my 18's are 45mm offset (7.5 width and 225 series tires) and I have no rubbing issues at all.
my 19's are 40mm offset (8.0 widith and 235 series) and require spacers.. as there was meer millimeters between the wheel and my Koni's and there was rubbing. These are also on the Cougar but is should be the same dealio for the Contour. I have not yet attempted to put these on one of my CSVT's as I'm sure that there will be some rubbing issues.
I hope my information helps.
