A set of wheels can make or break the appearance of just about any vehicle and that’s a sentiment that’s been echoed by car enthusiasts for decades. There’s a massive aftermarket industry filled with options to customize your vehicle and a huge variety of wheels are at the forefront of that movement. And, given some of the meager wheel options doled out by automakers, it’s not difficult to see why so many look for alternatives.
With not-so-desirable factory wheels often the norm, standout examples, like those typically reserved for higher trim models, as well as forward-thinking designs applied to sports cars and supercars certainly make a lasting impression, with some earning legendary status. Premium wheel options from the likes of Aston Martin and BMW, for example, can become highly sought after by those with lower trim models interested in applying the look to their vehicles and, in some cases, cross-platform applications for a one-off look.
Here’s a look at 10 OEM wheels from the past and the present that have a huge impact on the vehicles they’re attached to, with some having been used for multiple generations.
This list showcases 10 unique and notable OEM wheel designs but
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recognizes there are dozens more that make a case for being added to this group. Share some of your all-time favorite OEM wheels in the thread comment section below.
10 Aston Martin DB 2/3/4/5/6
Aston Martin
Years used
1950-53 DB2
1953-57 DB 2/4
1957-59 DB Mk III
1958-63 DB4
1963-65 DB5
1965-70 DB6
1967-72 DBS
Front size
16×5
16×5
16×5
15×5.5
15×5.5
15×5.5
15×5.5
Rear size
16×5
16×5
16×5
15×5.5
15×5.5
15×5.5
15×5.5
This selection comes from Aston Martin’s DB chassis from the 1950s through early ’70s which earned quite a boost in popularity thanks to big screen appearances in James Bond films. They came at a time when wire wheels were all the rage not only for their stunning, multi-layered look, but also because they were lighter than their steel wheel counterparts, offering less unsprung weight for better handling. These wheels also made quick wheel and tire changes much easier thanks to the single fastener in the center, known as a “knock-off,” as it had to be knocked off using a hammer and was tightened the same way.
Aston Martin
There were many cars on the market using the wire wheel design, but the sultry lines of earlier DB models made for an unbeatable combination, especially as the polished spokes caught the light, as did its fluted spinners, making for an eye-catching attraction.
Produced by Borrani Wheels of Milano, Italy, a company with roots that date back to 1922, the wheels were made for the DB chassis originally in 16-inch diameter, but during the DB4’s production run, the decision was made to switch to 15-inch versions. The smaller wheel profile offered a way to maintain the car’s height as compared to its predecessor after the roofline had been raised, and the body lengthened to offer customers more interior space.
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9 Aston Martin Valiant
Aston Martin
Years used
2025
Front size
21 in
Rear size
21 in
Two Aston Martin wheels on the same list? Yes, they’re that good. This one isn’t a classic just yet, but rather a very modern design used on the exciting new Valiant. Its wheels are a bit deceiving from a distance and if you’re ever lucky enough to see one in the flesh, it might look like a mesh-style alloy wheel at first glance. Get within a few feet, and you’ll notice the intricate weave of carbon-fiber printed spokes.
Aston Martin
As you crouch down and lean in, you’ll figure out that the carbon fiber exterior is actually an aerodynamic disc that covers the 21-inch wheel’s forged magnesium structure. More than just a futuristic take on a 1970s-style track car wheel, the discs work in conjunction with the Valiant’s front splitter ends, side diffusers, and strategically placed vortex generators just behind its rear wheels to reduce air turbulence and any unwanted drag and lift produced at speed. The combination of magnesium and carbon fiber is right in line with the Valiant’s extreme exterior and astounding performance.
8 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Chevrolet
Years used
2014 – 2015
Front size
19×11 in
Rear size
19×11.5 in
Claiming the widest front tires of any production car at its debut, the 2014 Camaro Z28 is a weekend track enthusiasts’ dream with a capable suspension, massive brakes, and plenty of horsepower to take advantage of it all. It also happens to utilize a simplistic, rather elegant wheel design that truly enhances the look of the Camaro’s muscular physique without taking too much attention away from it.
Chevrolet
The thin spokes begin at the very center of the wheel and travel all the way to the outer edge, giving it a larger appearance than it actually is. The large openings left by the sleek spokes give a full view of the Brembo calipers and carbon ceramic rotors. Measuring 19 x11-inches in the front with 11.5-inch versions in the rear, they tip the scales at 26 pounds. Coated in gloss black, the wheels are wrapped in 305/30 Pirelli PZero Trofeo R rubber and would likely fool some into thinking they’re aftermarket upgrades had it not been for the visible bow-tie center caps.
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7 Acura Integra Type R
Acura
Years used
1997-2001
Front size
15×6.5 in
Rear size
15.6.5 in
The first Type R to ever touch soil in the U.S. was the third generation Acura Integra-bodied DC2. While it eventually became a legendary chassis from Honda’s golden era, it wasn’t a particularly popular choice initially for buyers in America who often saw the GS-R trim as a better value-to-performance proposition. A far cry from today’s Integra Type R market, which demands a hefty premium for even the most weathered examples.
From the very beginning, the USDM Type R’s 15-inch wheels were a focal point for enthusiasts that universally agreed they were among the best OEM wheel offerings from the automaker and recognized the similarity to the wheels used on the 1994-2002 NSX, which also fetches huge dollar amounts today.
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Essentially the same seven-spoke design with each spoke featuring a curve slightly outward from the lug nut area before tapering toward the wheel’s lip. In 15-inch form, the Integra version was more compact and seemed to fit the profile of the liftback even better than its supercar fighting cousin.
The Type R wheels were produced in a white or gunmetal finish, depending on the car’s paint code, and weighed just 15.6 pounds. The alloys had a huge impact on a blossoming tuner segment and these wheels are often found under other, non-Type R chassis, usually requiring a five-lug hub conversion, as most popular Honda and Acura chassis from that era used four-lug wheels.
6 Koenigsegg Regera
Koenigsegg
Years used
2016-2022
Front size
19×9.5 in
Rear size
20×12.5 in
In 2012, Koenigsegg unveiled their in-house ability to create a hollow-core carbon fiber wheel using their patented Aircore technology. That sort of creation seems fitting for a vehicle like the incredible Regera, which boasts 1,797 horsepower using a twin-turbo V8 and a trio of electric motors that bring forth a rush of torque to the tune of 944 lb-ft, and helped set multiple speed records years after its inception.
Koenigsegg
The low-slung, sultry lines of the Regera sit comfortably above its minimalist-styled wheels. What could be described as a split three spoke, six-spoke, or simply as a biohazard symbol-inspired design, the Regera’s carbon fiber wheels measure 19×9.5 in the front and 20 x12.5 in the rear and, at just a few inches away from the car’s fenders, help exaggerate its menacing profile. They’re also remarkably lightweight at just 13 pounds.
5 Audi A1 Quattro
Audi
Years used
2013
Front size
18×8 in
Rear size
18×8 in
It was pricey and arguably excessive, but the Audi A1 quattro was anything but ordinary. This was apparent the moment you locked eyes with its LED headlights, complete with red accents that play into the car’s overall white, black, and red color combo. Available only in Glacier White with a contrasting gloss black roof, the highlight of the car’s exterior is undoubtedly its turbo fan-style wheels.
Taking a standard front-wheel drive A1 and fitting it with quattro required starting with a fresh body in white and modifying it to accept a multi-link rear axle and Audi’s signature all-wheel drive components. Packing all of that into the compact hatchback even took over some of the storage space, but it was worth it, especially with the potent turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sent 256 horsepower to all four wheels.
Audi
But back to those wheels. Like a custom, one-off, tuner-built display at SEMA, the 18-inch fans were finished in matching white with black lug hole covers and a bright red center-lock style finishing cap that included Audi’s signature rings and tied together an incredible hot hatch. It wasn’t light, and it wasn’t cheap by 2013 standards, costing much more than a Golf R, but with only 333 examples produced, it’s a rare fan favorite that always elicits mentions of its unique factory-issued wheels.
4 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Ford
Years used
2019-2022
Front size
20×11 in
Rear size
20×11.5 in
The 2015 Shelby GT350R was the very first production car beyond very limited super and hypercars to be fitted with carbon fiber wheels as standard issue. They suited the car’s body and provided the lightweight, rigid performance engineers were after but were unfortunately painted over rather than leaving the intricate carbon fiber pattern exposed. This was done to avoid issues with long-term U.V. exposure and potential fading.
Ford
That continued through 2021, but by the following year, wheel supplier Carbon Revolution had developed a more robust clear coat to shield the wheels from the elements and exposed carbon fiber was a new option on the Carbon Fiber Track Pack.
The production process progressed at that time and though the 2022 GT500 wheels are 20-inch compared to the older 19-inch to clear larger brakes, they weigh the same at just 17 pounds. Putting that into perspective, a standard GT500 alloy construction wheel is 32 pounds, making the carbon version not only a sight to see but a tool for improved acceleration.
3 BMW E46 M3 CSL
BMW
Years used
2004
Front size
19×8.5 in
Rear size
19×9.5 in
The E46 M3 became an instant hit with BMW fans and went on to earn legendary status among the revered M cars. Taking things a step further, 1,383 models were given the CSL treatment in a move that, years later, has caused noticeable rise in value. What translates to “Competition, Sport, Lightweight,” the package included an increase in power output, refined suspension and steering, and shaving weight from the chassis for a more competition-minded driving experience. Included in the package was a set of mesh wheels that proved the perfect addition to the coupe.
BMW
The mesh style has often been used by vehicle manufacturers, but the 19-inch, BBS-produced wheels specifically for the E46 CSL proved to be the ideal look and, more importantly, a perfect fit for the aggressive coupe. 9.5-inch rears, just like the non-CSL M3 were used but with 8.5-inch fronts, which are wider than the standard model’s wheels and offer a more noticeable concave.
With 235/35 tires in the front and 265/30 rear, the CSL’s wheel and tire package was a balance of appearance and performance and, today, are highly sought after by non-CSL owners looking for an OEM-plus look. Contrary to initial thoughts that stormed the enthusiast message boards of the 2000s, CSL wheels are slow form cast, not forged, and weigh a reasonable 23 pounds up front, 25 pounds in the rear, and fill the CSL’s arches nicely.
2 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Alfa Romeo
Years used
2016-2024
Front size
19×8.5 in
Rear size
19×10 in
Weight
19.9 front – 23 lbs
For decades, Alfa Romeo relied on a style that many refer to as “teledial” wheels. The nickname arose from the multiple circles that occupy the outer portion of the wheel, which resemble an old school rotary dial phone that would likely confuse and terrify anyone born after the 1980s.
Often produced by alloy wheel specialist Speedline, the style was applied, in multiple versions, to countless Alfa Romeo cars over the years and dates back to the 1950s with models like the Giulietta Type 750F Spider Veloce. In the 1960s, the handsome GT Veloce coupe sported the look with small holes around the wheel’s edges, and larger, polished center sections that took up most of the center surface area. Then, the Giuletta of the late 1970s through the mid 1980s took the styling cue and later the Alfa Romeo 75 Milano, and there were others.
Alfa Romeo
As Alfa Romeo dove back into rear-wheel drive vehicles that accompanied the brand’s revamp, the phone dial wheel style was once again used, but larger and more aggressive than ever. The wheel style showed up in different variations, ranging from 16-20-inch versions on vehicles like the Giulia and Stelvio, but the sweet spot seemed to be the 19-inch models used on the Giulia Quadrifoglio, based on the Type 952 sedan chassis. Using a 5-hole design that pushed the boundaries of the wheel’s diameter, they feature a blunt cut-off where the spokes meet the outer lip surface, the slim, sleek design is gorgeous, does an excellent job of showing off the car’s brake calipers, and is the idea fit for the muscular sedan.
1 Porsche 911
Porsche
Years used
1967-1989
Front size
14×4.5 in – 16×7 in
Rear size
14×5.5 – 16×9 in
Even if you’re not a Porsche 911 aficionado, you’re well aware of the classic Fuchs five-spoke cloverleaf design wheels that have accompanied dozens of models from 1966 through 1989, acting as standard issue on some models and as optional equipment for others. In the 1960s, Porsche requested a new lightweight design from German alloy foundry OTTO FUCHS KG and what was delivered was close to being accepted, but Ferdinand Alexander Porsche suggested a slight change before it was finalized.
Originally, the design included a sharp crease down the center of each of five flared spokes and by eliminating that small feature and adopting a simpler cloverleaf look, the green light was given and the Fuchs/Porsche project became an iconic pairing. The production was advanced for the time and involved applying enormous amounts of pressure to a single block of aluminum to forge the shape and that process continues to be used today.
Porsche
The chart above is a brief overview of sizing and there were numerous Fuchs options that Porsche made available to customers for various model years. Today, classic OEM wheels from the 911 Fuchs era are in high demand for those restoring or even customizing their older Porsche and beyond the standard silver finish, black/silver, and white versions commonly seen, there are a host of other colors that include special edition vehicles and a number of body-matched versions born from Porsche dealers offering customers personalization.
Though known as an aluminum wheel, it should be noted that about three percent of the wheel’s construction is based on titanium, magnesium, silicon, and additional properties that coexist with a mostly aluminum affair that results in a strong, lightweight design, and one that has never gone out of style after decades in service.