About This Subaru WRX Premium 2018 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2018 sits on a set of 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch Option Lab R716 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Option Lab for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Subaru WRX Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Option Lab R716 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Option Lab R716 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2018
I walked up to this WRX at the last meet and immediately noticed the stance. Running an 18x9.5 setup on all four corners transforms the way this car sits on the pavement. The +35 offset pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fenders without looking like a circus wagon.
The Option Lab R716 wheels provide plenty of room for the stock Subaru calipers. I never worry about spoke clearance with this specific design. They clear the factory hardware easily while giving the car a much more aggressive profile.
The hub bore fits perfectly on the VA chassis platform. We hate dealing with hub rings that vibrate at highway speeds. These wheels bolt right up and spin true without any extra drama.
The 9.5-inch width provides a meaty contact patch for your tires. You get better turn-in response and significantly more grip in the corners. It makes the car feel planted and eager to tackle a mountain pass.
Those coilovers are doing some heavy lifting here. By dialing in the ride height, we eliminated that nasty factory wheel gap. You need to keep an eye on your inner fender liners though.
If you run a wide tire like a 265, you might catch the plastic liner on a hard bump. I suggest rolling the rear fenders if you plan on going lower than this. It keeps your sidewalls safe and prevents that annoying rubbing sound.
The barrel lip depth on the R716 is just enough to add character without being flashy. It looks purposeful and track-ready. This is exactly what a rally-bred sedan needs to look like in the parking lot.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2018 Owners
Stick to a square setup if you want to rotate your tires properly. Staggered fitments on an AWD car like the WRX invite drivetrain headaches. We always recommend 18x9.5 as the gold standard for this body style.
Aim for an offset between +35 and +38 to get that flush look. Anything higher than +40 starts to look tucked inside the fender. Anything lower than +30 requires serious body work and camber plates.
Don't fall for the trap of buying massive spacers. If you pick the right offset from the start, you keep your scrub radius in check. Spacers just add unnecessary weight and potential failure points to your hubs.
Tire selection matters just as much as the wheel itself. A 255/35/18 is a fantastic choice if you want a slight stretch for clearance. If you want maximum meat, go with a 265/35/18 and prepare to roll the fenders.
Avoid buying cheap, heavy cast wheels that crack after one pothole. The Option Lab R716 balances strength and weight better than almost anything in its price bracket. You want a wheel that survives the daily commute and the occasional track day.
Measure twice and buy once. I see too many guys buying wheels that poke three inches past the fender. Use our fitment guide and keep the setup clean and functional.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gunmetal finish on these R716s creates a perfect contrast against the Subaru body paint. It looks sophisticated yet mean, especially when the sun hits the metallic flake. It doesn't scream for attention, yet everyone stares as you roll by.
The spoke design is pure motorsport heritage. Those clean lines draw your eye directly to the center of the wheel. It breaks up the visual bulk of the WRX and makes the car look lighter and faster.
Proportions define a good build, and this one hits the mark. The 18-inch diameter keeps enough sidewall to look meaty while filling the wheel well completely. It avoids that awkward rubber-band tire look that ruins modern sports sedans.
I have seen hundreds of WRXs, but this one feels cohesive. Many builds look like a collection of random parts, but this is a vision realized. The wheels, the drop, and the stance work together as a single unit.
The road presence is undeniable. When you see this car coming down the road, it looks like it belongs on a rally stage. It is professional, aggressive, and undeniably cool.
Why We Love This Build
I fell in love with this build the second the owner pulled into the lot. The way that Gunmetal finish catches the afternoon light makes the wheels pop against the aggressive lines of the WRX. It looks like it was engineered for the street but built for the track.
We see a lot of cars, but this setup stops us in our tracks every single time. The stance is spot on, the fitment is flush, and the whole package screams confidence. It makes me want to go buy a VA chassis tomorrow just to replicate this exact look.
Stop overthinking your wheel choice and just go with the R716. You get the perfect balance of performance and aesthetics without breaking the bank. This is how a modern Subaru should look.
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 WRX Premium 2018
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R716
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Gunmetal
- Tires: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru WRX Premium owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru 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 WRX Premium owners run 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
