The EC-7R featured a thicker inner lip compared to the EC-7 Mustang wheel. There was a breakdown in communication between sales and engineering internally when they added more material to the EC-7R inner lip, which caused the issue. It was never intended to be used without a spacer on Performance Models as we knew the difference in rotor hat thickness. We were expecting to use a 3mm spacer but through some trial and errors (mostly errors), realized a 5mm is needed.
I know not everyone wants to run a spacer up front, so that is ultimately why this EC-7R was only produced once in low quantities and has been discontinued in favor of the VS-5RS offerings. Personally I prefer the rear fitment of an ET34ish wheel better compared to an ET29, but you all are the ones buying them so we needed to listen to the community and make the change
There are a few interesting complexities with the Model 3 front suspension that introduce a number of variables into wider wheel fitment. The new 18x9.5" ET29 and 19x9.5" ET29 VS-5RS wheels will not need a spacer up front when used with 265 wide tires, we have confirmed this with a number of compounds and setups at this point. There are likely some 275 wide tires that will need a spacer, so it's up to the end user to determine the correct thickness based on their suspension and tire combo.
Anyways, sorry for being late to the party here but I hope everyone is finally enjoying their wheels and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! I've attached a few cell phone shots of the VS-5RS from a shoot we did yesterday afternoon.
- Cory