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 18×9.5 / 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 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 at the last meet and immediately clocked the R716s. Running an 18x9.5 setup with a +35 offset is the gold standard for the VA chassis. It pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fenders for that perfect flush look.
The +35 offset is the magic number here. It clears the stock front calipers without needing any annoying spacers. I always tell people to avoid offset guessing games, and this setup just works perfectly.
Hub bore is another big one for us enthusiasts. These wheels fit the 56.1 center bore like a glove. You skip the headache of hub-centric rings that always manage to get lost during a tire change.
Because these are 18x9.5, you get a solid amount of barrel lip depth. It gives the wheel a concave profile that really pops in person. Flat-faced wheels just don't have the same road presence on a wide-hipped WRX.
The coilovers on this build drop the ride height just enough to close that nasty wheel gap. Since the tires are tucked slightly, you lose the ugly 4x4 factory stance. It makes the whole car look planted and aggressive.
You need to watch out for the rear fender liners if you go too low. A slight roll might be necessary if you plan to run meaty tires. Keep your alignment specs tight to avoid rubbing on the outer fender lip.
The spoke design on the R716 is unique because it keeps the wheel light but strong. It doesn't look cluttered when the car is rolling down the highway. That structural integrity is exactly what you want for a daily driver that occasionally hits the twisties.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2018 Owners
Stick to a square setup if you want to rotate your tires properly. Staggered fitments are a nightmare on the Subaru AWD system. You will save money and headaches by keeping all four corners identical.
If you want the best performance, pair these 9.5-inch wheels with a 255/35/18 tire. It gives you a tiny bit of stretch without looking like a circus act. This width fills the wheel well perfectly without sacrificing your turn-in response.
Don't fall for the trap of buying cheap, heavy wheels. The Option Lab R716 is light enough to keep your suspension happy. You will feel the difference in steering feedback every time you enter a corner.
Avoid running spacers if you can possibly help it. They put extra stress on your wheel bearings and lead to vibration issues. If you choose the right offset, like the +35 we used here, you won't need them.
Always check your fender clearances before you finalize your alignment. A little bit of negative camber goes a long way to making this fitment look professional. Just don't overdo it unless you want to eat through tires every three months.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gold finish on these R716s is a classic nod to Subaru rally heritage. It glows under the streetlights and provides a sharp contrast against the paint. You cannot beat the blue-and-gold combo, but it works on almost any color this chassis comes in.
I love how the spokes extend all the way to the rim edge. It makes the 18-inch wheels look even larger than they actually are. It creates a bold, racing-inspired aesthetic that demands attention at every stoplight.
Stance is everything with this car. The wheels fill the arches so well that the car looks like it was engineered by the factory this way. It has that refined, aftermarket look that screams quality without being too loud.
When you compare this to other builds, the difference is in the details. Many people pick wheels that are too thin or poke out like a truck. This specific setup strikes the ideal balance between form and function.
The visual impact of this car is undeniable. It looks ready for a mountain pass or a show field. You can tell the owner spent time dialing in the fitment, and it shows in every single line of the car.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX stops us in our tracks because it nails the essentials. The gold wheels catch the afternoon light, making the entire car look like a rolling trophy. Every time I see it parked, I find myself circling the car to look at the fitment again.
It proves that you do not need wild body kits to make a car stand out. The right wheel choice on a solid coilover setup transforms the vibe entirely. It looks fast even when it is sitting completely still in a parking lot.
We see a lot of builds, but this one has soul. It is clean, functional, and looks absolutely mean on the road. Do yourself a favor and get a set of these wheels. Your WRX deserves this upgrade.
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: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Gold
- Tires: Federal SS595 265/35 25.3″x10.4″ / 265/35 25.3″x10.4″
- 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.
