History:
The VIP car style had its beginnings, oddly enough, in the poorer
sections of Japan about 15 years ago. Originally, VIP cars were the
creation of a group of enthusiasts called Black Cockroach in Wakayama
Prefecture of Japan. The Black Cockroach team consisted of a black Cima
(Infiniti Q45), Cedric (currently Infiniti M45), Celsior (Lexus LS) and
Crown (no US equivalent), which were uniquely styled and exemplified
the owner's personalities. Many of the VIP cars had deep ties to the
Japanese underground group, better known as the Yakuza, or Japanese
mafia. Keeping with the mystic and underground origins of the scene,
most of the cars were colored black. In the years afterwards, a team
named VIP Company was established by Takahiro Taketomi, the eventual
owner of Junction Produce, a leader in VIP styling in Japan. In the early years of the VIP movement, there was a Japanese
magazine called Young Auto, which exhibited modified cars predominantly
owned by Japanese motorcycle gang members. The magazine editors
selected these cars to attract readers and exemplify this type of
automotive modification. Before the naming of VIP cars, the cars
modified in this style were called a Haiso car (high society saloon
cars). As time went on, the name VIP CLUB became synonymous with the
remodeling of high end luxury cars. This was the birth of the phrase
VIP. VIP CLUB eventually became the very popular Japanese magazine, VIP
Car Magazine. VIP Car Magazine demonstrated the artistry and quality of
luxury cars modified in the VIP style and was instrumental in bringing
this style of automotive customization to the public. With the help of
Young Auto magazine and VIP Car Magazine, the popularity of VIP cars
soon spread from Osaka, to Sendai city in Miyagi prefecture, and
eventually across all of Japan.
Traditional Definition:
Tradition VIP car definition is very simple. Usually pronounced V-I-P
(vee-eye-pee) and meaning Very Important Person, the true pronunciation
is VIP, or bippu, where it's pronounced like a word. Cars that fit into the VIP category are predominantly rear wheel
drive Japanese luxury platforms such as the Celsior, CIMA,
Cedric/Gloria, and Crown, just to name a few. These cars are usually
the more expensive models and are usually purchased by the more
affluent car owners. It's not a VIP Car unless it starts with one of
these platforms. Many VIP purists will not consider any other platforms
as VIP, even though other cars can take the styling cues from the
larger VIP sedans. This is commonly known as VIP Styling which will be
covered later.
VIP Characteristics:
VIP cars can loosely be translated to “Low and Wide”. Some general
characteristics of traditional VIP Style (but not limited to) are:
• Large/wide multi-piece wheels (with large lips and low offsets) that are flush to the fender
• Stretched tires in order to tuck the wheels under the fenders
• Low stance via adjustable suspension or air ride
• Substantial body kits to achieve the “Wide” look
• Custom body work to accentuate the “Wide” look
• Custom video and audio components and installations
• Wood grain interiors with additional trays and extensions on the dash
• Custom seats and mats
• Additional and upgraded internal and external lighting
• Louder exhausts with larger tips
• Engine/performance work (though not as popular)
VIP Culture:When VIP car enthusiasts in Japan build their car,
they immerse themselves in the culture of VIP Car. Accessories like
Noburi Flags, clothing, lighters, teddy bears, fans, and every
accessory that a company makes are purchased and proudly displayed.
Some items normally only found in wealthy homes are found, right at
home, inside their cars. Many automotive events and gatherings in Japan
are steeped in the tradition of the VIP culture. Simple gatherings of
enthusiasts can turn into major events. As usual in the Japanese
culture, the cars are the stars, but socializing and even food are main
attractions. VIP Car has a sense of pride within the Japanese community
on its luxury vehicles. It all follows the fascination for those who
uphold the code of living in the lap of luxury.
VIP StylingVIP styling is taking the aspects that was started
in Japan with the VIP Cars and merging them onto cars that aren't
really considered VIP car platforms. Some platforms that are gaining
popularity are the K-cars (Vitz, Scion, and other econo-box cars), vans
(Odyssey and Previas) and many other vehicles (G35, IS300, 300Zs) that
have been heavily influenced by the VIP Style. That also has trickled
into our US domestic market with the larger cars like the Chrysler 300C
and Dodge Magnum. Where does this all fit into the US market? If you ask a VIP
purist, it starts with the platform. A Lexus GS, LS or an Infiniti M or
Q will always be considered VIP platforms. Unfortunately, many of the
VIP platforms in Japan have not made it to the US market. Traditional
VIP platforms like the Crown, Cedric, and President, never made it to
our shores. As a result, the market has been narrowed which is why the
VIP style has been applied to US spec cars like the G35, IS3, 350Z, as
well as European marques too.
_________________
Tag ID=SFC 02544
"Vipstyle is all about stance and fitment, everything else (including body kits) are just accessories."
Taketomi, from Junction Produce.
Subject: About VIP bodykit.. 
Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:34 pm
