About This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 sits on a set of 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch Aodhan DS01 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Aodhan 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 Aodhan DS01 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Aodhan DS01 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
I walked up to this 2017 WRX and immediately noticed the aggressive stance. Running 18x9.5 all around gives this chassis the exact width it needs to look mean. The +22 offset pushes those wheels right out to the edge of the fenders.
That +22 offset is a bold choice for a VA chassis. It sticks out past the stock body lines just enough to demand attention. You will absolutely need to roll your fenders to avoid cutting your tires on the metal.
The Aodhan DS01 design features a deep barrel lip that defines the look of the car. These wheels provide massive clearance for the stock calipers on the Premium model. I checked the hub bore and everything seats perfectly tight against the hub face.
This setup relies heavily on the coilovers to pull the wheels into a functional position. Without the drop, these wheels would look like a tractor setup. Dialing in the camber is a mandatory step to make this fitment work on the street.
Watch out for the inner fender liner at the front when you turn the wheel to full lock. The extra width and low offset make contact likely if your height isn't dialed in. I suggest a slight stretch on the tires to help clear the fender edges during hard cornering.
The spoke design flows perfectly with the sharp, angular body lines of the 2017 WRX. It adds a touch of classic mesh style to a modern rally-bred machine. This is a aggressive setup that requires patience during the initial installation phase.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you want a daily driver, I suggest sticking closer to a +35 or +38 offset. You get the wide look without the constant headache of rubbing on every bump. The +22 setup we saw today is for the guys who really want that poked, show-car aesthetic.
Always run a square setup on these AWD Subarus. Rotating your tires is the only way to keep your differentials healthy over the long haul. Keep your tire diameters matched perfectly to avoid any drivetrain binding issues.
Don't be afraid to pull the fenders if you crave that extra aggressive offset. A professional roll and pull gives you the clearance needed for wider rubber. It makes the difference between a clean build and a hack job.
Watch your tire choice carefully when you choose a 9.5-inch width. A 255/35 tire is usually the sweet spot for a balance of grip and clearance. Avoid massive sidewalls unless you enjoy hearing your plastic liners get shredded.
Common mistakes usually involve skipping the alignment rack after installing new wheels. You need significant negative camber to tuck these wheels under the factory arches. Do it once and do it right so you don't ruin your new tires in a week.
Style and Build Analysis
The black finish on these DS01 wheels creates a dark, moody contrast against the paint. It makes the whole car look lower and more planted to the pavement. There is something timeless about a black-on-black color scheme on a turbocharged sedan.
I love how the mesh spokes hide the brake dust that inevitably builds up on a daily driver. The design feels inspired by vintage motorsport but looks perfectly at home on this modern platform. It hits the perfect balance between aggressive and refined.
The stance dominates the profile view of this WRX. Every time I looked at the car, my eyes went straight to the way the wheels fill the wheel wells. It changes the entire road presence of the vehicle from factory commuter to street brawler.
Compared to other builds I see at local meets, this one stands out because of the execution. Many people play it safe with generic fitment, but this owner committed to the wide stance. It shows a clear vision that connects the wheels to the rest of the mods.
The deep-dish look of the DS01 creates a sense of depth that simple flat-faced wheels just cannot match. It forces you to stop and stare at the details of the rim. This build proves that the right wheels can completely transform the attitude of your car.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX stops me in my tracks because it feels complete. The black wheels tuck perfectly into the arches when the car sits at speed, and the aggressive offset gives it a wide, menacing look. I love how the sunlight catches the curves of the spokes while the deep barrels stay dark and shadowy.
It is the perfect example of how one set of wheels changes the entire personality of a car. You can see the hours of work put into the suspension and alignment to make this stance actually driveable. It serves as a masterclass in how to build a VA-chassis WRX with serious attitude.
Go find a set of wheels that makes you look back every time you park. This build is the gold standard for how to do it right. Stop dreaming about it and start turning some wrenches.
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 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Aodhan DS01
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 22 / 22
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sport 225/40 25.1″x8.9″ / 225/40 25.1″x8.9″
- 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.
