I think this was already known but I'll post it anyway.

Week of 8/16/2004
Effective 8/16/2004, the following changes will be made to the Vehicle Order Guide:


* Exterior section-Deleted (QV6) Tires, P235/40ZR18, summer only tire, blackwall entirely.
* Exterior section-Added (QUG) Tires, P235/40ZR18, summer only tire, blackwall as an available option.
* Exterior section-(N87) Wheels, 18" x 8" (43.2 cm), 5-spoke aluminum, added footnote 1, which reads "Not available for ordering until November 2004 production."



Looks like those wanting the 18 inch wheel and tire option are going to be in for quite a long wait. :(

My dealer attempted to order 05 last week but it was kicked back because of 18s. Dealer was informed from internal email that he could resubmit this Tuesday 8/24. Im hoping his email was correct.

Also, has anyone confirmed yet what the 18s will look like. I dont want to wait until November to find out they look like Monaro Wheels.

Wouldnt it be more worth the money to just buy some nice 18" aftermarket wheels for it? I mean the dealer usualy charges a way overkill markup on "plus size wheels" and you could always keep the stock 17's with all season tires for use in winter months or in the event of a flat or damaged wheel. Thats how I look at it anyhow.

Most people are guessing upgrade to 18s will only cost $400-$500.....I had thought about ordering with stockers but I want car to stand out from all the others...Plus build quality on OEM wheels is usually superior to aftermarket stuff. My opinion.

Originally posted by tohigh4you@Aug 24 2004, 05:14 PM
Most people are guessing upgrade to 18s will only cost $400-$500.....I had thought about ordering with stockers but I want car to stand out from all the others...Plus build quality on OEM wheels is usually superior to aftermarket stuff. My opinion.
Though strong, stock wheels are typicaly cast aluminum and often rather heavy. You can pick up some nice forged wheels for a bit more that will be as strong if not stronger, plus look better, weigh less (even under 20lbs each for some 18" wheels) and you can get wider widths for the rear which would be perfect for some bigger tires thus better traction. Lighter wheels help all aspects of performance from cornering, stopping and acceleration to suspension responce to bumps and steering input.

Though for $500 more it wouldnt be a bad deal to get the 18's and use them as winter backups to a nicer more expensive set of aftermarket wheels.