There are a lot of threads about the width of the fronts, but i think i figured it out. (The rears are always 7.5×17)
The oem S and 111r ‘spiders’ are 5.5 width to receive 175 width tyres.
The sports option for the elise, twinspoke forged is 6.0″ wide, wheras the similar exige wheel from that date was 6,5″ wide.
A a later stage the exige wheel was also reduced to 6.0″
Anyway, the front wheels shown are 6.0″ and are fitted with 175 width tyres, they do look and are somewhat wider compared to the spiders. The half inch does show, even with the exact same ad07’s. More importantly, it should be possible to fit a good selection of track specific tyres at a later stage. The 6.0×16 size is actually imprinted on the inside edge of the rim, although it is quite difficult to find and read.
The full options sheet taken from deroure:
At a later stage the Exige and some limited edition Elises were fitted with y-spoke spider wheels. I got them though Seloc after having had a life on a UK and Belgian car.
Exige y-spoke spider wheels
The width of the fronts is increased back to 6.5 inch x 16 and the rears remain 7.5 x 17.
What tyres did i fit to the various wheels (note: this is not a complete list!)
Standard (single spoke) spider wheels in size 5.5×16 inch front / 7.5×17 rear
AD07 LTS Advan Neova 175/55R16 + 225/45R17 (or similar brands/types) These front tyres are no longer produced.
LSS wheels size 6.0×16 inch front / 7.5×17 rear
Avon ZZR 195/50ZR16 + 225/45ZR17 (or similar brands/types like ZZS / 888r) or AD07 LTS Advan Neova 175/55R16 + 225/45R17 (or similar brands/types)
Y-spider wheels in size 6.5×16 inch front / 7.5×17 rear
Avon ZZR 195/50ZR16 + 225/45ZR17 (or similar brands/types like ZZS / 888r / Nangkang). I acquired them with Uniroyal Rainsport 3 fitted, which are said to be good in the wet and still reliable in dry conditions for road use on the Elise, the soft walls make them wobbly in my experience. Sized 195/50R16V-XL and 225/45R17Y-XL.