Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Trends
SEMA Wheels: If 30 is the new 20, then 40 is the new 30
Where 20-inch rims seemed gigantic just a couple of years ago, the massive surge in 22s, 24s, 26s and the like mean 30s are becoming commonplace. No self-respecting donk would be caught rollin' on anything less than 30s these days, and last week at SEMA we even saw 32s, 34s and a pair of 42s (!) floating around the show floor, as well. We also spotted a few creative solutions to dealing with these new monster rims, like cutting out a car's fenderwells completely and a whole new tire mounting apparatus to handle these behemoths. You've already seen a couple of these megarims in some of our previous SEMA posts, but below is a gallery of some of the most egregious examples we could find. And lest you think size is all that matters, we've also included some colorful and fanciful offerings, as well as random shots of collections, sport rims, retro rollers and even a couple of monster truck tires we spotted that might portend the zenith of the tall tire trend. Enjoy.
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
PiCASSO 2:54PM (11/04/2007)
Anything larger than 20-inches on a car is becoming to look like clown cars. The fad of ever increasing size of wheels needs to stop.
Reply
Hardy 4:49PM (11/04/2007)
nice avatar =p
Danny Boy 2:58PM (11/04/2007)
All these cars look beyond ugly. Damn you mainstream rap media!
Reply
ALEXDB9 3:01PM (11/04/2007)
I have to agree with Picasso, it is getting pretty ridiculous. I will stick with the 19s that I got.
Reply
Tyo 3:02PM (11/04/2007)
Whats pathetic is the soccer moms with 22"s o their expeditions and Yukons i see every F'n Day. 20" wheels have there place, the fx45 looks great with stock 20"s
Reply
MikeW 7:47PM (11/04/2007)
I think Nissan missed a nice oportunity to make 19" wheels standard on the FX.
The 18" look to small, the 20" are too big.
Same with the pacifica, 17" look too small, 19" are too big.
Bill P. 3:03PM (11/04/2007)
When are they just going to go back to using wagon wheels? Westward, Ho!
Bill P.
Reply
toronado455 3:48PM (11/04/2007)
Yup. Wagon wheels. That's what they are. It's back to future all over again. I guess they had it right to begin with eh? LOL!
Paul Y 4:02PM (11/04/2007)
If you looks closely, Asanti appears to offer various woodgrain finishes on some of their wheels, so we're already there.
500 8:59PM (11/04/2007)
That woodgrain finish actually looks pretty good, or would on a normal-sized wheel. Wonder how it would hold up to the elements though.
But seriously, these huge rims do serve a purpose to society -- they make it easy for the cops to spot which cars to pull over.
Buckus 3:06PM (11/04/2007)
This is starting to get ridiculous. There is no normal-size vehicle where a 30" tire is going to look in proportion. I suppose that's not the point. Still, when the size of the rim is more appropriate to a Mack truck then a Hummer, it's time to stop.
Reply
toronado455 3:50PM (11/04/2007)
Yeah, the point must be to have disproportionately large rims. Like... would you like a little car with your rims, sir?
TuuSaR 3:07PM (11/04/2007)
SEMA = stupid equipment money apparatus
Reply
Namir 4:11PM (11/04/2007)
Maybe I'm mistaken, but to me it looks like the tires on the white hummer (pic 3) are mounted the wrong way. Are those not directional tires... facing backward?
Reply
Seminole 4:36PM (11/04/2007)
I think the absurdly large rims are ridiculous, and anyone that has them should have their car taken away, but there are a growing number of manufactures who are offering large rims. The Escalade's 22's are very nice in my opinion. The 20's on cars like the CX-9, FX's, X5's, etc... are all very tasteful and add a clean muscular look. Even passenger cars like a Lancer GS, are starting to come with 18's. Anything over 22 though, on cars or SUV's, and I think it starts to get a little over the top.
Reply
Seminole 4:39PM (11/04/2007)
*Lancer GTS, sorry.
LoneWolf 5:18PM (11/04/2007)
In a few Months, you can go and buy a chrome-finished rim for your Stryker...
Reply
Danny Boy 5:19PM (11/04/2007)
yea, the soccer moms with rims, not a good look. Ive seen spinners on one of them once before. It was hot to do this, but now, (dare I say it) rice. Not rice rice, but the basic concept atleast
Reply
nil8r73 5:22PM (11/04/2007)
Any mod that doesn't enhance performance is a waste of time and money.
Reply
Paul B 5:42PM (11/04/2007)
30" Wheels? jeez, this'll make your SUV look lke a Conestoga Wagon! Add a canvas top and hang a water barrel on the tailgate of yur Suburban an you got the look!
Reply