About This Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2012 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2012 sits on a set of 17×9 / 17×9-inch Enkei RPF1 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Enkei for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Subaru Impreza WRX Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Enkei RPF1 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Enkei RPF1 on the Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2012
I walked up to this 2012 WRX and immediately noticed the 17x9 Enkei RPF1s. That width makes a massive difference compared to the skinny factory wheels. We love the 45 offset here because it tucks the wheel nicely inside the fender line.
The 17-inch diameter keeps the rotating mass low and tight. You get better acceleration out of the corners with this setup. It keeps the car agile and responsive on back roads.
These wheels clear the stock WRX calipers without a single issue. You do not need spacers to make these fit. The spoke design gives you plenty of breathing room for the brakes.
The hub bore on these wheels matches the Subaru perfectly. We always suggest using hub-centric rings for a vibration-free ride. It makes the installation seamless and clean.
Since this car runs stock suspension, the gap stays fairly prominent. The 9-inch width fills the well much better than the OEM rollers. You get a wider footprint without looking like a monster truck.
Watch out for the rear inner liner if you decide to run meaty tires. You might see some light rubbing at full compression on bumpy turns. It stays minor, but keep an eye on your plastic liners.
The barrel lip depth on the RPF1 is subtle but aggressive. It gives the wheel that classic racing aesthetic we crave. This setup proves you do not need wild camber to make a WRX look tough.
What We Recommend for Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2012 Owners
Stick to a square setup for your WRX. Running 17x9 on all four corners allows for proper tire rotation. It keeps the handling predictable and balanced during spirited drives.
If you want a flush look, consider a 35 offset instead of the 45. The 45 offset keeps things safe and functional for a daily driver. You avoid the headache of excessive fender rolling.
Don't overthink the tire size. A 245/40/17 tire works perfectly with this width. It provides enough sidewall to protect your wheels from potholes.
Avoid massive spacers at all costs. They ruin your scrub radius and add unnecessary stress to your wheel bearings. Keep your geometry tight and purposeful.
Make sure you pick the right tire compound for your climate. High-performance summer tires change the way this car eats corners. Cheap rubber will only mask the potential of your new wheels.
Style and Build Analysis
The gold finish against the Subaru paint is an absolute classic. It screams rally heritage every time the sun hits the spokes. This combination honors the history of the WRX platform perfectly.
The RPF1 is a legend for a reason. Its thin, multi-spoke design creates a sense of speed even when the car sits still. It feels light, airy, and built for the track.
Proportionally, the 17-inch wheel suits the 2012 body lines better than larger wheels. Big wheels often make a WRX look heavy and cumbersome. This setup keeps the car looking nimble and athletic.
When you compare this to other builds, it stands out for its restraint. It doesn't scream for attention with fake aero or slammed suspension. It relies on clean, proven Japanese engineering.
Road presence is all about the stance. This car feels planted and ready for a stage rally. It commands respect without trying too hard.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this WRX roll into the lot felt like a breath of fresh air. The gold Enkei wheels catch the light and pop against the factory paint. It looks like it belongs on a forest stage rather than a parking lot. This is how you build a functional street car.
The fitment is honest, clean, and entirely usable. You can drive this hard without worrying about cracked fenders or rubbing tires. It captures the essence of the WRX spirit perfectly.
We love this build because it focuses on the right upgrades. Every dollar spent on these wheels improves the way the car performs. This is the definition of a driver’s car.
Go get your own set and start hitting the twisty roads.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2012
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Enkei RPF1
- Wheel Size: 17×9 / 17×9
- Offset: 45 / 45
- Wheel Finish: Gold
- Tires: Continental Extremecontact DWS06 Plus 245/45 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/45 25.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru Impreza WRX Premium owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×9 / 17×9-inch wheels fit my Subaru Impreza WRX Premium? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Subaru Impreza WRX Premium owners run 17×9 / 17×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
