Are you earning money as a pro driver or team principle? I didn’t think so.

Me neither... so it’s ok to relinquish the mantle of elite performance to just admit something looks good.

 

I have read that in terms of mass, R3 wheel is as heavy as the 18" S2 wheels as the R3 wheels are forged while the 18" S2 wheels are casted. Granted, this still means high moment of inertia with the R3 wheels due the to mass being farther away from the centre, but I wonder how much of a difference that makes.

That said, 225/45/R18 tires tend to be lighter than 225/40/R19 tires so there can be some differences here.

They do look nice, though... Just cost a lot of money unfortunately. If you are a serious AutoXer then 17" is going to be the best, but not every 17" wheel fits over the brake so has to be careful with your choice.

 

Since I'm reading the discussion I'd like to see them, anyone have a picture of the R3 wheels handy?

 

Yeah I think Google had some, somewhere

They're super nice, but super not for racing.

 

These...

 

OK, thanks. I have seen those when looking at wheel options a few weeks ago. Not sure I like the look, but it's all personal taste anyway!

I'm assuming the 5 spoke on my 2004 are original stock wheels. I kind of like them, though have seen some others I like better.

 

As far as stock RX-8 wheels go, the R3 and Spirit R wheels (same wheel but bronze/gold) are definitely the best looking. Nobody will deny that. First thing any competitive driver does, is swap any stock wheel out for a lighter, wider wheel. So that's a non issue.