Interior Upgrades - my ideas

[Turbowned]

Hey guys, I'm sharing my thoughts on what I'd like to do to make the BRZ's interior more upscale-looking. I'm coming out of a brand new Audi S4, and while I know this Subaru's interior is much nicer than Subarus past, I still want to make it look nicer! Here's my thoughts and some picture samples:

JPM Coachworks will be getting a BRZ in soon, and will be offering some off-the-shelf parts like shift/e-brake boots. I was thinking of getting the speaker covers on the door panels and HVAC surround wrapped in leather w/ red stitching like they are on the JDM cars, as well as possibly the center console. I'd like to have a small cover made for the heated seat buttons, or maybe relocating them and covering them over; the switches just look cheap in that spot (Drove an '05 Legacy the other day with nice seat heater switches; maybe they can be swapped?). I want the steering wheel wrapped in smooth Nappa leather rather than the grained/perforated leather. I also want the shift boot and e-brake boot, gauge cluster top cover and sun visors done in black Alcantara with red stitching; here's some pics of their work on the GR Impreza: http://www.jpmcoachworks.com/jpm/




I'd like to replace the chromed plastic e-brake knob with a Cusco drift knob, and the shift knob with an STi titanium ball knob:



As for the silver painted interior plastics, they just look like plastic that's been quickly painted silver. Audi does a fantastic job of matching their plastic interior trim parts with the actual metal parts; so good that I can't tell the difference! ALSA Corp. makes a satin metallic paint called "Ghost Chrome" that looks just like the satin finish trim on the Audis: http://www.alsacorp.com/products/gho...hostchrome.htm

I would like to paint all those plastics with the Ghost Chrome finish. I'm not sure what I want to do with the dashboard panel; though. I was thinking maybe painting it Piano black with a high gloss finish or maybe color matching it to the exterior (Galaxy Blue Silica in my case) with a glossy clear coat. Here's a sample of the Ghost Chrome:


I also wish to replace the decent, but definitely "parts-bin" pedal covers with SRP "grid" pedals - check these guys out:
http://www.srpracing.com/


As for the head unit, I've heard it's a little clunky but I'll probably leave it in place until one of the Android head units comes out and then replace it... I just want it to be operated smoothly, like a smart phone. I feel like the head unit in the BRZ is already quite dated.

So that's it for now. Feel free to share your thoughts and give me some feedback!

[ESBjiujitsu]

very nice! I like the way you think. shift/e-brake boots and other small things like that really seem to bring the car together and add style! I am coming from a mazdaspeed 6 and I love the interior, so I am on the same page as you!

[stalon320]

I too think you're on the right track. I 've had Audi's and Mercedes coupes/sedans and going into this car..I want a more upscale feel. For me.. I want the Scion. I will definately add some aluminium bits to the dash, door handles.. would also like to do a red leather interior to match the red stiching.. seats, door sills.. I dont want a "busy" look so I wouldnt go nuts with the metal look but I think tastefully done.. it could look hot. Thoughts? any pics?

[86design]

i love that idea with the suede cloth...that looks real nice just watch out with the sun...that thing turns white fast...

[JPM Coachworks]

Originally Posted by 86design

i love that idea with the suede cloth...that looks real nice just watch out with the sun...that thing turns white fast...

You are correct! Well, sort of. The products featured above are made from a material known as Alcantara. This is exact same material which is featured in the Limited trim levels of the BRZ as well as a host of other makes and models ranging from Scion to Bugatti. The material was designed with the automotive market in mind and as a result has very few problems once it is installed. The imitation Alcantara materials fade quickly whereas the actual Alcantara material has excellent color fastness, even for black. It will retain its color for several years inside the vehicle! Read more here, http://www.jpmcoachworks.com/jpm/what-is-alcantara.html

Regards,
Alex

[Kimsey47]

Hm, may have to get the alacantra shift boot etc... I like it! Thanks for sharing!

[ImAwesome]

Awesome. I would probably do this anyway so I'm definitely interested

[BugeyedWagon]

Some things are in the works...

[stalon320]

Like the Alcantara.. how expensive is it? Also.. love to see a combination Carbon Fiber and aluminium bits inside.. I want a tasteful look inside.. upscale... Anyone price out Leather for this car yet? ARe they making leather aftermarket yet??

[BugeyedWagon]

Originally Posted by stalon320

Like the Alcantara.. how expensive is it? Also.. love to see a combination Carbon Fiber and aluminium bits inside.. I want a tasteful look inside.. upscale... Anyone price out Leather for this car yet? ARe they making leather aftermarket yet??

Yes, JPM Coachworks has shift and ebrake boots in the works. Pictures will be up later this week.

[BugeyedWagon]

Here is a link to pictures of the prototype BRZ e-brake boot. JPM is still working on the AT shifter boot. I will post pictures and provide a formal review of the pieces when both are recieved and installed in my car. Till then, enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpmcoachworks/7411178358/

[brillo]

How about a replacement panel for the clock that looks like it's from the 1980s

[JPM Coachworks]

Originally Posted by brillo

How about a replacement panel for the clock that looks like it's from the 1980s

I said the same thing, haha. We're working on it...still waiting on our car to arrive of course. We're excited for this platform and excitement creates or builds ideation that draws upon inspiration from the community and trends around all of us

Best Regards,
Alex

[mechaghost]

@BugeyedWagon - what shift knob are you using for AT? Did the shift boot ring come with the knob too?