About This Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2009 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2009 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 Impreza 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 Impreza WRX Premium 2009
I walked around this 2009 WRX for twenty minutes just staring at the stance. We see a lot of Subarus, but this 18x9.5 plus 35 setup hits different. It pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fenders without looking like a circus wagon.
The R716 design clears the factory calipers with room to spare. That plus 35 offset is the golden ratio for the narrow-body or wide-body chassis. We love how the spokes concave just enough to show off the brake hardware.
You need coilovers to make these wheels sit right on this platform. Without the drop, the 9.5-inch width will poke out too far and look awkward. With the right alignment, the tires tuck neatly under the arches.
The hub bore fits perfectly on the Subaru hub. We hate running hub rings, so this direct fit is a huge win for reliability. No vibrations at highway speeds make this a perfect daily driver setup.
The barrel depth on these R716s adds a ton of character to the profile. They have a purposeful, track-ready look that screams Subaru rally heritage. You get plenty of brake cooling airflow, too.
Watch out for the rear fenders if you are running meaty tires. You might need a slight roll to clear the inner liner on big dips. Once you dial in the camber, the car tracks straight and feels planted.
What We Recommend for Subaru Impreza WRX Premium 2009 Owners
Stick to a square setup if you want to rotate your tires properly. Staggered wheels on an AWD platform like the WRX will destroy your center differential. We always preach square setups for longevity and handling balance.
An 18x9.5 wheel is the aggressive sweet spot for this generation. If you go wider, you will fight rubbing issues every time you turn the wheel. Keep your offset between plus 35 and plus 38 for the cleanest look.
Don't try to stretch a tiny tire onto a 9.5-inch wheel. A 255/35 or 265/35 tire provides the perfect sidewall profile for this build. You get better grip and you save your rims from nasty curb rash.
Fender rolling is almost mandatory if you want to go low. We recommend a professional job so you do not crack your paint. A clean roll looks invisible and saves your tires from getting shredded.
Avoid cheap spacers at all costs. If you buy a wheel with the correct offset, you never need to mess with spacers. Quality wheels like the Option Labs are engineered to sit flush without extra hardware.
Style and Build Analysis
That Bronze finish is the perfect contrast against the WRX body paint. It glows when the sun hits it at a low angle. It gives the car a sophisticated, motorsports-inspired edge that silver wheels just cannot touch.
The R716 design features clean, sharp lines that match the 2009 body style perfectly. It is not too busy or over-the-top. It complements the aggressive hood scoop and the wide stance of the WRX.
We see so many guys running flat black wheels that just disappear. These bronze beauties command attention without being flashy. They look fast even when the car is parked at a meet.
The visual weight of this car feels centered and low now. It changes the whole silhouette of the Impreza from a basic sedan into a street monster. It is a masterclass in clean, functional modification.
Compared to other builds we have featured, this one shows restraint. The owner did not overdo it with wild aero or neon lights. The wheels define the entire aesthetic of the vehicle.
Why We Love This Build
This Subaru stops us in our tracks because it looks like a factory prototype that Subaru forgot to build. The bronze finish catches the light, while the 18x9.5 stance fills the arches perfectly. It is aggressive, functional, and clean.
Every time I look at those R716 spokes, I want to jump in the driver's seat and hit the canyons. It is a simple upgrade that completely transforms the energy of the car. It proves that the right wheels make all the difference in the world.
If you own a 2009 WRX, quit waiting and order this setup. It is the best way to wake up your daily driver. This car is pure gold.
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 2009
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R716
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus 225/40 25.1″x8.9″ / 225/40 25.1″x8.9″
- Suspension: Coilovers
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 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-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 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
