Stanced Subaru BRZ: Laura's Imported Air Suspension Build

Laura marie - Stanced Subaru BRZ - Instagram: @Laura_mariex_

Photographer: Owen - Instagram:  @Watson_visual

My name is Laura, and this is my second car build. My first was my much-loved Scirocco, and I'm now continuing the journey with my imported stanced Subaru BRZ. I've always loved building cars and being creative with them, and I've been lucky enough to share that passion with my fiancé, Adam. Building our cars together has become a huge part of our lives, and it's something we both genuinely enjoy.

Why I Love the Car Scene

I love attending car shows across the UK and Europe, representing my sponsors and showcasing the hard work, time and passion that have gone into my build. But for me, it's about so much more than just the cars. I love travelling to different shows, seeing our friends, meeting new people, taking amazing photos and, most importantly, catching up with the people who make the car scene so special.

The scene has given me some incredible memories and experiences over the years, from shows across the UK to travelling into Europe. I'm excited to continue the journey with my Subaru BRZ.

From Mint Green Scirocco to Stanced Subaru BRZ

This is my imported Subaru BRZ, which became the replacement for my mint green Scirocco. The Rocco had become a big part of my life, attending car shows all across the UK, so when the time came to replace it I knew I needed something special.

I wanted a car that I could build from the ground up, make completely my own and, most importantly, create something that would stand out just as much as the Rocco did.

The BRZ has given me exactly that opportunity. I've loved every part of the build and seeing my ideas come together over the years. It's become more than just a car, it's a project that I've been able to put my own personality into.

One of the best parts has been taking the BRZ to shows across the UK and, more recently, expanding into Europe, with trips to Belgium and France. From the very beginning the goal was to build something unique, and the journey has been just as important as the finished car. I'm proud of how far it's come and excited to see where the next chapter takes it.

Importing a Subaru BRZ From Japan

The journey started back in April 2023, when I began the process of importing the car from Japan. I went through Torque GT, and it only took around a week for them to find a car for me. I was incredibly lucky to come across this particular BRZ, as there was something about it that immediately stood out to me.

In Japan the car was registered as a 17-plate and, unusually, it hadn't sold at auction. That gave us a very small window to try and secure it privately. One morning we had around 30 minutes to put a private offer forward, so there wasn't much time to think about it. Luckily the offer was accepted, and that was the moment the whole project really began.

From there it was a long few months of waiting, paperwork and anticipation, but eventually the day came when the BRZ arrived in the UK. Seeing it for the first time in person was a pretty special moment. Finished in Pearl Crystal White, it already looked great straight out of the box, but I knew almost immediately that I wanted to make it something much more personal.

Rather than keeping the car standard, I wanted a BRZ that was different from the rest and reflected my own style. I've always enjoyed modifying cars and adding those personal touches that make them stand out, so this was a chance to build something that was genuinely my own.

How the Build Has Evolved

Since importing the car I've put a huge amount of time, effort and personal touches into making it my own. The build started with a carbon fibre boot and a fully built air suspension setup, giving the car the stance and presence I was after.

I've also fitted a custom cage and carried out a rear seat delete, along with new bodywork, wheels, an upgraded exhaust system and lighting. Alongside the bigger modifications there are plenty of smaller details and finishing touches that might not be immediately obvious, but they all help make the build feel unique and personal to me. It's been a real ongoing project, with every modification chosen to create the look I wanted.

If you're into this platform, have a read of Subaru BRZ vs Toyota GT86: Twins, But Which Is Better? and browse the other Toyota 86 builds on the site, including Andy Garside's 2019 Toyota GT86.

Build List: Modified Subaru BRZ Specs

Suspension and Chassis

• Air Lift Performance air suspension
• Aftermarket camber arm kit at -7 and -8

Wheels

• Cosmic Racing wheels

Exterior

• Pearl Crystal White paintwork
• Carbon boot build
• Low Line kit/splitter
• Side skirts
• Ducktail spoiler
• Cut rear bumper
• Rear bash bar

Lighting

• Clear tail lights imported from Japan

Interior

• Cage
• Bucket seats
• Rear seat delete

Engine and Exhaust

• UEL headers
• Tomei single tip exhaust
• Stage 1 map

Who Did the Work?

The journey first started with Torque GT importing the vehicle, carrying out all the underbody protection and giving it its first service, while making sure everything was looking and feeling right from the very beginning.

Airtek then supplied the Air Lift Performance air suspension and carried out the installation. They also completed my carbon fibre boot build, fitted my cage and seats, and helped finish the car with the wheels and camber arms.

My fiancé, Adam, bought me the Low Line kit and ducktail spoiler for Christmas, which became another important part of the build.

Supreme Paintworks then worked their magic, painting all of the parts off the car and doing it all for me. Their work really helped bring the vision together.

Pole Position fitted my Tomei exhaust and unequal-length headers, along with carrying out the Stage 1 map, transforming both the sound and driving experience of the car.

Sponsors

For the last three years I've been proudly sponsored by Auto Finesse, who have supplied me with some of the best detailing products and helped me keep the car looking its absolute best. I've also joined the Mob Gang family.

Want more stance and JDM culture in print? Grab a copy from the Stance Auto Magazine store on Amazon.

Credits and Shout Outs

• Owner: Laura Marie, Instagram @Laura_mariex_
• Photographer: Owen, Instagram @Watson_visual

Shout Outs

• @tourqe gt
• @airtek_automotive 
• @supremepaintworks
• @autofinesse 
• @mobgxng 
• @poleposition 
• @hatchboi_a3
• @Watson_visual