Advan Wheels: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

When Yokohama Tire decided it was tired of running other brands’ wheels in racing back in the 1970s and 80s, they did something bold: they started their own wheel line. That line became Advan Wheels, and today it stands as one of the most respected Japanese wheel brands in the game.

The catch? Advan wheels are expensive, sometimes hard to find, and their model names can be downright confusing. But their engineering, attention to detail, and motorsport heritage make them worth the hype. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before buying a set.

What Makes Advan Wheels Special?

Advan Racing is built around continuous refinement. Instead of releasing new models every season, Advan develops iterations of core designs, similar to how Porsche keeps perfecting the 911. For example:

• The RG-4 is the 4th evolution of the RG line (“Racing Gymkhana”).
• The TC-4 follows the TCIII, refining the design and performance.

Each update builds on its predecessor, making the wheels lighter, stronger, and better suited for modern cars with massive brake setups. Unlike many brands, Advan focuses heavily on single-piece flow formed and forged wheels. No shortcuts, no gimmicks.

The Advan Lineup: Breaking Down the Models

Advan’s catalog is large and can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simplified look at the most popular families:

RG / RS / RZ Series – The Flagships

• RG-4 (Flow Formed): Aggressive 6-spoke, lightweight, perfect for track use.
• RGIII (Flow Formed): Predecessor to the RG-4, still popular in the JDM scene.
• RZII (Flow Formed): Multispoke design, great mix of style and performance.
• RS-DF Progressive (Forged): Deep, intricate multi-spoke design for high-performance builds.

TC & F Series – The Track Favorites

• TC-4 (Flow Formed): Motorsports-inspired, strong and light, popular with BRZ/FR-S/GR86 owners.
• TCIII (Flow Formed): The version before the TC-4, still widely available secondhand.
• F50 (Forged): Exclusive, high-end wheel built with serious motorsport DNA.

GT Family – The Icons

• GT (Forged): The five-spoke legend, clean and timeless.
• GT Premium (Forged): Higher-end finishes and exclusive sizing, first made for the R35 GT-R.
• GT Beyond (Forged): Updated concavity profiles and aggressive fitments, one of Advan’s best.

Other Notables

• R6 (Flow Formed): Euro-styled wheel, versatile sizing, and killer looks.
• Oni II (Flow Formed/Semi-Forged): A bold 3-spoke design. More show car than track weapon.

Forged vs. Flow Formed: What’s the Difference?

Advan wheels come in two main construction types:

• Forged:
  • Models like the GT, GT Beyond, RS-DF Progressive.
  • Lightweight, incredibly strong, and expensive.
  • Perfect for high-performance cars or anyone who demands the best.
• Flow Formed:
  • Models like the RG-4, TC-4, R6, RZII.
  • Cast face with a flow-formed barrel for strength and weight savings.
  • Roughly half the cost of forged wheels, making them more attainable.

To put it in perspective:

• A forged Advan set can cost around $4,000–$4,500.
• A flow-formed set typically lands closer to $2,500–$2,800.

Why Are Advan Wheels So Expensive?

It comes down to engineering and molds. Unlike brands that reuse tooling, Advan invests in unique molds for each wheel, each concavity profile, and each fitment. For example, the Advan GT Beyond has five different concavity profiles, each requiring its own mold costing up to $10,000. Multiply that across multiple wheel sizes, and the investment is massive.

This attention to detail also means Advan wheels clear huge brake setups without relying on multi-piece “cheater” construction. They do it all in a single-piece design. Something few competitors can match.

Who Are Advan Wheels For?

Advan sizing and fitments cater heavily to Japanese sports cars first and foremost. R35 GT-R, Supra, RX-7, Evo, STI, Silvia, you’ll find perfect fits here. European fitments are growing with newer models (Porsche, Mini, etc.), but domestic muscle cars like Corvettes and Mustangs often need spacers or custom solutions.

If you’re chasing value per dollar, brands like Konig or Enkei may stretch your money further. But if you want timeless designs, Japanese quality, and true motorsport pedigree, Advan delivers.

Three Reasons to Buy Advan Wheels (and One Reason You Might Not)

• Engineering Excellence: Designed with big brake clearance, motorsport strength, and lightweight construction in mind.
• Stunning Designs: Concave faces, scalloped spoke details, and premium finishes make these wheels look every bit as expensive as they are.
• Continuous Improvement: Advan treats wheels like Porsche treats cars: always evolving, never compromising.
• The Downside: Even their flow formed wheels are pricey compared to competitors. If budget is your main concern, Advan might not be the best choice.

Final Thoughts

Advan Racing Wheels aren’t for everyone but they were never meant to be. They’re for enthusiasts who appreciate Japanese engineering, motorsport heritage, and designs that stand the test of time. Whether you go for a forged GT Beyond or a flow formed RG4, you’re buying into decades of racing pedigree and craftsmanship.

If you’re ready to explore Advan wheels for your build, or need help sourcing a rare set, reach out to us at MartiniWorks.com. We’ll help you find the right fit, with guaranteed lowest prices and lifetime order support.