Sep 10th 2024
Are Advan Wheels Really Worth The Money? - All About Advan Wheels
Do you want wheels that say ‘I got F you money’ without being ostentatious? Well, we might have the brand for you. Let’s learn it bit more about their backstory - then why you need their wheels on your car.
History of the ‘Advan’ Brand
Advan is a name synonymous with high-performance wheels and tires, particularly in the world of motorsport and JDM culture. But how did it become the legendary brand it is today? To understand these, we need to go back to the 1970s when the brand was first established under the larger company Yokohama Rubber Co. Does this name ring a bell?
Yokohama, originally established in 1917, was already a household name in Japan for producing high-quality tires. They saw an opportunity to expand production to high-performance wheels that complement their tires. In 1978 they introduced the ‘ Advan’ brand. The focus was to make wheels that were light and strong, specifically for racing applications.
Over the years, Advan wheels have become a staple in motorsport, particularly in disciplines such as JGTC and rally racing. The first Advan products were made using traditional manufacturing methods. At the time, this meant casting. However, as technology evolved, so did their production techniques. This included the adoption of advanced forging and flow-forming processes. This let them make wheels that were not only lighter but also stronger than their competitors.
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Early success in aftermarket wheels
One of the first success stories from Advan was their RSIII model. These are known for their distinct multi-spoke design that offers a balance between aesthetics and performance. Not surprisingly, they became popular amongst racers and casual enthusiasts who wanted a lightweight wheel for their street cars.
The late ’90s and early 2000s saw the introduction of other iconic models, for example, the RG. This featured a bold design with thick spokes and deep concave faces. These were a hit with the drifting crowd. The stout design made them well-suited for the ultra-high stresses associated with this motorsport.
Advan’s motorsport heritage
Advan’s reputation in the world of motorsport is well-earned. Their wheels have been used in Super GT, World Rally Championship, and Touring Car championships. One of their keys to success is continuous innovation and improvement. Every line of wheels undergoes rigorous testing including simulations, but also real-world trials.
What you get with Advan is an iterative design philosophy. Compared with the competition, who may take the approach “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, you see Advan producing new updated models when appropriate, i.e. as technology and customer demands progress.
Advan’s presence in motorsport not only solidified their reputation for quality but also provided them with valuable feedback that can be transferred into their commercial products - their ‘street’ wheels for lack of a better term. This close relationship between racing and product development is a hallmark of the brand.
Iconic Advan models
Several models have become iconic over the years. Each has their own unique flare, and oddly, their own unique fanbase.
RS - We already touched on this one. It’s one of the OG’s, with a clean, simple multi-spoke design; made for enthusiasts who want to combine performance with a timeless look. You’ll find them on just about any JDM sports car - no surprise. RX-7’s look great on these, GT-R’s too. They’re an all-around good-looking wheel.
RG - These are known for their strength. They’re often found on drift and time attack cars, where strength is essential, but weight can’t be ignored. The concave spokes give these wheels a ton of brake clearance - a must for those time attack cars with calipers bigger than your head.
GT - These are a more modern product catering to high-performance vehicles. They have a very simple design, a lot like the RS, and can often be found on those 60K+ sports cars (even potential exotics). They are great for people after performance and a “premium look”, if that’s a thing.
The GT line has been expanded to include the GT Premium and Beyond. Both include modern sizing, with the Beyond ranging from 18-20” diameters, while the Premium goes from 19-21. The major difference, however, is the shape of the spokes. The Beyond has more concavity, at the cost of less lip.
Don’t forget about Porsche-specific GT’s!
TC - These are a favorite in Touring Car racing. You can often find them used on race-prepped vehicles. These are now on the 4th version, the TC-4. If you look at older versions you notice they have progressively become more and more concave to suit BBK’s.
Advan’s impact on car culture
Their association with high-performance cars, motorsports, and unique designs, like the Oni2 3-spoke, have made Advan a household name. Whether it's RS’s on a time attack build or the GT on a supercar, they're seen as the finishing touch that cohesively brings a build together.
The brand’s influence extends beyond Japan with car enthusiasts worldwide seeking out their wheels - you’ll find them on USDM, Euro, and even KDM cars. The combination of style, performance, and racing heritage make them a sought-after addition to any project car. In addition, they continue to innovate every year.
As car technology evolves, Advan strives to stay at the forefront, offering products that meet the demands of modern high-performance vehicles. For example, Advan is one of the only JDM brands to include center-lock fastening, capable of being used on the Porsche 911 GT3 and Turbo.
The future of Advan Wheels
The future for Advan, in our opinion, looks bright; as long as there are enthusiasts who value performance and quality, and aren’t willing to look at the price, Advan will remain a key player in the aftermarket wheel industry.
Should you buy them? Absolutely!
Why should you buy Advan wheels (and buy them from Threepiece.us)? It’s simple, they have a bit of everything: looks, performance, and racing pedigree. TBH, they’re expensive, but in our opinion, given everything that’s put into them, they’re well worth it.