I noticed a few cars come with bigger wheels in the back.
for example, the lotus

why?

 

cause it's piiiiiiiiiiiimp

 

kinda wondering this myself.

 

 

Because that's what the engineers decided was best for daily driving?

--kC

 

I can only imagine that it might be a weight thing. Why run 17s up front too if they aren't needed and just make things heavier. My only other guess is b/c of the mid-engine setup.

 

I'm sticking to it being pimp

 

I had the same question. From what I've read (in regards to the NSX specifically), it's more a case of running a smaller wheel up-front. The engineers wanted to limit intrusion of the front wheel into the cabin space. Im sure the guys on prime can confirm this or give you the real reason.

 

tire choices based on widths and such given.

the lotus has a tiny narrow front wheel. it only makes sense to make it smaller in diameter to save unsprung weight in relation to how it will affect steering.

the larger rear wheel is beefier and has a much larger tire.

thats my guess.

 

At Nats, one of the Exige's was running a narrower rear tire (275 f, 255 r). But the rear track was significantly wider.