About This Subaru WRX Premium 2016 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2016 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-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 2016
I walked around this VA chassis WRX for twenty minutes and the stance hits just right. Mounting the 18x8.5 Option Lab R716s provides a flush look that avoids the headache of aggressive fender work. This width keeps the car agile without tramlining over every highway imperfection.
The +35 offset is the secret sauce here. It pushes the wheels out toward the fender edge perfectly. You get that broad-shouldered aesthetic without forcing the tire to rub the liner.
Caliper clearance on these R716s is impressive for the price point. The spokes clear the factory front brakes with plenty of room to spare. You will not need spacers to clear the calipers on this specific setup.
The hub bore fits the Subaru platform precisely. I hate dealing with hub-centric rings that rust or seize up. These slide on smooth and seat flat against the rotor hat every single time.
Even with the stock suspension, the wheel fills the arch decently. The barrel lip depth provides just enough visual weight to balance the car's sharp body lines. It looks substantial without trying too hard.
Watch your tire choice if you plan to lower the car later. A meaty 245/40/18 tire is the sweet spot for this offset. Go any wider and you risk catching the fender tabs during hard cornering.
The R716 design is stiff and handles the heat of a canyon run well. I noticed how the spoke geometry channels air toward the brakes. It is a functional piece of kit that looks mean sitting still.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2016 Owners
Stick to a square setup on your WRX for the best handling balance. Staggering wheels on an AWD platform is a recipe for differential issues. Keep all four corners at 18x8.5 or 18x9.5 for predictable grip.
If you want a beefy look, go for the 18x9.5 +38 sizing. That is the gold standard for the VA chassis. You get a deeper concave face that looks aggressive from every angle.
Don't fall into the trap of buying cheap, heavy cast wheels. The R716 strikes a balance between durability and unsprung weight. Your suspension will thank you when the road gets rough.
I always tell owners to skip the massive tire stretch. Running a 245 or 255 width tire gives you a flat sidewall that protects the rim lip. It also keeps your speedometer accurate and your grip levels high.
Avoid spacers if you can help it. A proper offset choice eliminates the need for extra hardware that can introduce vibration. Do it once and do it right.
Style and Build Analysis
The Black finish on these R716s brings a stealthy, industrial vibe to the WRX. It pulls the focus toward the sharp, angular body panels of the car. The contrast against the paint is subtle but creates a serious presence.
The split-spoke design feels right at home on a rally-bred platform. It echoes the motorsport heritage of the brand without looking like a dated race replica. It is modern, clean, and purposeful.
Proportionally, these wheels anchor the WRX visually. The car looks planted rather than lifted, even on the factory springs. It gives the impression that the car is ready to attack a gravel stage at any moment.
I have seen a dozen WRXs this month, but this one stands out. Most people ruin the lines with weird colors or aggressive poke. This build proves that less is often much, much more.
The way the light hits the recessed lug area adds depth to the wheel face. It avoids the flat, boring look that plagues many black aftermarket wheels. It is a premium look for a car that loves to be driven hard.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX looks like it rolled straight out of a Japanese tuner magazine. The black Option Lab wheels wrap the car in an aggressive, dark aesthetic that demands respect. Every time I see it parked, the way the light dances off the spokes makes me want to grab the keys and drive.
It is the perfect example of a functional daily driver done right. There is zero fluff here, just clean lines and a rock-solid wheel choice that improves the entire profile. You don't need a widebody kit to own the road.
This car reminds us why we fell in love with the VA platform in the first place. It is honest, fast, and looks damn good in the rearview mirror. Put a set on your car and don't look back.
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 2016
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R716
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Toyo Tires Extensa HP 225/45 26″x8.9″ / 225/45 26″x8.9″
- Suspension: Stock
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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
