I have to admit I love the LVs. As I've said in numerous posts, I thought they were butt-ugly when Gary (Gary@Ronal) first introduced them. However, as my quest for the perfect wheel progressed -- defined by weight, quality, fitment, style, and value -- I found the LV really growing on me.

Specifics:

Weight -- Only 19 lbs ea. (wheel only, 17"x8" size, claimed by Ronal); I weighed the whee/tire combo before mounting and got 45 lbs for the 17" wheel, 235/40 P Zeros, and SmarTire sensor. I also weighed my OE 16" 7-spokes with 225/50 SP 8000s and that setup was 42 lbs. So you're only adding 3 lbs of unsprung weight per corner for larger wheels and new rubber.

Quality -- They seem very well made. I can't remember if they are cast or forged (I assume cast based on price) but I haven't had any problems with bending or anything. The surface does seem a bit "soft" though (easy to nick).

Fitment -- The 17s are 35 mm offset (no hub adapter needed) and combined with 235 rubber they stick out a bit, especially compared to the stock setup (which is 7" rim width, 45 mm offset, 205 mm tread section width). They are pretty much flush with the tops of the fenders, but from certain angles they have an aggressive presence (read: they seem to stick out). There is no rubbing with stock Sport setup, and I plan to mount H&R Sport/Bilsteins in March w/o fear of problems.

Style -- I think the LV is unique, with a very "lithe" look. Compared to the OE Sport 16" 7-spoke, which looks really fat and frumpy, the LV is hands down beautiful. I don't think this wheel works on every car though -- it looks kinda goofy on the TT for example -- but it looks great on the A4/S4. You also have to see the wheel mounted and in person to really appreciate it. The design, with the spokes stretched all the way to the edge of a very thin rim, make 17s look more like 18s. Moreover, I could go to big brakes with no problem -- there's plenty of room behind these babies. An additional plus is that the center cap from the OE 16" Sport 7-spoke wheel is an exact fit replacement for the Ronal center cap.

Value -- I think the LV represents a great value. Relative to other wheels with similar characteristics (weight, size, availability, quality, etc.), the LV is a bargain. My final choices had come down the LV or the BBS RK or RK II. Comparatively, I couldn't beat the price of the LV and I have a bit of exclusivity compared to the BBS which has great popularity. Reasonbly priced to begin with, Gary also runs package specials on the LV from time to time. Plus, if one should get damaged replacing it wouldn't set me back too much (and I know right who to go to get one).

Follow this link for some additional pictures I quickly through together: Rob O's LV pics