it interesting what you say about..the intent of the lower offset is to push the wheel further out of the guard..
My green car has 18s with a 48 offset [7.5in wide] - check out my Locker] but comparing how they sit to the std 16x7.5 with 55 offset it "looks' like the std wheel sits out of the guard more
.. but perhaps the style of the std wheel ie not dish like and full looking that creates the look..
did you see the thread from the European guys where Sub over there had as an option a Lexus looking rim...
Anyway early next week will be doing the wheel fitout..
Thanks for the 'heads up'
Dave