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From YourSITE.com Technical Features Wheels can make one of the most significant and dramatic differences regarding the overall look of any car. For some car enthusiasts, stock wheels and tires might never be kept beyond the first full wearing of a set of tires. By then, they’re off to find something new to tailor the look of the car more to their tastes. When it comes time for tire replacement, that’s often the perfect opportunity to spend a bit more and get a nicer set of wheels to go along with the new shoes. The plans for Project TT were really no different, except that the TT's stock tires were already worn through to the cords the day it was driven it home.
Some other wheels were considered, but ruled out for various reasons. For example, the idea for BBS LMs was dropped due to them being relatively expensive combined with a shallow stock offset (which creates problems with running big brake kits). Next off the list were BBS CH and RE models, Sportecs, and the Audi wheels typically called RS 4 and found on the ALMS Edition TT, due to their flat profile and lack of a lip. Further cinching elimination was the fact that all of these wheels are a bit heavier than what we desired (though the BBS RE qualifies as a lightweight wheel, it's lack of availability in a 19" application forced us to cross it off our shopping list). Consulting with Eric, he mentioned that he would be getting the new forged Neuspeed RS wheels in stock soon and could source a set in a 19x8-inch dimension that weighed in at 18.9 lbs each. The Neuspeed wheels are a very attractive design, they’re strong, lighter than stock, have a nice lip and are reasonably priced compared to many of the alternatives. They matched the criteria for the TT perfectly, so a set was ordered with silver metallic finished center and a polished lip. Even better, the wheels arrived with a set of chrome lug bolts and chrome valve stems and caps to complete the look. With one decision made, there was still the issue of choosing the right tire. The normal names of Michelin, BFGoodrich, Sumitomo, Kumho and Goodyear all came to mind. Our search began to set focus on the Toyo T1. A new iteration of the tire, the T1R was one setup that Eric was happy to recommend. A benefit to Toyo tires is that they are lightweight. We weren’t disappointed. Our Toyo/Neuspeed combo weighs in at just over 40 lbs. Not too shabby. Since mounting the new wheels and rubber to the TT, roughly 1,000 miles have been logged on the car and we couldn’t be more pleased. The tires have lived up to their expectations and have wonderful feel and excellent grip in the dry. They are relatively quiet and don’t have any tendencies to tramline on the grooved pavement so prevalent on the California highways our TT calls home. Once we’ve had some more time and mileage to get a better feel for them, we’ll be reporting more on how the tires are holding up and how they react to California “winter” conditions – which essentially means rain. Whether or not we want to install wheel spacers (in order to bring the wheels more flush with the outsides of the wheel wells) is also being considered. However, we’ll wait until after the first round of suspension modifications as well as the impending brake enhancements before we make that decision.
Related Links: Project TT Main Page Neuspeed Supreme Power Parts Toyo Tires Neuspeed RS10 Forged Road Wheel - Size: 19 x 8.0 - Weight: 18.9 lbs. - Offset: +35mm - Bolt Pattern: 5:100 - Center Bore: 57.1mm - Recommended Tire Size: 235-35-19 Includes: - Valve Stem - Center Cap - Lug Bolts Toyo Tires T1R - 235/35/19 - "Y" speed rating - Treadwear 280 - Traction AA - Temperature A
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