud-388-18-gmt_bview.jpg" width=600>
<img src="http://socalwheels.com/content/products/3459/images/IMG_8097.JPG" width=600>
<img src="http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll414/fspin720/DSC_0002.jpg" width=600>
<img src="http://blog.dtrally.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/rims1.jpg" width=600>
Chrylser "pizza pan" wheels from the 80s-90s
<img src="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/16/79/16226197_large.jpg">
The Pontiac 5-spoke chrome
<img src="http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/pontiac/grand-am/2003/oem/2003_pontiac_grand-am_sedan_se2_rq_oem_1_500.jpg">
The old factory 5-spokers you could get on nearly any GM car in the 60s-late 80s.
<img src="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4820/1141/24548070001_large.jpg">
Any alfa lover?
<img src="http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/attachments/alfa-romeo-parts-sale-wanted/309145d1372382678-oem-alfa-romeo-164-q4-speedline-wheels-3-piece-style-164q4-colored-caps.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Alfa_Romeo_GTA_-_002.jpg" width="600">
Some 80's 90's Hot Hatches rims have my votes
<img src="http://www.automobile-sportive.com/guide/renault/r5alpine/r5alpine-une.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://www.caranddriverthef1.com/sites/default/files/peugeot205gti05.jpgL" width="600">
<img src="http://i-cms.linternaute.com/image_cms/original/1640008-renault-clio-williams.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/342716/21.jpg3..jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://img.carros.cozot.com/pics/pt/2013/02/10/Ford-Escort-XR3-venda-Ligeiros-Passageiros-Setbal-20130210174115.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://details-of-cars.com/wp-content/uploads/parser/Fiat-ritmo-d-2.jpg" width="600">
But I think if it last only i will go for the celica supra / Lotus rim
<img src="http://fusioncarz.com/data_images/gallery/01/toyota-celica-supra/toyota-celica-supra-03.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://www.allisons.org/ll/4/Lotus/1984-Excel.jpg" width="600">
This is very nice and really appreciating.
It has been a matter of competition among different wheel makers to develop not only durable but also attractive stuffs. Well there competition is much advantageous for consumers and car manufacturers as they have numerous options available in front like http://wheels.net/wheels/smart-rim.html, globalsources.com, tirerack.com etc. More competition give a birth to versatility in work thus more innovative products we can get.
hi to everybody. can somebody tell me at what should i pay attention while buying car? im gomma buy used car at the auction https://1bid1.com/
hi to everybody. can somebody tell me at what should i pay attention while buying car? im gomma buy used car at the auction https://1bid1.com/