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 up to this 2016 WRX Premium and immediately noticed how the 18x8.5 Option Lab R716s sit in the arches. Running a 35 offset on all four corners pushes the wheel face just enough to create a flush, aggressive look. You get that extra width without needing to hack up your fenders.
The 35 offset provides plenty of clearance for the factory WRX front calipers. You won't need spacers here, which keeps the wheel hub-centric and vibration-free. It is a bolt-on affair that just works.
The spoke design on the R716 clears the hub assembly perfectly. Option Lab engineered these specifically to handle the geometry of the VA platform. You get a clean look that does not sacrifice structural integrity.
We see a lot of guys struggle with barrel clearance on aftermarket wheels. These wheels give you enough room to avoid any interference with the inner suspension bits. The barrel lip depth provides that classic motorsport profile we all love.
Because the car sits on coilovers, the geometry changes slightly compared to stock springs. The stiffer dampening keeps the tires away from the fender liners during hard cornering. You get a tight, tucked stance that still functions on the street.
I always warn people to watch the rear fender tabs on the VA chassis. Even with an 8.5 width, you might experience minor rubbing if you slam the car too low. Dial in your coilovers carefully to avoid chewing up your sidewalls.
This setup is the sweet spot for a daily driver that hits the track on weekends. The 18-inch diameter keeps the weight manageable while filling the wheel wells better than the stock 17s. It is a masterclass in functional fitment.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2016 Owners
Stick to a square setup on your WRX to keep the handling balance neutral. We always recommend 18x8.5 or 18x9.5 for this platform. Anything wider usually requires aggressive fender rolling or camber adjustments.
The 35 offset is your best friend on this car. It sits flush without making the car look like a skateboard. Avoid offsets higher than 40 to prevent rubbing on the inner struts.
Don't fall for the trap of running a massive tire stretch just for looks. A 245/40/18 tire pairs perfectly with an 8.5-inch wide wheel. You get enough sidewall protection for potholes and decent grip for the canyons.
Avoid using cheap wheel spacers at all costs. If you buy the right offset from the start, you never need to rely on spacers. Your wheel bearings will thank you later.
I see so many guys mess up their alignment after installing new wheels. Always get a professional alignment done immediately after you swap your setup. Your tires will last twice as long if you set your toe correctly.
Style and Build Analysis
The white finish on these R716s pops against the factory paint like nothing else. It creates a rally-inspired aesthetic that honors the Subaru heritage. The contrast between the bright wheels and the body lines demands attention from across the parking lot.
The split-spoke design of the R716 looks fast even when the car is sitting still. It draws the eye toward the center of the wheel and emphasizes the rotational movement. This is a timeless design that will not go out of style in two years.
I love how the proportions feel balanced on this specific build. The wheels do not overwhelm the WRX body; they complement the aggressive front end. It looks like a car that Subaru should have built from the factory.
Most people go with black or gunmetal wheels, but white takes guts. It shows that the owner cares about the details and knows their car history. This build stands out in a sea of identical WRXs at every local meet.
The stance is low, focused, and purposeful. It hits that perfect middle ground between a street cruiser and a track weapon. It is visual proof that you do not need extreme wide-body kits to have a killer car.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX is pure automotive candy. When the sun hits those white Option Lab R716s, the entire car glows with an undeniable energy. The way the wheels hug the tires and tuck neatly under the arches makes the heart beat a little faster. It proves that you do not need to overcomplicate things to create a masterpiece.
We see thousands of cars, but this one stops us dead in our tracks. It captures the raw, mechanical spirit of the Subaru brand perfectly. Every time I walk past it, I imagine carving up a mountain road with the engine singing. This is exactly what a car build should feel like.
Do yourself a favor and get wheels that actually make you look back when you park. This build is total perfection.
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: White
- Tires: Barum Bravuris 3hm 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 18×8.5 / 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.
