About This Subaru WRX Premium 2019 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2019 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 2019
I walked around this VA chassis WRX for twenty minutes straight. The Option Lab R716s in 18x8.5 with a +35 offset sit perfectly flush with the factory fenders. You get that aggressive stance without needing to hack up your bodywork.
That +35 offset is the secret sauce for the 2019 Premium model. It pushes the wheel face out just enough to kill that sunken look Subaru loves from the factory. It gives the car a much wider, more planted aesthetic on the road.
The 8.5-inch width keeps the steering feel sharp and responsive. You avoid the heavy, sluggish turn-in that comes with wider, heavier wheels. It keeps the car feeling like the rally-bred machine Subaru intended.
Caliper clearance on these R716s is a non-issue. The spoke design arcs out quickly, clearing the front brakes with room to spare. You won't need to hunt for spacers to avoid hitting the calipers here.
The hub bore matches the Subaru spec perfectly. We love a direct-fit wheel that doesn't force us to mess with hub-centric rings. It keeps everything balanced and vibration-free at highway speeds.
The barrel lip depth on these wheels adds a nice bit of industrial character. It gives the wheel some much-needed visual weight. The design feels purposeful rather than just another generic aftermarket hoop.
Since the car runs stock suspension, the fender gap remains a bit noticeable. The 18-inch diameter fills the wheel wells well enough, but it craves a mild drop. You have zero rubbing issues currently, which is a huge win for a daily driver.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2019 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to the 18x8.5 or 18x9.5 range. Anything wider than 9.5 starts inviting rubbing issues on stock fenders. Keep the offset between +35 and +38 to stay safe.
We always suggest a square setup for the VA chassis. You get better tire life because you can actually rotate your rubber. Don't waste your time with staggered setups on an AWD Subaru.
Avoid excessive tire stretch if you actually drive your car hard. Run a 245/40/18 tire for a meaty, functional look that protects your rims. It fills the gaps better and improves your overall grip levels.
Many guys make the mistake of buying cheap, heavy wheels that ruin the handling. The R716 is light enough to keep the suspension working correctly. Never sacrifice unsprung weight for a cheap price tag.
If you plan to lower the car later, watch your fender liners. A mild drop is fine, but coilover setups might require a slight fender roll. Always check your clearances after your first drive on new hardware.
Style and Build Analysis
The Gold finish on these R716s is a total classic look for a WRX. It screams 1990s WRC heritage in the best way possible. The contrast against the body paint grabs your attention immediately.
The multi-spoke pattern of the R716 feels both modern and nostalgic. It reminds me of the old-school rally wheels but with a sharpened, contemporary edge. It elevates the 2019 Premium trim to look like a true enthusiast special.
Proportions here are spot on for this chassis. The wheels don't overwhelm the car, nor do they disappear into the wheel wells. It creates a balanced look that feels like a factory performance package.
Road presence is surprisingly high for such a clean, simple build. You see it from a block away and instantly know it's not a stock car. It hits that sweet spot between subtle and aggressive.
Compared to other builds we see at meets, this one stands out for its restraint. It doesn't rely on gaudy spoilers or extreme camber to get noticed. It proves that good wheel choice is 90 percent of a car's overall personality.
Why We Love This Build
I love how the morning sun catches the gold flake on these wheels. It turns the car into a rolling piece of art that demands a second look. The R716s fill the arches with a purpose that makes the stock wheels look like toys.
This car captures the spirit of the Subaru community perfectly. It looks fast, capable, and ready for a mountain pass at a moment's notice. You don't need a massive budget to create something that turns heads.
We see thousands of cars, but this specific setup stays in my mind. It’s clean, functional, and looks absolutely wicked in the rearview mirror. Build your car for yourself, but make it look like this.
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 2019
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R716
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Gold
- Tires: Vercelli Strada II 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Stock
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.
