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 18×8.5 / 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 2018
I walked up to this WRX and immediately noticed the stance. Running an 18x8.5 setup with a 35 offset hits that perfect middle ground for the VA chassis. It sits flush without begging for a fender roll.
The 35 offset pushes the wheel right to the edge of the fender line. You get a wider track width compared to the factory sunken look. It transforms the way the car holds the road in corners.
I checked the caliper clearance personally while we were at the shop. The R716 spoke design curves out aggressively to clear the factory WRX brakes easily. You will not need any annoying spacers to make these work.
The 18x8.5 width is a smart choice for a daily driver. It keeps the steering feel sharp and responsive. You avoid that heavy, sluggish feeling you get with wider, heavier wheels.
Hub bore is a direct fit for the Subaru platform. We did not see any vibration issues during our test drive. Everything bolts up tight and stays centered exactly where it belongs.
The barrel lip depth on the R716 adds some nice visual texture. It gives the wheel a deeper look than most flat-faced designs. It makes the car look more purposeful and less like a grocery getter.
Since this owner runs coilovers, the fender gap is non-existent. You have to watch the inner fender liners on hard bumps if you go too low. A quick heat gun treatment on the liners usually solves any minor rubbing.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2018 Owners
Stick to a square setup if you want to rotate your tires. Staggered setups on an AWD Subaru like this one are a recipe for disaster. Keep all four wheels the same size to save your center differential.
If you want a beefier look, you can push to a 9.5 width. Just know you will likely need to roll your rear fenders. Stick to the 8.5 width if you want a hassle-free install.
Offset is your best friend when dialing in a build. A 35 offset is the gold standard for this car. It looks aggressive without destroying your wheel bearings prematurely.
Don't fall for the cheap spacer trap. Buy wheels that fit the car from the start. Spacers only introduce more points of failure that you do not need.
Pair these wheels with a high-performance summer tire. A 245/40/18 tire is the sweet spot for an 8.5 wide wheel. It gives you enough sidewall protection without looking like a balloon.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish on these R716s is absolute perfection against the paint. It captures the light differently every time the car moves. It stands out way more than boring silver or matte black.
I love the multi-spoke geometry of the R716 design. It looks like a motorsport wheel straight off a rally stage. It feels right at home on a WRX.
The proportions are spot on for this platform. The wheels fill the arches just enough to look aggressive but not overdone. It keeps the car looking like a refined street machine.
Most builds we see are either too flashy or too understated. This one finds that elusive sweet spot. It screams quality without having to yell for attention.
Compared to other builds, this one feels very intentional. Nothing looks like an afterthought or a rushed purchase. The owner clearly did their homework on the fitment specs.
Why We Love This Build
I stopped dead in my tracks the moment I saw this WRX pull into the lot. The bronze R716s glowed under the afternoon sun, making the whole car look fast even when it stood still. Every angle shows off those sharp spokes and that perfect, flush fitment.
This build represents everything we love about the Subaru community. It is clean, functional, and looks like it belongs on a mountain pass or a show floor. It proves that you do not need crazy body kits to make a statement.
I want to drive this car every single day. Go get these wheels and stop waiting for permission.
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: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: General G-MAX AS-05 245/40 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.
