Part:
- Manufacturer: Audi
- Part Number: 4E0 601 025 AB
- Price: $1000
- Description: 18x8 (ET43) 9-Spoke Ultrasport Wheels (B6A4 USP) with custom paint
- Distributor: Classified Ad (Audizine)
Application:
The RS-style wheel has been used on many Audi models - from the RS4 and RS6 to the B6A4 Ultrasport and TT Roadster. By using the design on many different models, the wheel has become a signature look for Audi. For the B7 model series, Audi introduced a 18x8 (ET43) 5-spoke wheel which, in my opinion, shied away from the classic Audi look into more an American style wheel. And while the double 5-spoke 17x7 wheels that came with the car aren't bad, I wanted to step into bigger shoes before lowering the car.
While perusing the classified ads, I came across a set of RS-style wheels which had been powdercoated dark gray except for the centercap ring and Audi logo - matching my design outlook for the car perfectly. I was lucky enough to get the wheels.
Installation:
The B7 has the same size brakes as the B5S4, which are significantly bigger than the ones on the B6A4 - the car which these wheels were designed for. While I haven't been able to find a B7 which used these wheels, other B6's and B5's with the S4 brakes required 8mm spacers on the front hubs.
I brought the wheels to Radial Tire of Springfield, MD, who specialize in high performance tire applications. This place is sort of a living legend in the NoVA area, and even before it opens there are 20 cars lined up to get tires.
Results:
The car looks stunning. I'm not completely sold on leaving the center caps painted silver, but I'm going to see if it grows on me. It is screaming to be lowered, and that might be my next step.