When the current-generation Subaru WRX was released in 2022, the reaction was not exactly warm and fuzzy. The VB chassis was longer, wider and more curvaceous than the VA it replaced, but the public and motoring media focused their anger on one thing: the black plastic cladding.
The fender flares, side skirts and bumpers gave Subaru’s rally sedan the visual attitude of a crossover trying to look outdoorsy. Even some local dealerships jokingly called it the “Crosstrek WRX.” Luckily, a trip to the body shop and a handful of cash can fix most of that.
But Subaru followed another unfortunate modern trend: black wheels. The factory 18-inch multi-spoke alloys are actually well designed, but in dark anthracite they disappear. No matter how handsome the shape, black wheels always seem to look like winter steelies covered in brake dust. They also hide the aggressive low-profile tires wrapped around them.
When Alice’s VB WRX joined the Demaras Racing fleet, the first upgrade was a set of lightweight Enkei PF-01 wheels. The silver finish immediately brightened the car and gave it a family resemblance to Daniel’s classic WRX. But the original wheels were not junk. In fact, they are made by Enkei for Subaru, and the chunky 18×8.5-inch cast wheels are perfect candidates for winter duty.
That meant a visit to Brightside Custom Powder Coating at 186 Bartley Dr in North York at Bermondsey and Eglinton. Mike at Brightside took the factory wheels, stripped off the centre caps and weights, cleaned up the road rash, then sent them into the blasting cabinet. Once the original dark finish was removed, the raw aluminum was ready for its second life.
The wheels were then hung in the booth, electrically charged, and coated in a bright silver powder with big metallic flake. After curing, the result was exactly right: smooth, glossy and classic. Not quite as sporty as the PF-01s, but far better than a set of black winter steelies.
Best of all, the whole job was completed for $525 cash, which is roughly the cost of just one new Enkei PF-01. That’s a win.
Next stop is Can-Jam, where the wheels will get matching silver centre caps and a proper set of snow tires before the first frost. Winter may be ugly, but the WRX doesn’t have to be.