american definition of vip

[One Ton VIP]

wtf is this shit?
http://www.vipautofashion.com/

So if you have an expensive ass euro car, you are the king of vip in america. Sorta makes me want to roll up in like a 1919 rolls royce silver ghost to challenge the establishment and definition of vip... it's european... worth 10x more than any modern crapmobile... and nothing says you own the world as much as owning something like that. So you'd HAVE to win.
Oh, but I guess if someone brought their stock McLaren F1 he'd win all the time, because his car is most expensive, and thus, it's the most VIP.

[Giant Robot]

Blame the "bling-bling" influence and the skewed popularity of "VIP" on the American surface. Money buys effortless thinking, creativity and originality buys style.

[One Ton VIP]

Actually, i'd like to bring a miura... hmmm, what color looks better?
mean and sleek-ass black... or classic, sporty blue?
http://www.lambomiura.com/2004-06/other%20miura%205.jpg
http://www.400gt.com/photos/iloc/Miura3240.jpg
The miura is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cars of all time.. i'd have to agree.

[Dominik]

I wonder what they would do if you sent them pics of your Q sitting on the Kranze Rapiers, or some other "true" VIP car?

[shawnthemonster]

it should be "are you bling?" or "are you pims?"
pimp auto fashion

[Pagong]

The Miura is a sexy ass car...I saw an episode of Top Gear on Discovery channel about that car
and it was awesome.

But back on topic of VIPautofashions definition of VIP......BOOOOO!

[jtanoyo1]

I don't think you can buy a Miura even if you have cold hard cash. It's almost like the gullwing merc benz, you have to be in-the-know to be able to source one.

And by the way, I think that website's idea of VIP is just anything with 4-wheels that's really expensive.

[nezumimaru]

I hate it when people try to speak about somthing they have no idea of and try to pretend they know all about it.

they will just "educate" more ignorant followers and eventually overwhelm the true specialist
destroying the original concept and essence of that particular thing.

and the Miura is hot!

[One Ton VIP]

I wonder what they would do if you sent them pics of your Q sitting on the Kranze Rapiers, or some other "true" VIP car?


well, my Q isn't even anything special to look at. I'm more interested in what they'd consider of something even as simple as this
http://www.k-break.com/event/20terasaki/03.jpg

EDIT: miura: i think the fun is trying to find one that's hidden somewhere by someone who never got around to restoring it. It's amazing how affordable the miura can be had for if you find one in so-so, unrestored condition, especially compared to ferraris of the same vintage. it also seems like the lambo guys aren't as anal about modifying their cars... they're not so worried about making everything factory-perfect, which is always good. Otherwise everything would just look the same and get boring real fast (not that you'd ever see enough miuras at one time to get bored by them!)

[Dominik]

Well, i thought your Q was something special!

They would probably say "sorry, there is not enough chrome on the wheels, and they are too small to be VIP. VIP cars must ride on at least 20" rims... With spinners"

[bBOXD]

HAHAHHAHA! VIP US! HAHAHHA

[One Ton VIP]

Well, i thought your Q was something special!

They would probably say "sorry, there is not enough chrome on the wheels, and they are too small to be VIP. VIP cars must ride on at least 20" rims... With spinners"


or that it's not a euro car... that'd be a good excuse from them.

I believe mrmark said he was talking to the organizers of these events about these definitions of theirs.. i wonder what the results of that were

so back to the miura dream... so let's say you show up with an all black miura with custom coilovers and big alcon brakes and some polished work meister S1 2 piece wheels in 18/19 and a full titanium exhaust...anodized billet air horns extending up to the engine cover... and an all dark blue-colored leather/alcantara interior with a nice, simple sound system (you guys can tell i've been thinking about all that a lot) would you automatically win both the VIP Supercar and VIP Exotic categories? And maybe the VIP Tuning cat, too? I mean, notihng says supercar like THE world's FIRST supercar... and nothing says exotic like being 1 of 800 made in THE WORLD. And the mods would make it a "tuned" car..... and you just KNOW that the only other cars there in those categories will be stock lambo murcielagos or new F430s or bentley continental Ts etc (i.e. the trendy new baller rapmobiles) with, at most, some HREs.
wow, what if!

[aristo93]

Its funny, I had some guys come up to me one time and asked me how a Lexus GS 300 could be considered VIP, they saw the VipStyleCars.com sticker on it and wanted to know why I had it on a "Lexus". So I asked them what their definition of Vip was and they told me a Vip car was a car that ballers drove like the 300c, Escalade, Navigator, Hummer, Mercedes. or 7 series BMW on fat 22's or 26's. When I described what Vip was to me they just asked why would you even lower a car like that, and flushed out wheels and stretched tires to them looked to much like low rider's wheels. Oh well guess these guys were checking out the site that OneTon posted up and not a true VIP site. I could tell they were posers because they still used "Bling-Bling" when they described 26" chromies to me.... ;D

[shawnthemonster]

yeah, some guys that i was talking to said vip is only for 22's and up on suv's... lol...lol...they said my definition is "mexi-style" is how they so elequintly put it.....

[dvp]

that makes me angry, they are messing up what VIP is and stands for. Just so they can try to ride a new trend into the ground. The care little and know nothing. When i show my car i need a True VIP car banner.

D.

[Dominik]

Can someone please redo one of those 'VIP Low and Wide' GIFs?

You need 3 pics:
A side angle SUV laying frame on 26" wagonwheels and red circle with a line through it (i.e. "noooo")
A rear angle sedan with the the wheels sunken right in (2-foot wide rear axle) and red circle with a line through it
Then finally one of those pics with the aggressive offset and camber
and a little green tick next to it

"VIP 101"

[shawnthemonster]

that makes me angry, they are messing up what VIP is and stands for. Just so they can try to ride a new trend into the ground. The care little and know nothing. When i show my car i need a True VIP car banner.

D.

yeah i want to get some flags like these for shows.....maybe with vipstylecars.com on them.

[aristo93]

yeah i want to get some flags like these for shows.....maybe with vipstylecars.com on them.

HaHa... :D i would sport one of those flags at a car show that has so called VIP classes... ;D

[shawnthemonster]

yeah i want to get some flags like these for shows.....maybe with vipstylecars.com on them.

damn, forgot the pic :P lol...
http://www.k-break.com/event/10iida/10.jpg

[Pagong]

I want some of those too!

Where can we get those?

[VIPStyleCars]

I want some of those too!

Where can we get those?


sooon.... sooooooooooooooon

[Caoboy]

you guys are actually making the flags admin? thats friggen awesome!

[username]

Can someone please redo one of those 'VIP Low and Wide' GIFs?

You need 3 pics:
A side angle SUV laying frame on 26" wagonwheels and red circle with a line through it (i.e. "noooo")
A rear angle sedan with the the wheels sunken right in (2-foot wide rear axle) and red circle with a line through it
Then finally one of those pics with the aggressive offset and camber
and a little green tick next to it

"VIP 101"


straight stupid.

[One Ton VIP]

I got inspired so i made my "american VIP" show winner car
http://www.onetongarage.com/van/miura2.jpg

[Dominik]

straight stupid.


Whats that supposed to mean?

[aristo93]

I got inspired so i made my "american VIP" show winner car
http://www.onetongarage.com/van/miura2.jpg


WOW I must have stared at this car for 10min... :o Those wheels look really good on this car... :)

[Jay]

WOW I must have stared at this car for 10min... :o Those wheels look really good on this car... :)
x2...looks good:)
now I want to get a 328 farrari on Vs-xx in black with a polished lip;)

[One Ton VIP]

x2...looks good:)
now I want to get a 328 farrari on Vs-xx in black with a polished lip;)


Interestingly enough... japan also appears to be the home of the most bad ass, hard core looking 308/328s... I've seen so many pics of slammed black ones with big works or modern BBS wheels etc. and either with crazy built motors with big ole air horns, or even crazy turbo setups...

[Gao Jian]

Interestingly enough... japan also appears to be the home of the most bad ass, hard core looking 308/328s... I've seen so many pics of slammed black ones with big works or modern BBS wheels etc. and either with crazy built motors with big ole air horns, or even crazy turbo setups...


I think you will find that here as well but people who own those cars are a lot more mainstream in Japan. The people who own those cars here are old g's who have way to much money. I know a guy who owns a very moded F40 and a TVR that makes 850whp. Both are track cars that sometimes make it to our local strip :D but these cars are around, its just that the old guys dont car about putting pics of there cars on a web site they just want to race them at the track.

Jake
NA Dreams

[callaghan.]

american vip is totally different from japanese vip. if u ask someone that drives an "american vip" car about japanese vip 90% will know nothing about it.

[eurospec]

american vip is totally different from japanese vip. if u ask someone that drives an "american vip" car about japanese vip 90% will know nothing about it.



what are you basing this on???

-Rick

[callaghan.]

from my experiences. maybe its a northeast thing since we are always slow...but anyone i have talked to who had some almost vip style cars, i had to explain what it was to them. im sure out west its probably alittle different, but up here pretty much no one knows what japanese style vip is...but ive heard a customers 300 w/ 22's been refered to as "vip" before by other people around. its not a bad thing, its just not something many people have knowledge of.

[eurospec]

ive heard a customers 300 w/ 22's been refered to as "vip" before by other people around. its not a bad thing, its just not something many people have knowledge of.


agree'd

[bBOXD]

I got inspired so i made my "american VIP" show winner car
http://www.onetongarage.com/van/miura2.jpg


I'll take 2 please... :)

[One Ton VIP]

true... to a point. I think the taste and style in japan is still a bit different vs. in the US, and is more in tune with those of us here. And i meant even before the advent of the internet, in magazines, books, club newsletters, videos, etc... the japanese-tuned ferraris would always have a different look. The same can be said of harleys then and now... If you see some of the choppers being built in japan, even though it's a US made bike with US made components (save for the parts they make themselves from scratch), you can just tell by looking that it's from japan... it's just imbued with a different style. not necessarily better or worse, just different, and in many ways, more design-oriented imo... remember that japan, centuries ago, is one of the originators of "design"

zero eng bobber
http://www.zero-eng.com/RHimages/2_PG.jpg

[VelocityVIP]

I think to make things easier, it should be VIP for the dumb people who don't truly understand VIP and VIP Style for all the people who knows the true VIP. If they wanna consider an Escalade on 22's as VIP, let them. If we say VIP Style, they'll probably get confused and won't know diddly. The true VIPpers know wassup about VIP Style(the wide rims, stretched on small tires, the leather seats, the luxury feel, nice dual or single mufflers, and can't forget about the system). I have seen people get hated on alot at car shows if they have a VIP Style car. Its a style to be recognized, but the judges are too damn lazy to do some homework and appreciate the style.

[eurospec]

Umm...you aren't thinking clearly Velocity.

VIP is certain chassis.

VIP style is a look that many cars can achieve.

Knowledge is power.
-Rick

[VelocityVIP]

Umm...you aren't thinking clearly Velocity.

VIP is certain chassis.

VIP style is a look that many cars can achieve.

Knowledge is power.
-Rick


Thanks for your input. But my point I was trying to say is that VIP is defined different. If they want to consider a Rolls Royce as VIP, let them. So maybe I went a lil bit out on my post, but one thing is that people get hated on with the VIP Style look at car shows. So maybe they should have a VIP and VIP Style catergories.

[One Ton VIP]

It's probably too late for the US already anyway... people already associate VIP with expensive european car. I wonder what people will start calling the VIP as we know it when a namesake finally does catch on

[VelocityVIP]

It's probably too late for the US already anyway... people already associate VIP with expensive european car. I wonder what people will start calling the VIP as we know it when a namesake finally does catch on


Probably VIP Style. LOL

[V8_Aristo]

UpTownGS has a post defining it as "JDM VIP" which I totally disagree with. The acronym JDM has been associated with everything and anything, and has lost it's true defenition. I'm feeling the same way about VIP, it's losing it's true defeniton and it has taken a form on it's own.

Do I agree to this new form of VIP...... Absolutely NOT!

[9ine Deuce]

Interestingly enough... japan also appears to be the home of the most bad ass, hard core looking 308/328s... I've seen so many pics of slammed black ones with big works or modern BBS wheels etc. and either with crazy built motors with big ole air horns, or even crazy turbo setups...


do you have any links to these pics ?

and nice lamborghini photoshop.

[shawnthemonster]

UpTownGS has a post defining it as "JDM VIP" which I totally disagree with. The acronym JDM has been associated with everything and anything, and has lost it's true defenition. I'm feeling the same way about VIP, it's losing it's true defeniton and it has taken a form on it's own.

yeah jdm is basically anything now days... most of the "JDM" stuff is comming from american companies. i really hate the term. when someone tells me my van is so jdm i kringe.... i try and explain its vip styled and what vip style is but they usually dont get it...

[callaghan.]

i agree with that u guys are saying about "jdm" being such a generic term these days, but its really one of the only ways to seperate if from shit like HIN's "vip" class.

[jtanoyo1]

Thanks for your input. But my point I was trying to say is that VIP is defined different. If they want to consider a Rolls Royce as VIP, let them. So maybe I went a lil bit out on my post, but one thing is that people get hated on with the VIP Style look at car shows. So maybe they should have a VIP and VIP Style catergories.


Dude, a Rolls Royce IS THE KING of VIP...

[V8_Aristo]

i agree with that u guys are saying about "jdm" being such a generic term these days, but its really one of the only ways to seperate if from s*** like HIN's "vip" class.


Why try to seperate the style that we like if stupid ass judges don't know the difference between it anyways? They don't care if you have 19s with the most perfect offset, the guy with the sucken 21s will still win. Do you think they will know that privacy curtains cost 3x more than the most expensive tint job? Bright or Kandy paint jobs will always win over stock black, white or silver. That's just the way it is, if HIN starts using "JDM VIP" to describe our style, we might as well get use to just being called "JDM".

[VelocityVIP]

Dude, a Rolls Royce IS THE KING of VIP...


Was using Rolls Royce as an example. Bad choice for an example. LOL

[One Ton VIP]

Was using Rolls Royce as an example. Bad choice for an example.* LOL


hell no... you roll in this and people KNOW you are made of money and have amazing taste
http://www.veafotoaqui.com/images_CARROS/1907_Rolls_Royce_Silver_Ghost.jpg

[shoez]

Its hard to even compare a Rolls Royce to the VIP style that this website is based upon. Without a doubt, Rolls Royces scream taste, class, and of course wealth, but could you really compare it to something like a VIP styled Toyota Crown or a Nissan Cima? The thing that I am pissed about is the slant that the media/music videos that shows everyone how cool a Hummer with 28'' "spinnahz" is or that a Caprice with hydraulics is pimpin. We are the people who preserve the real VIP culture, because we know what class and style is all about.

[VIPTUNNING]

Its hard to even compare a Rolls Royce to the VIP style that this website is based upon. Without a doubt, Rolls Royces scream taste, class, and of course wealth, but could you really compare it to something like a VIP styled Toyota Crown or a Nissan Cima? The thing that I am pissed about is the slant that the media/music videos that shows everyone how cool a Hummer with 28'' "spinnahz" is or that a Caprice with hydraulics is pimpin. We are the people who preserve the real VIP culture, because we know what class and style is all about.


That's one thing I dont like about them rappers. It almost makes us look bad cuz we do the "samething" (to their eys, its the samething ::)) to our luxury cars, and possibly believe that it ruins the car. I hope we can actually have a chance to make VIP style open up more and have more people involved, such as all those 50 year olds with LS430. Im pretty sure when they see it and realize how much time and work spent onto VIP style, They might be interested. Cuz Our cars are unique. A TV show would do or a gianormous cruise from a state to another, so we get all the attention from the media or something. haha, and honestly, thats my dream, seeing more VIP ;D

[VIPete]

Honestly, once/if VIP becomes more mainstream I know a lot of people on this forum will think it's played out and go for the "next big thing".

Dubs, Spinners and LA Style have been around in the states for a while and they get the most attention oh well.. that's a totally different form of tuning. I don't think we should compare apples to oranges when it boils down to us and them.

Just do your thing for the betterment of yourself and others who have the same interest.

We all know what VIP should be ;)

[UpTownGS]

UpTownGS has a post defining it as "JDM VIP" which I totally disagree with. The acronym JDM has been associated with everything and anything, and has lost it's true defenition. I'm feeling the same way about VIP, it's losing it's true defeniton and it has taken a form on it's own.

Do I agree to this new form of VIP...... Absolutely NOT!


whether I refer to it as JDM VIP or "Real" VIP is not going to make a difference. Keep in mind we are evaluating the perception of the general public. If I referred to REAL VIP Style cars, the mainstream public would not accept what we bring. Its difficult to educate the entire nation on what true VIP is in regards to the Japanese Styling cues where it originated. So instead of attempting to defend the phrase "VIP" we break it up into terms where the general public may better understand.

People are one liners, take it as you may but this topic has been thought and debated vigorously. In my opinion i stick to my term, if it offends you then I apologize but please understand the dilema on a grand scale.

thank you,

UpTown

[V8_Aristo]

whether I refer to it as JDM VIP or "Real" VIP is not going to make a difference. Keep in mind we are evaluating the perception of the general public. If I referred to REAL VIP Style cars, the mainstream public would not accept what we bring. Its difficult to educate the entire nation on what true VIP is in regards to the Japanese Styling cues where it originated. So instead of attempting to defend the phrase "VIP" we break it up into terms where the general public may better understand.

People are one liners, take it as you may but this topic has been thought and debated vigorously. In my opinion i stick to my term, if it offends you then I apologize but please understand the dilema on a grand scale.

thank you,

UpTown

No apologies necessary, I know that you being part of the industry have to make everything more maketable to the public.

The dilema on the grand scale is that true Japanese VIP styling is never going to be very marketable. Not only are the playforms limited, but parts are out of reach for the masses. I for one like the exclusivity, but adding "JDM" don't make sense to me. "JDM" have been used and abused to a pulp where you can't even recognize the true meaning of it. By labeling the style that we like "JDM", you are associating the style with everything else that was named "JDM". Giving you an example here.....
http://img428.imageshack.us/img428/4553/jdm7wf.jpg

What's next, JDM VIP exhaust for a Civic? Why not add a Fusa to any car and call it "JDM VIP"?

My point is, by adding "JDM", it sounds cheap and generic. Why not just leave the Japanese VIP styling under the radar? I know a lot more people would be happier to see it that way.

[widebody_Q]

I personally don't want VIP to go mainstream in the states. I like having my car look different even though its not fully VIP. I like getting questioned on how I got my tires like that and why would I even do that. From my perspective, VIP is about doing your own thing, not caring what others think about you because your VIP and they are not lol. When you see a beautiful slammed car with nice wheels and its so clean that you can see your reflection off of the car, you are going to get noticed. People might try to achieve the same look and fail which will make you look better. Now if they come up to you asking questions, accpeting every aspect with a open mind then you can introduce them to VIP. You cant teach the ignorant.

[UpTownGS]

I am one who wants more people in the VIP style tuning culture. One thing I've always been very deliberate about was that I like to mod.... just to rock a style of MY own. My GS has the full Veilside K1, and its pretty dark n aggressive looking.... I'm sure many don't think my car is VIP and thats fine, I don't need to define my theme but what I will say is that I take traits that I find appealing in the VIP culture, Bling bling, Euro Tuner, Rice etc etc.... whatever it is.... I just don't want to copy a bunch of Japanese guys doing their thing on the other side of the world mod for mod... if I like it, i'll rock it...

I say why are we modeling our vehicles to theirs so closely? IMHO we should take our styles and mods further so that Japan will be copying us. Jtanyo is a great example, he's got explicit and undeniable presense.... not only are the boys in the US drooling over his ride but so is Japan. He's from what country again? (shame he sold that beauty) its' just the total package looking classy and the stance of a neighborhood brut. Granted there is only so many ways to mod your car but the points still the same....

Either way, What I mean is that we all sorta know what the classic VIP style look is.... Massive Lip, Dropped Low, w/ sloping front fascia type bumpers etc etc.... some say neg camber is a VIP trait which I think is completely absurd, IMO why would I want to get neg camber that would negatively effect my car? If I can drop low w/o getting neg camber then major props but to those that define VIP as neg camber... IMHO have a distorted view of what Tuning on a whole scope is all about.

so whats VIP? OK you start off w/ the chasis and coupled w/ clean wheels (some will say full face wheels), slick paint, Sittin low, I'm sure some japanese will add the whale tail as a VIP trait also, typical classic contrasting lines.... now my question is why does VIP have to be a typical "classic" look? Can your vehicle be aggressive and still be VIP? At this point VIP seems more of a theme then a tuning perspective... to which I would like to state that I am glad the US is picking up VIP slowly b/c in time we will throw in our own styles and VIP will be more then just chrome door handles, kit, fat wheels, and wind visors.

I really don't know how to describe it but what I do know is that whatever style you are rocking, it comes off as prestigious and elite and that to me is VIP. Anyway, whats wrong w/ sharing some light w/ the Ferrari, lambo, and Rolls Royce guys.... after all... those are real VIP.... Aren't we all debating over "vip STYLE cars" whether you're a real VIP or a VIP style... its still VIP so just do your thing.


btw am I beating a dead horse? I probably have a lot of faults in this post since i wrote so much but its fun talking about this stuff.

[Dominik]

to those that define VIP as neg camber... IMHO have a distorted view of what Tuning on a whole scope is all about.


Err.. There are so many mods in VIP that adversely affect handling/speed/practicality. The whole thing that got me hooked on VIP was the fact that instead of being obsessed with making cars faster, in VIP it is all about looks (for the most part). The cars are done up like works of art (literally sculptures in some cases). Not everything is about improving performance!

VIP is not defined as Neg camber, but to me it is one of the defining aspects.

Oh and i have no problems with shamelessly copying the Japanese style of VIP modding. It is uniquely Japanese and I think thats Important. Its like saying "Italian food is good, but we should be making our own version of spaghetti bolognaise, and the hopefully the Italians will copy it." Regardless of how you improve it, i will still like to eat authentic italian bolognaise.

[stankubrick]

I say why are we modeling our vehicles to theirs so closely? IMHO we should take our styles and mods further so that Japan will be copying us. Jtanyo is a great example, he's got explicit and undeniable presense.... not only are the boys in the US drooling over his ride but so is Japan. He's from what country again? (shame he sold that beauty) its' just the total package looking classy and the stance of a neighborhood brut. Granted there is only so many ways to mod your car but the points still the same....


I think taking "our styles and mods further so that Japan will be copying us" can be possible, but I don't think we are at that level yet. I still think the US in general is still trying to master the Japanese definition of VIP. There's literally only a handful of guys doing it right. How can the US improve upon something that we have yet to master.

It's kinda like math: You need to understand how they came up with the Pythagorean Theorem before you can start coming up with new formulas. Or in art school: You need to understand the rennaissance through the impressionism before you can splash paint on a canvas and call it art.

[CharismaY33]

^ Agreed stan i believe you couldnt have said it better good post,i think us guys in the us are starting to reconize the trend and we are loving it i know i am probably you guys do to.Thats why we are here but granted its still new and only copying is logical because we have yet to get form down to master it and then go from there. We cant just start fresh and branch out practice makes perfect.

I also believe that its going to be extremely hard to make the gerenal pop understanding of vip, because in reality
i think the spocom scene pretty much like ruined the thought of styling without being all about performance you see it all the time.
The LS'S and Q'S are getting flamed because they are modded and people are uncle benz calling its just that way it is now.

In any event i think once people start marketing it the right way i hope and people do it more it will be easier for us,
to evolve into making the trends that others will copy and follow were known to do that look at LR and Dub.
''If you bulid it they will come'' good quote i like to use from the field of dreams but it is ultimately true.

[UpTownGS]

Err.. There are so many mods in VIP that adversely affect handling/speed/practicality. The whole thing that got me hooked on VIP was the fact that instead of being obsessed with making cars faster, in VIP it is all about looks (for the most part). The cars are done up like works of art (literally sculptures in some cases). Not everything is about improving performance!

VIP is not defined as Neg camber, but to me it is one of the defining aspects.

Oh and i have no problems with shamelessly copying the Japanese style of VIP modding. It is uniquely Japanese and I think thats Important. Its like saying "Italian food is good, but we should be making our own version of spaghetti bolognaise, and the hopefully the Italians will copy it." Regardless of how you improve it, i will still like to eat authentic italian bolognaise.



I'm not saying you should be ashamed of modeling your car to the Japanese style of VIP modding... but I like to see variations and perhaps develop our own niche to call our own. Whether the US market is ready or not, its still something that we should all be progressing towards. As VIP becomes more popular, pretty soon at your meets you'll have 20-30 cars all basically following the same suit.... granted it'll look badass but variations are the only way to make it grow. Thats a common belief in every culture.

I completely agree with you that VIP is not just about making it look good..... its about making it look like a marvelous sculpture. I am not a fan of neg camber and do not think its a defining trait of VIP styling but of a result of such a stance. It's something that is common in VIP culture but only common b/c these cars are dropped so low. Do you get Air Suspension to drop your car low? or do you do it to get neg camber?



I think taking "our styles and mods further so that Japan will be copying us" can be possible, but I don't think we are at that level yet. I still think the US in general is still trying to master the Japanese definition of VIP. There's literally only a handful of guys doing it right. How can the US improve upon something that we have yet to master.

It's kinda like math: You need to understand how they came up with the Pythagorean Theorem before you can start coming up with new formulas. Or in art school: You need to understand the rennaissance through the impressionism before you can splash paint on a canvas and call it art.
Taking our styles further than Japan is already possible, there is a good following in Japan that take styling cues from American hot rods, from the euro tuners etc etc.... they're just as gung ho about the American culture as we are about the Japanese culture. What I'm trying to say is break out of the box that confines you to mod your car to the classic lines and contrasting tones of the traditional VIP car. If thats what you're into, then do it.... but don't do it because you're a fan of VIP and thats what VIP cars are supposed to look like.... get my point?

I only speak out of past experience, b/c some ppl I meet define VIP w/ neg camber, w/ chrome accents on a black car etc etc.... and that got me thinking... most common spectators not thoroughly bred in the VIP culture defines VIP w/ only small differences against eachother and I thought it was rather confining to be characterized in such specific terms. No wonder why some ppl don't respect VIP styling, they don't understand the paradox of its subtle intesity.

to me??? VIP is about taking a well tuned automobile and making it "Prestigious"

[V8_Aristo]

I'm not saying you should be ashamed of modeling your car to the Japanese style of VIP modding... but I like to see variations and perhaps develop our own niche to call our own. Whether the US market is ready or not, its still something that we should all be progressing towards. As VIP becomes more popular, pretty soon at your meets you'll have 20-30 cars all basically following the same suit.... granted it'll look badass but variations are the only way to make it grow. Thats a common belief in every culture.

So, who will be the authority to say who's American VIP and who's Japanese VIP?* Everyone has the right to modify their own cars the way they want to, so what's the point? Since everyone has their own definition, they should just follow their own style. Will this be the so called "American VIP", maybe and maybe not. When you were a baby, you learn how to walk be like everyone else, one foot in front of the other. Not until you master how to walk, would you be able to run, hop, skip and jump. Japanese VIP is where we are learning our baby steps right now. I think most of the members on this board would agree that we are not ready to run, hop, skip and jump. So, how would the rest of the US tuning people undertsand?


I completely agree with you that VIP is not just about making it look good..... its about making it look like a marvelous sculpture. I am not a fan of neg camber and do not think its a defining trait of VIP styling but of a result of such a stance. It's something that is common in VIP culture but only common b/c these cars are dropped so low. Do you get Air Suspension to drop your car low? or do you do it to get neg camber?

Negative camber is not only a VIP trait, but is found on a lot of different Japanese tuning. I am not 100% sure, but I think it has something to do with trying to get the biggest lip you can fit on the car. Sounds pointless to some people, but I for one share the Japanese facination of having big lip on my car.


Taking our styles further than Japan is already possible, there is a good following in Japan that take styling cues from American hot rods, from the euro tuners etc etc.... they're just as gung ho about the American culture as we are about the Japanese culture. What I'm trying to say is break out of the box that confines you to mod your car to the classic lines and contrasting tones of the traditional VIP car. If thats what you're into, then do it.... but don't do it because you're a fan of VIP and thats what VIP cars are supposed to look like.... get my point?

Yes, we all know that Japanese likes all things American. That's why there's a huge following of Lowriders, Hot Rods and Muscle Cars, but the Japanese will follow this styles to a "T". Why you ask, because they think that modding a car is a discipline and not something that is taken lightly. So, the more authentic the car looks, the more discipline they have.*


I only speak out of past experience, b/c some ppl I meet define VIP w/ neg camber, w/ chrome accents on a black car etc etc.... and that got me thinking... most common spectators not thoroughly bred in the VIP culture defines VIP w/ only small differences against eachother and I thought it was rather confining to be characterized in such specific terms. No wonder why some ppl don't respect VIP styling, they don't understand the paradox of its subtle intesity.

to me??? VIP is about taking a well tuned automobile and making it "Prestigious"


Everyone has it's own definiton of what VIP is, and no one can tell them they are wrong. If you are defining "American VIP", then you can't be wrong. I guess that's what VIP is going to evolve to. I for one don't mind staying confined to Japanese VIP styling, but that's just me.

[UpTownGS]

Who says there should be an authority to classify American VIP and Japanese VIP, i never even talked about that.... what I was saying is there should be no specific definition for VIP..... I refer to the Japanese b/c they were who started the whole transition. Down the line I see VIP as VIP and you hit it on the dot when you said everyone should modify their own cars the way they want to.... so whats the point? point is... mod your own car the way you want and don't let the traditional guidelines of what VIP enthusiasts constrict you to mod your car that way. Need an example? just read thru alot of the posts made in the VIP debates.

Many ppl are looking for distinct characteristics of defining what VIP is and what isn't...... I wasn't defining American VIP.... I am strictly speaking of regional enthusiasts of VIP. If you just read thru the many threads on this site you'll see that behind most posts there is an underlying judgement and criticism towards many cars strictly b/c it wasn't a Japanese VIP type chasis to begin with. Who cares if all the other characteristics are the same.... if it isn't an Aristo, Cima, Celsior etc etc... its not VIP.... So is VIP a tuning culture or is it a group of chasis.... b/c to label a group of chasis vehicles w/ specific tuning characteristics doesn't define a "culture".... it defines a car club or a trend.....

Your car doens't have to be exactly as the Japanese front runners to be considered VIP, so the whole debate about "american definition of VIP" is completely illogical. VIP is VIP as I've always believed.... but to keep it within grasps for ppl that know nothing about the culture... we classify it to make it easier.

The original debate was over the name VIP Auto Fashion being used.... however it was never called "VIP Style Auto Fashion"... VIP was used in terms of what it actually means.... Very Important Person... to bring in the vehicles of those that have graduated from the import culture... to the higher tax bracket automobiles..... the original essense remains the same.... You were a high school kid modding your civic.... now a few yrs later you graduated college and now work at a prestigious firm yet u still love to modify your car... except now you have a Lexus, BMW, or a Ferrari.... point is you are now VIP. So whether your tastes is in Japanese styling cues or Euro Tuning... or track.... VIP is VIP.

btw if you wanted massive lip, you could of just shaved your fenders. But I guess you are speaking in terms of 5+ inch lips.... then tell me how many vehicles w/ air suspension are rolling w/ over 4" lip??? Truth of the matter is that most ppl w/ Air Suspension are probably doing it b/c they want to sit low.... and thats perfectly fine... it's why I want Air Suspension.... and to get up my driveway w/o scraping... but you have to admit there are alot of vehicles w/ Air Suspension that hardly have any lips at all.... Yeah even in Japan. Maybe defining a VIP car by neg camber is just odd to me. A common trait "YES".... a distinction of VIP??? "NO" ....there are plenty of Low Riders w/ neg camber.... and I wouldn't consider them a part of the VIP culture.


btw great topic!!! I hope everyone puts in their .02 cents as this subject is usually so opinionated that it gets no where and gets burried in the mess of opinions, usually b/c it is offensive to someones own style..... I'd like to get it in the open... maybe one day most of the judges will be able to acurately score you at shows once they're more familiar w/ the work and emphasis in the culture.

[uncle_el]

Who says there should be an authority to classify American VIP and Japanese VIP, i never even talked about that.... what I was saying is there should be no specific definition for VIP.....

if there's no definition, then what are we talking about? it cannot possibly be everything and anything to all people at all times. that's what that statement (there should be no specific definition for vip), seems to indicate.
think about it, if that was the case, any car with any mod, or none at all, would be considered vip... and that's not possible. after all, you yourself stated that vip stands for very important person. and one would think that vip'ers would set themselves apart. one would think there would be a certain distinction about them, if you will. in short, they would have defining characteristics to set themselves apart.



i think what you're trying to say is, please correct me if i'm wrong, that a hot car is a hot car. that i can agree with. if a car's hot, give it it's props. however, a hot car does not a vip car make. i think my accord looked pretty good before it was totalled, but i wouldn't say it was vip or even vipstyle. it seems like, from what you've said, that i should be able to claim my accord as vip. again, please correct me if i'm wrong.

i agree with v8aristo and others that have said, we must learn to walk before we can run.

[stankubrick]

Honestly, I'm not even sure I know what your point is anymore *:D OK, I get the whole "do what you want to do" thing. After that, I'm not sure.

I'm really no expert in VIP, I have neither a VIP car or VIP styled car, but the way I see it and what this whole website is about is to gain a greater understanding of VIP car culture in Japan. I don't really know if there are "offcial rules" to VIP tuning in Japan other than the car must be a certain RWD luxury car chassis. I do know that after looking at a lot of modified VIP cars in Japan, I can list off a handful of design elements that are often repeated in 99% of the Japanese VIP cars in one combination or another. I think these elements are a product of a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. I wouldn't say that these elements are actual "rules" to VIP car tuning but they make great guidelines.

I can see you're point about originality and variety, but to stray too far from these few elements would really be moving away from the what VIP tuning is all about. By incorporating these few elements, you should instantly convey the spirit of VIP tuning. With the addition of countless other elements, you can sometimes scream VIP, other times you can whisper VIP. In the end, it should undoubtedly convey VIP.

By saying simply "VIP is VIP," you are basically saying there is no difference between a eurostyled BMW and a VIP styled Q45 as long as they have big lips. Obviously the term VIP has certain meanings/connotations/associations here in the states, but in Japan it has very different meanings/connotations/associations. Maybe VIP as we know it on this webisite should go by a different name so as not to confuse people.

Also, the "style" in vipstylecars.com is simply a way to remove the one constraint Japanese VIP tuners have drawn out. We can now discuss Vans, Kei cars, Wagons, Euros, etc.. I believe this is where the American definition of VIP will evolve. Americans will still keep to the main Japanese VIP elements and apply them to varying degrees to diferent cars of varying shape and size.

Furthermore, I think it is the introduction of new cars and models that will define VIP both here and Japan. I believe a specific model's shape and design dictates the way it can and should be modified.

[V8_Aristo]

The original debate was over the name VIP Auto Fashion being used.... however it was never called "VIP Style Auto Fashion"... VIP was used in terms of what it actually means.... Very Important Person... to bring in the vehicles of those that have graduated from the import culture... to the higher tax bracket automobiles..... the original essense remains the same.... You were a high school kid modding your civic.... now a few yrs later you graduated college and now work at a prestigious firm yet u still love to modify your car... except now you have a Lexus, BMW, or a Ferrari.... point is you are now VIP. So whether your tastes is in Japanese styling cues or Euro Tuning...* or track.... VIP is VIP.

I thought it was called "VIP Auto Fashion"? In any case, this is where the difference lies. When people in the US talk about VIP, it's all about the owner. It doesn't matter what car this person drives or how this person modifies his/her ride, just as long as it's an expensive car. In Japan, VIP is the type of car and how it's modified. Like what I said before, if it stays the way it is, Japanese VIP style won't attract or be marketable for the masses. That's why it needs to be redefined as American VIP. * *


btw if you wanted massive lip, you could of just shaved your fenders. But I guess you are speaking in terms of 5+ inch lips.... then tell me how many vehicles w/* air suspension are rolling w/ over 4" lip??? Truth of the matter is that most ppl w/ Air Suspension are probably doing it b/c they want to sit low.... and thats perfectly fine... it's why I want Air Suspension.... and to get up my driveway w/o scraping... but you have to admit there are alot of vehicles w/ Air Suspension that hardly have any lips at all.... Yeah even in Japan. Maybe defining a VIP car by neg camber is just odd to me. A common trait "YES".... a distinction of VIP??? "NO" ....there are plenty of Low Riders w/ neg camber.... and I wouldn't consider them a part of the VIP culture.


Are you talking about here or Japan?


... maybe one day most of the judges will be able to acurately score you at shows once they're more familiar w/ the work and emphasis in the culture.


Yes....we can only hope.

[RobSoVip]

Fella's its this simple. Using the VIPcar template that has ORIGINATED and DEVELOPED in Japan... create a VIPcar that is visibly a VIPstyled VIPcar while maintaining some sort of identity of its own. Have you ever seen what the euro guys do with their VW's. talk about following a few set designs while seperating themselves from one another. Style it to fit you while still keeping the VIPstyle. Get this by using different color combo's, wheels, aero products, etc. :uglystupid2:

[UpTownGS]

if there's no definition, then what are we talking about? it cannot possibly be everything and anything to all people at all times. that's what that statement (there should be no specific definition for vip), seems to indicate.
think about it, if that was the case, any car with any mod, or none at all, would be considered vip... and that's not possible. after all, you yourself stated that vip stands for very important person. and one would think that vip'ers would set themselves apart. one would think there would be a certain distinction about them, if you will. in short, they would have defining characteristics to set themselves apart.



i think what you're trying to say is, please correct me if i'm wrong, that a hot car is a hot car. that i can agree with. if a car's hot, give it it's props. however, a hot car does not a vip car make. i think my accord looked pretty good before it was totalled, but i wouldn't say it was vip or even vipstyle. it seems like, from what you've said, that i should be able to claim my accord as vip. again, please correct me if i'm wrong.

i agree with v8aristo and others that have said, we must learn to walk before we can run.
I said there should be no "SPECIFIC" definition of VIP.... meaning you can't define VIP by any particular mod... more so I believe VIP is more of having an elite presense.... a theme of outstanding presense! When a car rolls up.... you know if its VIP... you don't sit there and say "oh its VIP b/c its on airbags and has negative camber. It's the overall demeanor of the car that says "VIP". Not once did I say that if a car looks good its VIP....

Maybe I'm not being explaining myself correctly.... I apologize if I am coming off abrasive or unclear.

and btw.... for the term "we must learn to walk before we can run"

I say Just run.... if you fall... pick yourself up and do it again. When you were a baby, you didn't practice standing up.... you TRIED to stand up... you tried and you fell.... you tried again and yet you still failed.. but later down the line you got it.....

w/ that being said.... You dont achieve greatness by not taking risks. Look we all have a goal.... whether we walk or run the goal is still out there.... but I dont want to walk on the beaten path that everyones already running on, by the time I get to the prize it will be gone.... I'd rather just run n stumble on my own path.


Fella's its this simple. Using the VIPcar template that has ORIGINATED and DEVELOPED in Japan... create a VIPcar that is visibly a VIPstyled VIPcar while maintaining some sort of identity of its own. Have you ever seen what the euro guys do with their VW's. talk about following a few set designs while seperating themselves from one another. Style it to fit you while still keeping the VIPstyle. Get this by using different color combo's, wheels, aero products, etc. :uglystupid2:


EXACTLY!

however I feel that the template can be more versatile then your usual Aristo, Cima, Celsior, Crown etc etc.....

why do so many here reject Jaguars, bentley's, rolls royce, porshes'??? OK maybe the Porshe's are not VIP styled cars.... it's Euro Tuner and I stil consider it VIP... just not VIP in terms of Japanese styling cues. And it bugs the hell out of me to always type out "VIP in terms of Japanese styling cues".... thats why I just say JDM VIP. It's easier and people get it thru common sense.

VIP is such a general term thats been used for years and years....

"VIP Auto Fashion" was defined exactly as it was.... a presentation of tuning in the graduated leagues. In clubs you have your VIP crowds and your not VIP crowds.... same in the parking lot... you have your VIP cars and your not so VIP cars... VIP cars are the elite automobiles that ppl want but most likely wont be able to get or achieve... whether you're working hard in your garage or the firm.... point is that "VIP Auto Fashion" was about some of the more rare automobiles....

Now I know there were a few vehicles that were pretty common and almost stock at the show but that has to do w/ various situations.

[UpTownGS]

I'm really no expert in VIP, I have neither a VIP car or VIP styled car, but the way I see it and what this whole website is about is to gain a greater understanding of VIP car culture in Japan. I don't really know if there are "offcial rules" to VIP tuning in Japan other than the car must be a certain RWD luxury car chassis. I do know that after looking at a lot of modified VIP cars in Japan, I can list off a handful of design elements that are often repeated in 99% of the Japanese VIP cars in one combination or another. I think these elements are a product of a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. I wouldn't say that these elements are actual "rules" to VIP car tuning but they make great guidelines.
I agree.... i just don't think it should consist of just RWD Japanese cars. What about the AWD GS? RWD and FWD today is almost irrelevant... there are plenty of FWD cars today that handle and maneuver like RWD cars. Besides, if you have Air Runners on your car you probably don't track your car too much. So to say the VIP culture is about RWD Japanese chasis vehicles... I say that sounds like a car club not a tuning culture.

btw I'd like to point out even tho I said the above mentioned, I still love the feel of RWD cars. But you're probably not gonna be able to tell the difference unless you take it to its limits.


I can see you're point about originality and variety, but to stray too far from these few elements would really be moving away from the what VIP tuning is all about. By incorporating these few elements, you should instantly convey the spirit of VIP tuning. With the addition of countless other elements, you can sometimes scream VIP, other times you can whisper VIP. In the end, it should undoubtedly convey VIP. Agreed!

Varying your vehicle while still traveling within the guidelines of VIP... but until you test those guidelines how do you know how far it goes?


By saying simply "VIP is VIP," you are basically saying there is no difference between a eurostyled BMW and a VIP styled Q45 as long as they have big lips. Obviously the term VIP has certain meanings/connotations/associations here in the states, but in Japan it has very different meanings/connotations/associations. Maybe VIP as we know it on this webisite should go by a different name so as not to confuse people.
well I believe VIP is VIP.... its more of an elite thing for me (as for the show end aspect).... this is why I grouped the diff styling cues in terms of JDM VIP, Euro VIP Exotic VIP, Euro Tuner... etc etc... and when I said VERY IMPORTANT PERSON, I didn't mean you had to be rich to be in the show.... it just happens that most of the higher bracket owners own rare cars.... The Cizeta Moroder is VIP ... only 11 were made world wide. It's ultra RARE!!! and personally if you mod a Cizeta you are crazy!!!

On a personal note... Question... an Eclass has all the same mods as the Aristo down the street... same "Wald kit" same wheels, same suspension, same color combos.... it still can't be a VIP car? can I take a Celsior chasis and throw on an E39 body on and call it a Japanese VIP car? its RWD... always has been! and now it has a Japanese chasis..... and all the same mods and brands as the Fabulous GS down the street. If you're going to define VIP then define it.... Until there is a better definition that would capture the essense of VIP I have to stand by my own feel of what VIP is.... VIP is the presense of eliteness!!! (is "eliteness" even a word?)


Also, the "style" in vipstylecars.com is simply a way to remove the one constraint Japanese VIP tuners have drawn out. We can now discuss Vans, Kei cars, Wagons, Euros, etc.. I believe this is where the American definition of VIP will evolve. Americans will still keep to the main Japanese VIP elements and apply them to varying degrees to diferent cars of varying shape and size.

Furthermore, I think it is the introduction of new cars and models that will define VIP both here and Japan. I believe a specific model's shape and design dictates the way it can and should be modified.
I probably stress the "style" in VIP styled cars a bit too much but its probably b/c of my view on how VIP is and the name of the domain name here.... but overall you got my point...

[uncle_el]

I said there should be no "SPECIFIC" definition of VIP.... meaning you can't define VIP by any particular mod... more so I believe VIP is more of having an elite presense.... a theme of outstanding presense! When a car rolls up.... you know if its VIP... you don't sit there and say "oh its VIP b/c its on airbags and has negative camber. It's the overall demeanor of the car that says "VIP". Not once did I say that if a car looks good its VIP....

i wasn't attempting to put words in your mouth; rather, i was asking for an explanation of what you meant.



and btw.... for the term "we must learn to walk before we can run"

I say Just run.... if you fall... pick yourself up and do it again. When you were a baby, you didn't practice standing up.... you TRIED to stand up... you tried and you fell.... you tried again and yet you still failed.. but later down the line you got it.....

w/ that being said.... You dont achieve greatness by not taking risks. Look we all have a goal.... whether we walk or run the goal is still out there.... but I dont want to walk on the beaten path that everyones already running on, by the time I get to the prize it will be gone.... I'd rather just run n stumble on my own path.


of course people are going to do their own thing.* i just think it's important, from my own point of view, to understand where it all comes from.* from their, take off as you must.* i'm not setting a timeline (though time and thus speed are a relative term).* know where the line is, and cross it if you must.


why do so many here reject Jaguars, bentley's, rolls royce, porshes'??? OK maybe the Porshe's are not VIP styled cars.... it's Euro Tuner and I stil consider it VIP... just not VIP in terms of Japanese styling cues. And it bugs the hell out of me to always type out "VIP in terms of Japanese styling cues".... thats why I just say JDM VIP. It's easier and people get it thru common sense.


i don't think people are rejecting the jaguars, bentleys, rolls royces, and porsches... i think they're just saying they are not vip.* again, as has been said by other members, those cars don't fit the "vip" category in the strict sense of the term.


"VIP Auto Fashion" was defined exactly as it was.... a presentation of tuning in the graduated leagues. In clubs you have your VIP crowds and your not VIP crowds.... same in the parking lot... you have your VIP cars and your not so VIP cars... VIP cars are the elite automobiles that ppl want but most likely wont be able to get or achieve... whether you're working hard in your garage or the firm.... point is that "VIP Auto Fashion" was about some of the more rare automobiles....


a rare automobile does not a vip car make.* that was the point, as i understood it, of one ton vip's posts.* there are cars that are rare... but to bastardize the use of the word/term "vip" for any car of "baller" status is a discredit to the culture that is vip.

again, if a car is hot, it's hot.* a gemballa gt750 outfitted porsche cayenne is hot, rare, but it's not a vip car.* a mclaren f1 is expensive as hell and fast as *ish, but does not fit the bill.* that doesn't make it any less of a car, and that doesn't mean that i or any other member here doesn't appreciate the car.

[UpTownGS]

I thought it was called "VIP Auto Fashion"? In any case, this is where the difference lies. When people in the US talk about VIP, it's all about the owner. It doesn't matter what car this person drives or how this person modifies his/her ride, just as long as it's an expensive car.

Well I can't speak on behalf of the American population but as I said before... at the show VIP was about the rare cars.... it just happens that they usually belong to a higher tax bracket. I mean lets be real..... its' an expensive hobby!

The term VIP doesn't need to be defined.... but the different styling cues within the VIP culture should be at the shows b/c we all work off various styling cues.... and ppl won't be able to identify w/ all the diff styling cues.... some are more luxury tuned (bentley's, RR, Masarati).... then there is the exotic tuner (F-bodies, Porshe's, Lambos).... euro tuner (M3's, 6series, CLKs) and JDM VIP (this website)... but I stand by what I said.... all these are VIP, more rare prestigious cars.


In Japan, VIP is the type of car and how it's modified. Like what I said before, if it stays the way it is, Japanese VIP style won't attract or be marketable for the masses. That's why it needs to be redefined as American VIP.


So basically you just don't want it to be popular among the masses here in the US? Modding a VIP car is not exactly brain surgery but its definitely not easy. And b/c everybody else likes it why should I like it any less?

I dont like VIP cars b/c its an underground thing.... I like it for its elite personalities....





Are you talking about here or Japan?
BOTH...

[RobSoVip]

Uptown your fighting a losing battle here. VIPcars are VIPcars becuase THERE IS A SET definition. If everything was a VIPcar, then this wouldn't even be its own style... it would just be a branch off of other tuning. What seperates VIP from other tuning segments is the car that is used. Fight as you may, but you will not find many willing to agree with you hear. It would ruin the style and abolish all the exclusivity that this style currently retains.

[V8_Aristo]

Well I can't speak on behalf of the American population but as I said before... at the show VIP was about the rare cars.... it just happens that they usually belong to a higher tax bracket. I mean lets be real..... its' an expensive hobby!

The term VIP doesn't need to be defined....* but the different styling cues within the VIP culture should be at the shows b/c we all work off various styling cues.... and ppl won't be able to identify w/ all the diff styling cues.... some are more luxury tuned (bentley's, RR, Masarati).... then there is the exotic tuner (F-bodies, Porshe's, Lambos).... euro tuner (M3's, 6series, CLKs) and JDM VIP (this website)... but I stand by what I said.... all these are VIP, more rare prestigious cars.

Yes, this is your definition, and we can't tell you what or what not to do. We can simply agree or disagree with your opinion, and I for one, have to disagree and I really don't care about the "culture". How about "Japanese Luxury" instead on "JDM VIP"?


So basically you just don't want it to be popular among the masses here in the US? Modding a VIP car is not exactly brain surgery but its definitely not easy. And b/c everybody else likes it why should I like it any less?

I dont like VIP cars b/c its an underground thing.... I like it for its elite personalities....


Popular or not, it's not going to be Japanese style VIP anyways, so I really don't care.



BOTH...*


I have 3 years worth of VIPcar and VIPstyle magazines, and how much do you want to make a bet that for every one featured car with no lip wheels, I can show you atleast 7-8 cars with lip. And Air Suspension in Japan is not as popular as you think.


Uptown your fighting a losing battle here. VIPcars are VIPcars becuase THERE IS A SET definition. If everything was a VIPcar, then this wouldn't even be its own style... it would just be a branch off of other tuning. What seperates VIP from other tuning segments is the car that is used. Fight as you may, but you will not find many willing to agree with you hear. It would ruin the style and abolish all the exclusivity that this style currently retains.


My sentiment exactly.

[UpTownGS]

My definition of VIP is the original acronym itself.... It is indeed rooted from an American Acronym that our fellowJapanese brothers used to define their styling. Japan used it b/c it was an "AMERICAN" term for "eliteness" And now we take their TODAY version of VIP and defend its ownership b/c its what is typical in Japan.

I define things the way they are... I dont' use terms like "Japanese Luxury" b/c why not "Japanese VIP" I like to throw the term VIP in b/c I do however feel there is a significance and history behind the term VIP in the Japanese VIP culture. And i used JDM b/c its exactly what it is... it's a Japanese Domestic Market VIP'd car.... most of the Japanese VIP'd car are cars strictly in Japan... meaning they don't come to the United States therefore they are JDM. The ones that do come to the United States were VIP'd in Japan first.

So if you feel JDM is such a term that has been bastardized too much then I'm sorry but thats just an outcome of what is popular... but in the end it is what it is... b/c someone sells some parts listed as "JDM" it doesn't mean its really JDM. Ebay doesn't define terms... it sure distorts them but a definition is a definition. Plane and simple.

V8_Aristo:
I know air suspension is not commonly used throughout Japan and the US but I see my fair share of Japanese VIP type cars..... and definitely do see many cars that are on air suspension w/ very minor lip..... originally I was speaking to Dominik that I don't feel neg camber is a necessary trait nor does it define a VIP car.... to which he states it is "one of the defining traits" of a VIP car... (trait is defined as a distinguished feature) I asked him "do you get Air suspension to drop low or do you do it to get neg camber"

you then chimed in stating that its b/c that was necessary for big lips. However there are plenty of Japanese and US-Jap styled VIP cars w/ Air runners that have very minor lip. And I certainly don't think many will tell you they got the Air Runner b/c they wanted to have Neg Camber to be VIP.

I never stated there are more Air Runner cars w/o lips then with.... I'm not even going to dip into there b/c there's really no way of knowing..... car features are irrelevant.

[dvp]

My definition of VIP is the original acronym itself.... It is indeed rooted from an American Acronym that our fellowJapanese brothers used to define their styling. Japan used it b/c it was an "AMERICAN" term for "eliteness" And now we take their TODAY version of VIP and defend its ownership b/c its what is typical in Japan.

I define things the way they are... I dont' use terms like "Japanese Luxury" b/c why not "Japanese VIP" I like to throw the term VIP in b/c I do however feel there is a significance and history behind the term VIP in the Japanese VIP culture. And i used JDM b/c its exactly what it is... it's a Japanese Domestic Market VIP'd car.... most of the Japanese VIP'd car are cars strictly in Japan... meaning they don't come to the United States therefore they are JDM. The ones that do come to the United States were VIP'd in Japan first.

So if you feel JDM is such a term that has been bastardized too much then I'm sorry but thats just an outcome of what is popular... but in the end it is what it is... b/c someone sells some parts listed as "JDM" it doesn't mean its really JDM. Ebay doesn't define terms... it sure distorts them but a definition is a definition. Plane and simple.

V8_Aristo:
I know air suspension is not commonly used throughout Japan and the US but I see my fair share of Japanese VIP type cars..... and definitely do see many cars that are on air suspension w/ very minor lip..... originally I was speaking to Dominik that I don't feel neg camber is a necessary trait nor does it define a VIP car.... to which he states it is "one of the defining traits" of a VIP car... (trait is defined as a distinguished feature) I asked him "do you get Air suspension to drop low or do you do it to get neg camber"

you then chimed in stating that its b/c that was necessary for big lips. However there are plenty of Japanese and US-Jap styled VIP cars w/ Air runners that have very minor lip. And I certainly don't think many will tell you they got the Air Runner b/c they wanted to have Neg Camber to be VIP.

I never stated there are more Air Runner cars w/o lips then with.... I'm not even going to dip into there b/c there's really no way of knowing..... car features are irrelevant.



so what if anything defines your idea of what VIP is as a style? If the term is used as you deem it, what seperates the style from DUB or Euro, or just sedan tuning in general. Why not just rename this website and forum sedan- tuning.com. I mean anyone can slap large wheels on a benz etc without lowering it and call it VIP if you had your way. If thats the case then this website has no purpose. And it will be a truly sad day for the state of VIP tuning in this nation.

D.

[UpTownGS]

so what if anything defines your idea of what VIP is as a style? If the term is used as you deem it, what seperates the style from DUB or Euro, or just sedan tuning in general. Why not just rename this website and forum sedan- tuning.com. I mean anyone can slap large wheels on a benz etc without lowering it and call it VIP if you had your way. If thats the case then this website has no purpose. And it will be a truly sad day for the state of VIP tuning in this nation.

D.


How would you even conjure up such an extremity of my point?

My idea of VIP is exactly what it is.... VIP!!! A generic term.. always has been. just b/c some ppl in japan adopted the term to represent a styling cue common amongst them doesn't mean that the Acronym is Exactly that... no its root is still a generic term.

and if I had it my way.... you'd have more seriously f*cked up extremities of VIP but then you'd also get more of the Knockouts of what VIP tuning really is..... and more importantly you'd get a broader platform to display your mavel. Personally I want to see some Bentley Azures VIP'd towards some of the older school Japanese styling cues.

[stankubrick]

UpTown, I'm really losing the point of this conversation... ???

We are arguing over semantics! Do we agree that what they call VIP in Japan definitely has a specific aesthetic that, though difficult to define specifically, has at the least a set of very unique traits and that it is these traits that separate themselves from simply having an "elite presence"? What ever you wanna calll it, it's cool, as long as we're on the same page.

Ultimately, you/me/we can do whatever, whether it's cambered or not, on air susp. or not, RWD or not, but in the end, it still needs to be held up to some kind of aesthetic standard that differentiates it from being just a prestigious car. If we can't define VIP in even the broadest sense, then why even differentiate it.

As for folks in Japan defining which cars can be a VIP car, don't sweat it. I'm sure those guys would be highly impressed by a well done Accord - they just wouldn't accept it into one of their clubs. So what?

As for the VIP Auto Fashion thing. Since when was it popular to start referring to big expensive cars as VIP. I remember when stuff like that was always called "exotic" or "luxury" or "european". If it weren't for the recent popularity of *the VIP cars in Japan, they probably wouldn't have used the term VIP. It just seems like the cool word to use right now when referring to anything expensive. Had I not known about Japanese VIP cars, I would have given someone a funny look for calling a Ferrari "VIP." So, even though VIP already had a meaning of exclusivity and superiority here in the states, it was the Japanese who first appropriated the term as a reference to way of styling cars. Some people may be angered that all of a sudden, people in the US (who most likely have heard of Japanese VIP cars in one way or another) start using the term VIP for cars as well, but this time with no distinction.

[UpTownGS]

UpTown, I'm really losing the point of this conversation... ???

We are arguing over semantics! Do we agree that what they call VIP in Japan definitely has a specific aesthetic that, though difficult to define specifically, has at the least a set of very unique traits and that it is these traits that separate themselves from simply having an "elite presence"? What ever you wanna calll it, it's cool, as long as we're on the same page.

Ultimately, you/me/we can do whatever, whether it's cambered or not, on air susp. or not, RWD or not, but in the end, it still needs to be held up to some kind of aesthetic standard that differentiates it from being just a prestigious car. If we can't define VIP in even the broadest sense, then why even differentiate it.

As for folks in Japan defining which cars can be a VIP car, don't sweat it. I'm sure those guys would be highly impressed by a well done Accord - they just wouldn't accept it into one of their clubs. So what?

As for the VIP Auto Fashion thing. Since when was it popular to start referring to big expensive cars as VIP. I remember when stuff like that was always called "exotic" or "luxury" or "european". If it weren't for the recent popularity of the VIP cars in Japan, they probably wouldn't have used the term VIP. It just seems like the cool word to use right now when referring to anything expensive. Had I not known about Japanese VIP cars, I would have given someone a funny look for calling a Ferrari "VIP." So, even though VIP already had a meaning of exclusivity and superiority here in the states, it was the Japanese who first appropriated the term as a reference to way of styling cars. Some people may be angered that all of a sudden, people in the US (who most likely have heard of Japanese VIP cars in one way or another) start using the term VIP for cars as well, but this time with no distinction.


Agreed! Much of what you said I have already said in one way or another. There is a specific aesthetic that VIP is.... lets take Japan for example since they are the front runners of it all.... They have styling cues that vary immensely and I think thats why they are such bold and creative front runners.... not b/c htey started it but because they took a simple VIP style that a small group in Japan were hot about and turned it into a culture. We now have the huge wide bodies.... you have the Euro type accents (like it or not, its there!) you have the 6 exhaust look, crazy stuck out piping, huge whale tails.... etc etc... these are all variations of what they have brought the culture to... but those are variations.... not traits! I'm sure EXE style wasn't a popular VIP theme when it first began... but as it progressed it caught on and is now VIP in their eyes and in ours. Point is they didn't box themselves in a constricted guideline.... they just ran w/ it! So to describe the term as a car w/ presense.... its like i said... I dont know how to describe it... all i know is that when I see VIP it commands my presense and I just KNOW its VIP. To me that means eliteness....

and yeah what I say is very contradicting... there is plenty of ways to look elite but like i said until there's a better definition for myself... thats what i go by.


and btw.... VIPAutoFashion was used b/c Exotic, Euro Tuner, Japanese VIP culture, Luxury, and Supercars was too much to fit in one title.... VIP was the only term that could be universely used. And you don't expect us to use "VIP Nights" as the title do u? The whole theme is to represent the graduated class in an elite and prestigious setting. I'll tell you what.... many ppl w/ their involvement in that show did not have a clue what Japanese VIP culture was about nor have they ever seen one. So NO, the name was not taken from the Japanese styling cue.

[V8_Aristo]

My definition of VIP is the original acronym itself.... It is indeed rooted from an American Acronym that our fellowJapanese brothers used to define their styling. Japan used it b/c it was an "AMERICAN" term for "eliteness" And now we take their TODAY version of VIP and defend its ownership b/c its what is typical in Japan.

I define things the way they are... I dont' use terms like "Japanese Luxury" b/c why not "Japanese VIP" I like to throw the term VIP in b/c I do however feel there is a significance and history behind the term VIP in the Japanese VIP culture.* And i used JDM b/c its exactly what it is... it's a Japanese Domestic Market VIP'd car.... most of the Japanese VIP'd car are cars strictly in Japan... meaning they don't come to the United States therefore they are JDM. The ones that do come to the United States were VIP'd in Japan first.

So if you feel JDM is such a term that has been bastardized too much then I'm sorry but thats just an outcome of what is popular... but in the end it is what it is... b/c someone sells some parts listed as "JDM" it doesn't mean its really JDM. Ebay doesn't define terms... it sure distorts them but a definition is a definition. Plane and simple.

Yes, we all know your definition of "VIP", and from my last post I said I have to disagree. We are all entitle to an opinion and this is where I stand. First you said why are we defending a Japanese style with an American acronym, then you said we should use the American acronym for the Japanese style since it has significance and history. Am I the only one confused here? My suggestion of "Japanese Luxury" was all it ever was....a suggestion.

"JDM"- Japanese domestic market, "meaning they don't come to the United States therefore they are JDM". So, if these parts/cars were sold in the United States as a retail item by the original manufacturer, is it still "JDM"? If this was the case, the only cars that should be classified as "JDM VIP" are Aristos, Celsiors, Cedrics/Glorias and Cimas (all RHD and with authentic Japanese VIN#s). GSs, LSs, M45s/M35s and Q45s doesn't really count since it's an American product produced by Japan.


V8_Aristo:
I know air suspension is not commonly used throughout Japan and the US but I see my fair share of Japanese VIP type cars..... and definitely do see many cars that are on air suspension w/ very minor lip..... originally I was speaking to Dominik that I don't feel neg camber is a necessary trait nor does it define a VIP car.... to which he states it is "one of the defining traits" of a VIP car...* (trait is defined as a distinguished feature) I asked him "do you get Air suspension to drop low or do you do it to get neg camber"

you then chimed in stating that its b/c that was necessary for big lips. However there are plenty of Japanese and US-Jap styled VIP cars w/ Air runners that have very minor lip. And I certainly don't think many will tell you they got the Air Runner b/c they wanted to have Neg Camber to be VIP.

I never stated there are more Air Runner cars w/o lips then with.... I'm not even going to dip into there b/c there's really no way of knowing..... car features are irrelevant.

Getting negative camber from an air suspension is a regular part of the suspension of some car's geometry, there is no way to get a bigger lip on a car just because it has air suspension. I was talking about manually adjusting camber to get more lip.

Hmmm....i think I would want to believe what I see on my VIP magazines, but then again this is just my opinion.

[UpTownGS]

Yes, we all know your definition of "VIP", and from my last post I said I have to disagree. We are all entitle to an opinion and this is where I stand. First you said why are we defending a Japanese style with an American acronym, then you said we should use the American acronym for the Japanese style since it has significance and history. Am I the only one confused here? My suggestion of "Japanese Luxury" was all it ever was....a suggestion.

"JDM"- Japanese domestic market, "meaning they don't come to the United States therefore they are JDM". So, if these parts/cars were sold in the United States as a retail item by the original manufacturer, is it still "JDM"? If this was the case, the only cars that should be classified as "JDM VIP" are Aristos, Celsiors, Cedrics/Glorias and Cimas (all RHD and with authentic Japanese VIN#s). GSs, LSs, M45s/M35s and Q45s doesn't really count since it's an American product produced by Japan.

Getting negative camber from an air suspension is a regular part of the suspension of some car's geometry, there is no way to get a bigger lip on a car just because it has air suspension. I was talking about manually adjusting camber to get more lip.

Hmmm....i think I would want to believe what I see on my VIP magazines, but then again this is just my opinion.
I do take acknowledge that the Japanese VIP culture has deep roots w/ the term VIP which is why I say it should keep the term VIP but b/c VIP is such a generic term I take it further to clarify that it is Japanese VIP culture... I dont think you should term it a generic term such as "VIP" solely just "VIP" but needs a distinction of its history.... "Japan" .... Japanese VIP culture....

I use JDM b/c I stated above.... these GS's, LS's, M45's, etc etc... are here in the States and yes technically they USDM but you got my point and now you're just being highly technical. You know what i meant.

btw... if you gauge your definition of what Japanese VIP is thru your magazines then your missing alot of everything else Japan has to offer.... I've been there and I will definitely say its more then what you see in the magazines.... I'm sure some members on this board that have been there will agree.

and btw.... your magazines have BMW's, Mercedes Benzes and Domestics in there also.... its not as common b/c its in Japan... like how here in the US its not common to have Japanese VIP type cars in our mags. Guess whats staring at me.... a silver E36 BMW sedan in "VIPCAR mag" .... and a plethora of Aristo's w/ MB style grills.... guess what else? a few pages later... I'll run into a few Benzes... and OMG even a VW.

look at most of the Junction Produce, Fabulous, Wald, sites.... you'll see they cater to euro's also. Now that doesn't define that VIP is euro too but it just shows that the guidelines are not as constrcting as we keep it. Atleast thats my perspective...

[stankubrick]

and btw.... VIPAutoFashion was used b/c Exotic, Euro Tuner, Japanese VIP culture, Luxury, and Supercars was too much to fit in one title.... VIP was the only term that could be universely used. And you don't expect us to use "VIP Nights" as the title do u? The whole theme is to represent the graduated class in an elite and prestigious setting. I'll tell you what.... many ppl w/ their involvement in that show did not have a clue what Japanese VIP culture was about nor have they ever seen one. So NO, the name was not taken from the Japanese styling cue.*

Yeah, they obviously didn't have a clue *;D What I meant was, using VIP as a way of referencing cars started in Japan (in my theory), and it gets passed through the car tuning universe distorting in meaning over time. Suddenly everyone is using VIP to describe cars. I've talked to many people who have heard of VIP style, but don't really know what it is or its origins.

If you want to talk literal definitions, VIP is Very Important Person. It has always been used as a way to describe people, so it does not make sense that Auto Fashion just pulled VIP out of the air. They must have been influenced directly or indirectly by the way the Japanese applied the term. *(Who can really say for sure though? You sure can't deny my theory with certainty!) VIP Auto Fashion could very well have used "Elite Auto Fashion" or whatever they pick out of a Thesaurus.

In any case, it's not like I'm upset about it, it's just that it only makes it that more complicated when talking about Japanese VIP cars.....ya know?

Alright it was fun, gotta go to sleep *:buck2:

[UpTownGS]

good topic... this is probably the most participation I have ever taken in any forum in a while..... I feel like i should be upgraded from noob status since i wrote so damn much but only 13 times.....

I'm going to bed....

great discussion and I just want to say I value and appreciate every bodies input on the matter.... it is highly insightful and contributes to a better understanding for all. Like mentioned before... there is no set standard or panel to label what is and what isn't VIP..... the further we discuss the matter in an intelligible and debateable manner, the better ppl can make judgements on how they view this specific tuning culture.

[{-.-}]

there is no set standard or panel to label what is and what isn't VIP.....


Im glad im in Japan...........

JDM/VIP Fashion is not for me

[RobSoVip]

Im glad im in Japan...........

JDM/VIP Fashion is not for me



I wonder if we changed the name in the US from VIP to Bippu, then it would be easier for dumb americans to figure out what this scene is about. They read VIP and get the wrong ideas. Perhaps we should start calling it Bippu-Car in the US? Then they wont have this WRONG first impression.

UpTown, your trying to say that EVERYTHING that the VIPcar scene stands for is Wrong. How can you decide that you would like to comment on this topic while ignoring the ENTIRE HISTORY of this tuning. Seriously, I wouldn't mind if you just left here... your the type of person who is hurting VIPcar tuning in the US.

[CharismaY33]

^ Agreed sorry but i'm with yak on this one.

After all that i think uptown confused me a little. I see no point in where he was going merely condraticting, vip has roots and thats the style we are following. You cant just pull any car out of the barrel and call it vip it has rules, however to all the related non vip we have the forum name VIPSTYLECARS hello.So in any event since this proves that the us is comming to which i have stated.i also suggest we call it bippu too im up for it because simply i dont what i love to be totally abused and used freely :'(.

[uncle_el]

I wonder if we changed the name in the US from VIP to Bippu, then it would be easier for dumb americans to figure out what this scene is about. They read VIP and get the wrong ideas. Perhaps we should start calling it Bippu-Car in the US? Then they wont have this WRONG first impression.

very interesting thought.


How can you decide that you would like to comment on this topic while ignoring the ENTIRE HISTORY of this tuning.

"know your roots"


Seriously, I wouldn't mind if you just left here... your the type of person who is hurting VIPcar tuning in the US.

uptown, i think you should stay. it's been quite a while since we had a long thread/converastion on here, and especially one where there wasn't/isn't flaming and getting sidetracked. while i don't agree with your viewpoints, i do see, in some respect, where you're coming from; and in the end, i can respectfully agree to disagree. :)

[V8_Aristo]

I do take acknowledge that the Japanese VIP culture has deep roots w/ the term VIP which is why I say it should keep the term VIP but b/c VIP is such a generic term I take it further to clarify that it is Japanese VIP culture...* I dont think you should term it a generic term such as "VIP" solely just "VIP" but needs a distinction of its history.... "Japan" .... Japanese VIP culture....

I use JDM b/c I stated above.... these GS's, LS's, M45's, etc etc... are here in the States and yes technically they USDM but you got my point and now you're just being highly technical. You know what i meant.

So, you want to use "VIP" because there is a history as far as Japanese culture is concern, but the term is generic? And then you want to add "JDM" because it will clasify the style not to be generic? I think you have it backwards, before VIP Auto Fashion, nobody used the term "VIP" to describe a way of styling a car (except the Japanese). And as you know "JDM" is as generic as they come.

And yes, I am being technical about it.


btw... if you gauge your definition of what Japanese VIP is thru your magazines then your missing alot of everything else Japan has to offer.... I've been there and I will definitely say its more then what you see in the magazines.... I'm sure some members on this board that have been there will agree.

and btw.... your magazines have BMW's, Mercedes Benzes and Domestics in there also.... its not as common b/c its in Japan... like how here in the US its not common to have Japanese VIP type cars in our mags. Guess whats staring at me.... a silver E36 BMW sedan in "VIPCAR mag" .... and a plethora of Aristo's w/ MB style grills.... guess what else? a few pages later... I'll run into a few Benzes... and OMG even a VW.

look at most of the Junction Produce, Fabulous, Wald, sites.... you'll see they cater to euro's also. Now that doesn't define that VIP is euro too but it just shows that the guidelines are not as constrcting as we keep it. Atleast thats my perspective...


You are starting to get sidetracked here, as you can see on the forum, we have sections for Euros, wagons and other sedans. I know there's enough* styling to go around, but we were talking about your term "JDM VIP". I only pointed out that I will believe my magazines over VIP Auto Fashion's definiton of "VIP"

[UpTownGS]

I wonder if we changed the name in the US from VIP to Bippu, then it would be easier for dumb americans to figure out what this scene is about. They read VIP and get the wrong ideas. Perhaps we should start calling it Bippu-Car in the US? Then they wont have this WRONG first impression.

UpTown, your trying to say that EVERYTHING that the VIPcar scene stands for is Wrong. How can you decide that you would like to comment on this topic while ignoring the ENTIRE HISTORY of this tuning. Seriously, I wouldn't mind if you just left here... your the type of person who is hurting VIPcar tuning in the US.


Have you thought about and acknowledged anything I wrote?

You're taking it from one extreme to another while I'm only stating that the presense of the term VIP is infact an American Acronym that "Americans" are going to associate with higher end automobiles that you see at VIP Auto Fashion, its common sense w/o knowing the history... thats the fact. Not speculation.

so I termed it w/ a little more specification, "Japanese VIP Culture" or however you want to say it... it labels the specific styling.

When I say that, EVERYONE on this site will know what I'm referring to.... EVERYONE in the drift community will know, EVERYONE in Autocross will know... EVERYONE at the time attacks will know.... it universally makes an association that you can identify with. You guys said it yourself... thru every other thread in this website. You complain that YOUR VIP scene is bastardized on every forum and you get hate and you have to explain yourself....

this is my attempt to end it. IF you feel Japan "OWNS's" the term "VIP" b/c they used it for cars first then so be it.... but while we acknowlede that.... please also acknowledge that in Japan they are also VIP'ing BMW's and Mercedes...

....and you're telling me that from reading what I write that I am trying to say EVERYTHING that the VIP car stands for is wrong? NO, if you cannot understand my reasoning as I've stated it many times already.... I suppose you are a traditional VIP enthusiast thru n thru... And if you were in Japan, you would only be apart of 1 small specific VIP crowd. I have the utmost respect and passion for VIP tuning and it hurts me that you would assume I am totally abolishing the VIP characterization.

I do not think I am hurting the scene in the US but I am broadening the classification for better understanding.... I am hoping to broaden the guidelines that restrict many to one specific look.... I am pushing for people to be innovators....

I ignore the entire history? lets break it down.... please write clearly what the history entails....

please give me a concrete definition of what VIP is.... b/c you know what? for every definition that has been dished out in this thread.... countless people in Japans VIP culture are already breaking it. These SPECIFIC definitions such as neg camber and what not are restricting guidelines that many people in the US confine themselves to. I say follow the art and discipline but add your flare to it, don't fix your mind on one set rule of guidelines.

Why has it been so hard to characterize the term "VIP"....??? b/c it is ever changing. It is not any one particular mod... but it is a look, a feel of the result of various combinations of those mods to achieve a sort of executive flare.

While Japan innovates change everyday, we sit here and wait for the next issue of VIP Mag to follow their style.

PS you give me a concrete definition of what Japanese's VIP is and if it is concrete I'll leave.

[UpTownGS]

You are starting to get sidetracked here, as you can see on the forum, we have sections for Euros, wagons and other sedans. I know there's enough styling to go around, but we were talking about your term "JDM VIP". I only pointed out that I will believe my magazines over VIP Auto Fashion's definiton of "VIP"

whether this site has euros, wagons, or anything else doesn't change the fact that in your VIP Car mag & VIP Manufacturers are VIP'ing euros also. I am not getting side tracked but I am addressing the issue and comment made.

btw this is VIP AUto Fashions attempt to address Japaanese VIP. Note its not a definition but of mere common characterizations in short... we're not going to write a 5 page essay to write the whole history, simply put no one would read it.



Japanese VIP Tuning

If you don't know what Japanese VIP tuning is, it's pretty simple. In Japan, there is a long list of big luxury cars available to the market. From the Nissan Cima to the Toyota Aristo, these cars are upgraded by way of fancy body kits, huge expensive rims, air suspension, insane sound systems, etc.

Some of the cars that are popular with VIP tuning in Japan are the Crowns, Aristos, Majestas, Celsiors, and Cimas. There is a long list of models with each having a healthy following. Body kits are a major part of the tuning process. Normally VIP saloons are outfitted with widebody kits and huge sidesteps that makes the car look like it's an inch off the ground. It may sound surprising but huge double decked, GTR, and supra wings are not the norm when it comes to Japanese VIP tuning. What is popular though is the whale tail. Small lip spoilers that have been molded to the trunk are also very popular but the whale tails definitely attract the most attention.

One of the craziest aspects of the tuning they do is to the mufflers. Wild mufflers are definitely a big part of the VIP style. You'll see single mufflers that are pretty average and singles that seem to stick out 2 feet from the car and curve upwards.



The interiors of the cars are highly modified too. Full leather interiors, wood and carbon fiber dash kits, electronic suspension controlling systems, expensive floor mats, navigation systems, insane sound systems, and expensive steering wheels are just some of the modifications made. They will also have lots of neon and black lighting on the inside.

The stereo systems are also a major factor when it comes to VIP tuning. They go all out with amazing systems. Expensive CD / navigation head units and the biggest subs that can fit in their cars along with everything else needed to have an awesome system are installed. Pretty much all of the cars will also have TV screens too.

The most popular platforms for Japanese VIP tuning include Lexus or Infinity. http://www.vipautofashion.com/about.html

[stankubrick]

please give me a concrete definition of what VIP is.... b/c you know what? for every definition that has been dished out in this thread.... countless people in Japans VIP culture are already breaking it. These SPECIFIC definitions such as neg camber and what not are restricting guidelines that many people in the US confine themselves to. I say follow the art and discipline but add your flare to it, don't fix your mind on one set rule of guidelines.

Ironicaly, negative camber was considered unconventional, and VIP style broke those conventions...hahah

[V8_Aristo]

whether this site has euros, wagons, or anything else doesn't change the fact that in your VIP Car mag & VIP Manufacturers are VIP'ing euros also. I am not getting side tracked but I am addressing the issue and comment made.

You said car features are irrelevant, and I said I'd rather believe what I see on my magazines. You were that one that said the magazine had Euros and domestics and I didn't disagree, I even said there's enough of the style to go around.

My disagreement is giving the style the title of "JDM VIP", as I said before I would rather have it titled "Japanese Luxury". Only my opinion and nothing more.

Now you started saying that we should change our mind set on what the "style" should be, and as you can see, we like the our style the way it is.



btw this is VIP AUto Fashions attempt to address Japaanese VIP. Note its not a definition but of mere common characterizations in short... we're not going to write a 5 page essay to write the whole history, simply put no one would read it.

Like we are going to have any bearing on what VIP Auto Fashion will or will not write. There's not even a classification for "Japanese VIP", only a best Lexus and Infiniti. So why the big discussion on "Japanese VIP"?

[Dominik]

originally I was speaking to Dominik that I don't feel neg camber is a necessary trait nor does it define a VIP car.... to which he states it is "one of the defining traits" of a VIP car... (trait is defined as a distinguished feature) I asked him "do you get Air suspension to drop low or do you do it to get neg camber"


Yes, i will get air suspension to get my car sliggity slammed. But on the other hand before i do that i will get coilovers with adjustable pillow ball strut-tops so that i can camber the wheels more. And i will do whatever it takes to get more camber in the back too. And contrary to what everyone might think, i am NOT doing this in order to fit bigger lip (although that will be a side-effect ;)). I am doing this because i love the cambered, tsuraichi look!

When i picked up my Cima i remember walking up behind it and my jaw nearly hit the floor. The stance at the back was like a bulldog - I could see both of the rear wheels either side of the front bar poking out at the bottom. It looked so incredibly wide and tough that i instantly fell in love. And no i havent spent time in Japan attending VIP car shows, so I am not going to say that its the be-all and end-all. Its not even a rule... But pick up a VIP car mag, any issue, and count the number of cars you see with little to no camber. I suspect this is not because the owners couldnt be bothered getting camber correction kits.

But for the original topic of what to call the style that originated in Japan i actually agree with you. JDM VIP doesnt sound as played out as others are saying. Maybe its because the JDM craze didnt hit us so hard in Australia (as with many things we are usually only just getting into it when the US starts getting sick of it, so then it dies down because its laughed at in Internet Forums etc).

[{-.-}]

I will say that there were alot of NON-VIPcars at the meet that DID NOT make it on to the Magazine VIPcar & Style March 06. Im glad they stuck to most the VIPcars for the magazine.

If they posted up pics of the other cars just because they showed up in thier verison of VIPstyle :uglystupid2: You know how much more crazy the VIP scene would get in* the U.S. I wasnt there but i was told the day it was over how many non VIP showed up.

Was i worried YES. I dont want my friends to laugh in Japan........... I want them to be proud of you guys and they are.* There are alot of VIP club guys I wont see for awhile cause they live so far but when i do meet up with them at the next VIPcar meet / event they will say your friends cars are nice and i will be hearing that thru out the summer.* :smitten:

I also see big name companies selling parts to NON - VIPcars does that make it VIPcar / style NO!! My friends over here think its crazy they do that but those companies KNOW folks will buy the stuff so they make it.

Over here you wont see one of those cars come to a VIP event THANK GOD* :angel:

[UpTownGS]

OK lets not get the issues crossed...

on one side... i say VIP should be characterized specifically for each styling cue.... in our case.. "Japanese VIP culture, Japanese VIP tuning" whatever you want to call it... it shows that this distinct styling cue (look) is from Japan. Typically what this website is all about... why? b/c it eases the debate over VIP and clarifies the term to be universal.

then now we have the issue of the introduction of Euro's and exotics etc etc into the VIP realm.... now in saying that, i DO NOT mean introducing them into the Japanese VIP culture or its styling cues... but into VIP, a scene as a whole (but do i believe Japanese VIP should also include other rwd euro cars? yes i do but thats a personal matter thats irrelevant here)... the UNIVERSAL/generic term. What ONE word/acronym can describe Exotics, Ultra luxury, Euro Tuner, Supercars, luxury, and Japanese VIP....???? all these in ONE word! b/c infact the general universal meaning of VIP is "The Elite" .....started off w/ ppl and should be same w/ cars. THese cars are all elite but are not apart of the japanese VIP culture.


lets not mix the two discussions. I hope that you understand my wanting to clarify Japanese VIP tuning is to expand its success and open the doors to other would be tuners to travel along their own lines of what is Japanese VIP styling. Varying your tastes within the guidelines, and possibly trying to push those guidelines also... if it works, it'll be accepted... if it doesn't work it' wont be accepted and wont' catch on in Japanese styling. Thats all... doesn't hurt anyone....

[UpTownGS]

You said car features are irrelevant, and I said I'd rather believe what I see on my magazines. You were that one that said the magazine had Euros and domestics and I didn't disagree, I even said there's enough of the style to go around.

Like we are going to have any bearing on what VIP Auto Fashion will or will not write. There's not even a classification for "Japanese VIP", only a best Lexus and Infiniti. So why the big discussion on "Japanese VIP"?



I said car features are irrelevant b/c they don't take every single car on the full scope. Of course the featured cars are gonna be decked out fully VIP all the way. That was directed at the Features comment... then you mention that the Japanese VIP culture is very strict and the styling cues are distinctly shown in the mags... so i pointed out that they aren't confining themselves to just traditional chasis vehicles... and i pointed out the Euros and domestics. Thats merely all... in the end, the magazines really aren't the standard and I hope people aren't using it as a guideline.... but using it as inspiration is definitely a plus plus!

and in regards to the author of the little classification of Japanese VIP i posted above.... I only wish I could tell you who actually helped write the majority of that. It's not one of the office guys i'll tell you that. Please do not assume we manipulate the scopes of the tuning community.

[One Ton VIP]

the more you try and analyze and define and describe "VIP," the further away from its true meaning you will become. imo a car is VIP when it evokes some innate sense in you that makes you proclaim, "oh shit, that's VIP." And that can be achieved in any car, regardless of whether it is a "VIP" platform or not. again, i refer to those dozen or so Scion xBs in the US that just LOOK more VIP than 90% of the so-called VIP cars in the US. they're not built/modified according to a VIP checklist... and you shouldn't refer to such a checklist when judging or determining whether a car is VIP or not... because there is no checklist. It's about the whole package and the impression it makes.

thing is, in impressionable people who are unfamiliar with traditional VIP, their definition of what VIP is could be molded to include stuff like stock Audis and Ferraris etc. by the media in the US. Could be, and IS BE.

[V8_Aristo]

I said car features are irrelevant b/c they don't take every single car on the full scope. Of course the featured cars are gonna be decked out fully VIP all the way. That was directed at the Features comment... then you mention that the Japanese VIP culture is very strict and the styling cues are distinctly shown in the mags... so i pointed out that they aren't confining themselves to just traditional chasis vehicles... and i pointed out the Euros and domestics. Thats merely all... in the end, the magazines really aren't the standard and I hope people aren't using it as a guideline.... but using it as inspiration is definitely a plus plus!

Featured cars are usually personal and privately owned cars, and the owners would modify it the way they want to. This IMO is one of the best ways to find out what the public is actually doing with their cars out in Japan. On the other hand, manufacturers would also advertise their demo cars as they want to market their products. Ofcourse companies would not limit themselve if they can market to more applications, and sometimes thats where the Euros and GT cars come in. So I'm probably thinking differently that you, but everyone does have their own opinion.


and in regards to the author of the little classification of Japanese VIP i posted above.... I only wish I could tell you who actually helped write the majority of that. It's not one of the office guys i'll tell you that. Please do not assume we manipulate the scopes of the tuning community.


This is a whole new subject that I really don't want to get into, so we will leave it be.

[UpTownGS]

the more you try and analyze and define and describe "VIP," the further away from its true meaning you will become. imo a car is VIP when it evokes some innate sense in you that makes you proclaim, "oh s***, that's VIP." And that can be achieved in any car, regardless of whether it is a "VIP" platform or not. again, i refer to those dozen or so Scion xBs in the US that just LOOK more VIP than 90% of the so-called VIP cars in the US. they're not built/modified according to a VIP checklist... and you shouldn't refer to such a checklist when judging or determining whether a car is VIP or not... because there is no checklist. It's about the whole package and the impression it makes.

thing is, in impressionable people who are unfamiliar with traditional VIP, their definition of what VIP is could be molded to include stuff like stock Audis and Ferraris etc. by the media in the US. Could be, and IS BE.


very well said....

so what do you call it??? reason why I ask is b/c with the growing popularity in the US for VIP tuned cars.... there will be more people and their variations of it all.... on various scopes... whether you like it or not it'll happen. So some sort of classification needs to take place before it becomes something it isn't.....

You have the VIP.... at the head.... (Overhead encompass of higher eliteness)

then its branched to

"Euro Tuners".... "Japanese VIP tuning".... "Ultra Luxury" ..."Luxury" ..."Exotics" .... and then "Supercars"

[RobSoVip]

Here are some ideas for names... Just look at what magazines in Japan publish:
VIPcar- strictly VIP cars of certain chassis
VIPstyle- same style, more cars
EXE- even more cars, sedans, coupes... luxury based, but not always VIP
Rich Car- similar to EXE
Lug Style- Cars with a blend of VIP and DUB

[UpTownGS]

Here are some ideas for names... Just look at what magazines in Japan publish:
VIPcar- strictly VIP cars of certain chassis
VIPstyle- same style, more cars
EXE- even more cars, sedans, coupes... luxury based, but not always VIP
Rich Car- similar to EXE
Lug Style- Cars with a blend of VIP and DUB



i looked into that a few months ago but realized that even though it worked in Japan... it would not work in the US.

NO bentley guy would call his Azure a Rich car. I dont think the US is ready for the extreme EXE styles and I wasn't planning on added DUB styles in VIP.... but the thought does strike a possible problem.

[dvp]

I think it may be appropriate and germane to the topic at hand if I make some assertions.

In America we have the acronym V.I.P.

in Japan this is a term VIP or Bippu. now the later refers to important people etc. and if V.I.P. is what we stood for than uptown would be correct with his assertions.

But the stated purpose of this site is to understand the japanese VIP style, it is not to dilute it to be accepted by the greater american public ::). Something is lost in the translation. I agree with Yak here, bippu would indeed be a more correct term to label this style, if others insist on making it into V.I.P style. But in my opinion it doesn't have to be that way, its just sad that some people seem to have an agenda and a goal to down play the significance of VIP style as a unified japanese style. This is not about the ownership of the term VIP, you can have it, but that doesn't matter because we will still modify our cars in the classical Japanese VIP way, as i believe one ton was attempting to convey and the reaction to our cars will be the same and that's all that matters.

D.

[UpTownGS]

I think it may be appropriate and germane to the topic at hand if I make some assertions.

In America we have the acronym V.I.P.

in Japan this is a term VIP or Bippu. now the later refers to important people etc. and if V.I.P. is what we stood for than uptown would be correct with his assertions.

But the stated purpose of this site is to understand the japanese VIP style, it is not to dilute it to be accepted by the greater american public ::). Something is lost in the translation. I agree with Yak here, bippu would indeed be a more correct term to label this style, if others insist on making it into V.I.P style. But in my opinion it doesn't have to be that way, its just sad that some people seem to have an agenda and a goal to down play the significance of VIP style as a unified japanese style. This is not about the ownership of the term VIP, you can have it, but that doesn't matter because we will still modify our cars in the classical Japanese VIP way, as i believe one ton was attempting to convey and the reaction to our cars will be the same and that's all that matters.

D.
I share your concerns and acknowledge that this would probably suck for the hardcore VIP Enthusiast.

The enthusiast will still still mod in the traditional classical Japanese VIP regardless. But atleast with the clarity in the terminology it would be easier to maintain boundaries to identify a look and not have any particular style be dilluted. Whether it catches on is a different story... its just an attempt to make things easier and ease the tension in defending the styling cue.

[haloosinayeshun]

wouldnt it be great if no one really cared, and we all just had fun doing what we were doing? i mean, of course we're all gonna love this ____ (definition pending...), and ever since day one, everyone's spoken out about their stories about random people coming up to them and totally saying inappropriate things about their cars. but at the end of the day, VIP, VIPSTYLE, a VIPCAR, V.I.P., JDM, etc etc etc. the terms are really vague, and they're transcending boundaries yes, and also hurting the original concepts, but still, at the end of the day...we all can come here and find common ground. if the other forms of media find that we are strange and condescneding for wanting to educate them...well, F-them.

all i know is vip(style) = state of mind, a certain swaggar -- these are characteristics that pertain to teh car... it emits these feelings and emotions out...




and for all the wagons..



YARR!!!!!!!

[firelizard]

One thing to consider as well is that to people who don't know all the particularities of the different japanese styles, they all look the same (yeah, I know, they aren't) so they tend to group them inaccurately based on the wrong criteria. ex: Vip cars are often black, low, with 20" wheels; DUB cars are black, low, with 20" wheels...so you can see how in the average viewer's eye, they can be intechangeable, even though in reality they are different styles based on different things.

[Pagong]

. ex: Vip cars are often black, low, with 20" wheels; DUB cars are black, low, with 20" wheels...

You got one thing wrong:

VIP Cars are often black, low and with good fitting 20" wheels

DUB Cars are often black, stock height and with whatever 20" wheel they can get in there... :uglystupid2:

[UpTownGS]

You got one thing wrong:

VIP Cars are often black, low and with good fitting 20" wheels

DUB Cars are often black, stock height and with whatever 20" wheel they can get in there... :uglystupid2:


Quality & engineering seem to be the significant differences here.... but that is a very general accusation on my part. I am hoping MANY will prove me wrong. Personally I like some of the DUB cars when done right.

[CharismaY33]

Me too uptown its unfortuante but alot of dub cars just like to slap on things and call it a day then expect praise.
Thats how people work sometimes and i feel that if the us guys had as much heart and dedication as jp guys you would see
outstanding and crazy works of art alike its just a shame i cant say that for alot of cars i see at shows.

[UpTownGS]

Me too uptown its unfortuante but alot of dub cars just like to slap on things and call it a day then expect praise.
Thats how people work sometimes and i feel that if the us guys had as much heart and dedication as jp guys you would see
outstanding and crazy works of art alike its just a shame i cant say that for alot of cars i see at shows.
the heart and dedication is there but focused in other areas, like spinning rims!!! :-\

[CharismaY33]

True but i think in comparison when you look at the way they tune and the way we tune.
Its almost like ahh how can i say like an art form for them they literally wont stop till theres perfection.
Over here i mean sometimes i just dont get that vibe over here people just getting parts and slapping it on whatever.
you can have all the neons and spinning things and stuff all you want cool but i think whats the pont to win a show wow.
but to have originality and to have that presence i think thats worth like so much more then any show winning.

[shoez]

Its almost like ahh how can i say like an art form for them they literally wont stop till theres perfection.

But the thing is, they will stop before there is perfection.* Yesterday, i saw an '87 Buick Grand Regal GNX with spinner hubcaps.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spinner Hubcaps.
People watch the rapper music videos and think "Spinnerz is the shits, yo! i need to get my car dubstyled" and go to their local pep boys and score them some spinner hubcaps for their Kia and think "man i'z super fly." That's the difference between DUB and VIP. DUB is "ghetto" and VIP is classy. I think your car represents your personality, and as much as i listen to rap music, i do not want to be personified as a hoodrat.

[UpTownGS]

honestly if you want my input on the matter.....

in Japan the ones that can afford it do it to perfection.... it truly is a discipline over there.... and it very well should be...


over here.... there are many that are driven to perfection and are very well disciplined also... they tend to be more directed in the "Classics" type crowd.... case in point.... Crystal Cove and the old school hot rods stomping grounds on Adams. There are plenty that are very well perfected and detailed.... its just over here we are so bombarded w/ the blahhhh that its hard to find those that are truly passionate. In every tuner style we have there are those that are really detailed yet the majority of those have been hot rodders.... hot rod to America is like VIP to Japan.....


well in my opinion......

[UpTownGS]

btw the Concourse events over here are also a perfect example of American tuning at its finest..... now if only VIP can over here can catch on.... DUB style is about in your face flaunting.... people that tend to have that motivational priority are not determined enough to reach the high caliper of Japanese VIP Tuning.

btw... In japan i'm sure many will agree w/ me... there are those that really mess up the pursuit of perfection also. We just see the nice ones.....

[firelizard]

But the thing is, they will stop before there is perfection.* Yesterday, i saw an '87 Buick Grand Regal GNX with spinner hubcaps.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spinner Hubcaps.
People watch the rapper music videos and think "Spinnerz is the shits, yo! i need to get my car dubstyled" and go to their local pep boys and score them some spinner hubcaps for their Kia and think "man i'z super fly." That's the difference between DUB and VIP. DUB is "ghetto" and VIP is classy. I think your car represents your personality, and as much as i listen to rap music, i do not want to be personified as a hoodrat.

I'm gonna have to chip in on this and say that there is nothing ghetto about DUB. The problem is that all these rappers want to be filthy rich and extravagant while still saying they're ghetto.
Ghettos are housing neighbourhoods built for a certain group of people, usually isolated and poorer. DUB stuff is expensive and quite un-ghetto, really.

[One Ton VIP]

hmmm funny i was just thinking about this like 15 mins ago while coming back from my parents' place... thinking about how intriguing it is that some folks are so ready and willing to pay 1000/rim for wheels that are generally of quite low quality, and cost under 150 bucks a pop at wholesale. i mean, i'd personally rather pay 1000/wheel for wheels that cost 600+/per no prob.. cuz you know the quality is there. You put the two side by side and you'll see. but then, the people who ogle over those quality wheels usually won't buck up and pay for them, whereas the dub crowd will shell out the couple Gs for the crap wheels at a moment's notice... granted, I'd be willing to bet a good portion of that money is dirty/"blood" money, so i don't know if it's a fair comparison... but still food for thought. what'd be REALLY interesting is to have two of the same cars modified in different fashions, parked next to each other, and see which one garners what comments. Like, say, park this:
http://www.935draggers.com/eventcoverages/2004/autofest1004/showcars/autofest1004_showcars083.jpg
next to this at the same event:
http://www.anceltion.co.jp/image/item/1011_006_b.jpg
it'd be itneresting to make a study out of such an experiment

[firelizard]

So, what are your thoughts on a car like this?
http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/934/dub88ae.jpg

[hahajoey]

i call that PLAYED OUT.. lol 300c's with chromies are played out like no tomorrow..
heck i can almost put money on it, that i see at least 2-3 300c's on chromies per hour.
but usually they're not even sitting at that height.. thats a good hieght..

[lowdub]

this US vip is a sham, theres no tuning involved, do you think that guy with the 300c on 28's or whatever the F those are thought twice about how they would look on the car? if the offest would work? what height would be best, maybe a stretch? No, he rolled up into his local wanabevip shop, told them he wants 28's saw a set that fits, and BAM all of a sudden he's VIP....Thats my beef with this new "vip culture" in the US. theres no tuning, no thought or care taken into how the car looks, its just about how big your rims are and how much money you spent. Which boils down to my hatred of people who try to "act rich" Hood rich is not rich. Its short lived.

[shoez]

this US vip is a sham, theres no tuning involved


???

Are you sure? Because there are a few members on the forum with beautiful cars that i think may make you reword your phrase.

Keep in mind that VIP Style is still in development in our country. Things arent perfect yet, but they're getting close.

[Pagong]

I think he is pointing towards the "DUB crowd" that just buys whatever the biggest wheels they can afford and
call themselves VIP.

[lowdub]

I think he is pointing towards the "DUB crowd" that just buys whatever the biggest wheels they can afford and
call themselves VIP.




yes sorry, the dub crowd. I dont respect it at all.

[Brandicus]

I dunno about you guys but ive spent the last week in DC and alot of the cabs are town cars.. I was looking at them real close and i think i deff see some vip potential...

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/Brandicus/4sa.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/Brandicus/LincolnTownCar.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a138/Brandicus/TOWN20CAR014.jpg

[TrueslideXL]

:2funny: Yes they have potential, VIP really started off when American cars were starting to go to s*** and Cadillac and Lincoln were pulling out of the market. If you look at the 80's Cadillacs, there's VIP kits out there for them from the period. Lincoln was never as big as Cadillac though.
This is a Mercury Cougar with a factory type kit, but you get the point.
http://img84.exs.cx/img84/1108/03SEP042.jpg

[TransformCelsior]

wtf is this s***?
http://www.vipautofashion.com/

So if you have an expensive ass euro car, you are the king of vip in america. Sorta makes me want to roll up in like a 1919 rolls royce silver ghost to challenge the establishment and definition of vip... it's european... worth 10x more than any modern crapmobile... and nothing says you own the world as much as owning something like that. So you'd HAVE to win.
Oh, but I guess if someone brought their stock McLaren F1 he'd win all the time, because his car is most expensive, and thus, it's the most VIP.


wow I think the term "VIP" is getting way out of hand. I'd say let them call themselves whatever they want.

personally, it's all about the elusive style of a big japanese luxury sedan done up the right way. The poeple who see eye to eye can give themselves a big nodd in the head and call it a day.

[V8_Aristo]

wow I think the term "VIP" is getting way out of hand. I'd say let them call themselves whatever they want.

personally, it's all about the elusive style of a big japanese luxury sedan done up the right way. The poeple who see eye to eye can give themselves a big nodd in the head and call it a day.


Funny you should mention that.....

Nowadays, someone comes up to me and says "man, your car is VIP", I simply say it's not. If he starts talking about the "right" style, then it's a good way to humble myself. But if he starts talking about "DUB this and AMG that", then I reconfirm my previous statement.

[uncle_el]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v499/uncle_el/vip%20rides/capriceonpurespiritrowels.jpg

chevy caprice on pure spirit rowels

looks pretty damn good, and definitely unconvential choice for wheels.* of course, this car probably isn't even in the u.s., as i found it on super star co's website (www.superstar-wheel.com).

[shoez]

Looks pretty good for a Caprice, but do you think that it could be confused as that box & bubble style?

[uncle_el]

Looks pretty good for a Caprice, but do you think that it could be confused as that box & bubble style?


confused on our side of the ocean, or the other side, lol. i'd say if anything, it's more similar to the scraper style found in the bay/yay area, rather than the box & bubble style down in the south/southeast, given the apparent ride height. it's not lifted, and it's not on a cheap/gaudy/ill fitting set of wheels, which makes it far ahead of any caprice i've seen in the states.

[shoez]

confused on our side of the ocean, or the other side, lol.

On their side that is. Believe it or not, i saw box and bubble cars and publications when I was in france over spring break* :buck2:
but it is the best looking caprice I have ever seen.

EDIT: broken quote

[RobSoVip]

I have nothing left to say...

(by the way this car is photochoped by me... The original car is a Super-Star car like the caprice above, but it does not have the drop or curtains...)

oops, here is the original
http://www.superstar-wheel.com/products/behavior/images/BHpc/BHes01_H8c.jpg

[TransformCelsior]

that will work


I have nothing left to say...

(by the way this car is photochoped by me... The original car is a Super-Star car like the caprice above, but it does not have the drop or curtains...)

oops, here is the original
http://www.superstar-wheel.com/products/behavior/images/BHpc/BHes01_H8c.jpg

[bBOXD]

Its funny how just a single drop can change the entire look and "feel" of the car.

[hannibal]

I'm new to the whole concept of VIP cars. Ive heard it mentioned a few times, and I just associated it with taking a luxury sedan and adding more luxury. At first, I didnt think you could build a VIP coupe, minivan, or wagon. But as soon as I saw a minivan with the same types of mods (curtains, lowered, wheels with nice lip), I realized it was as VIP as any luxo sedan done the same way.

My definition of VIP invovles putting luxury and style before all else. Ive always liked fast cars, and wouldnt mod a car for anything but speed. In the same vein, I like a really clean look with no spoiler, no stickers, and maybe a subtle body kit. Wheels should be light (chrome was a no-no), stripped interiors were awesome (lighter is better), and anything else that made the car go faster, stop quicker, ot turn better.

Now I have changed my perspective. While I still like 'fast' cars with the attributes I mentioned, I can appreciate taking a car and maximizing its luxury and comfort. Performance is about whats under the hood. VIP starts in the exterior to display a clean, sleek, inviting appearance thats reinforced with all the comfort and luxury you can fit inside.

[christopher]

Ooooh, thanks for this pic.* I have been thinking of this as a project for the last couple of years but couldn't quite picture it....*

http://vipstylecars.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1868.0;id=2733;ima ge

I used to have a 1990 towncar and I have to say that at that time I thought of doing some VIP'ish stuff to it.* The stumbling block for me with that car was that I couldn't possibly find a kit that would look good on it when slammed.* Now I think I would be up to making one myself.* Plus the newer Towncar (as pictured) I think would look better.

To comment on an earlier point, I think that even some of the dubs guys are clearly showing their passion in their cars.* It isn't hard to see the love in some of those donks they put together in the south.* They fully mod the suspension and steering, new engines, new interiors, new everything.* Some of those cars are amazing technically.* And if you think wheel fitment is an obsession only with VIP guys, you are mistaken.* Not my taste, but....

http://www.rides-mag.com/DONK/premier/baddest.jpg

I think that any of the american luxury cars could be done VIP if flipped right.* Consider that there are a ton of Euro cars VIP'd in japan.

My real question though is what do these baller style car guys think of a well done VIP car?* I would love to hear from some of you guys that have fully done cars what the reactions have been from a dude rolling 20's on his Caprice at the gas station. Are they giving you the thumbs up? Or are they laughing because your fenders are pulled out funny?

[Pagong]

I would rather give thumbs up to these guys
http://www.lowriders.org/img64.jpg

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/bomba.jpg


But that is besides the point...the point is neither one of those screams VIP.

[zion_97]

Wait , wait , just wait a second..you guys are comparing apples to oranges..just like sushi to steak..the point beeing
Vip to people like most of you and especially the ones in Japan is about a certain car manufacter and model that can only be true
VIP cars.The rest are inspired/styled..and I agree, but you see I have read and reserched and asked about the style of VIP and I
am still learning. Now for Most people in the US dont even know or care about Japan VIP stlye..Just like most of you make fun
and think that lifted dubs + ,bling bling and what not is silly, so do they think that slammed cars with crooked tires and crazy exhuast pipes and tires that look like they are popping of the rim is silly...If you folks from Japan were born in the US and vise versa everything would be switched. Its alot of infuence and what is is, where your at..you got to fit in where fit in. Now I know that some there are folks in Japan that like the dub stlye as the same for people in the US...The biggest difference is that people in the US ,,VIP is VIP it is thrown around likw Mc Donalds..Everywhere you go..VIP Parking, Vip seating, VIp tickets, shit VIP in the Strip bars...and so you can see my point..everything now is VIP..hip hop has such a strong influence on this younger generation. In rap videos and songs its the VIP status..I get me some chromed out wheels like 50 I be rolling to..America is a land of dreams...and for the Japansese influence its so pin point from the right make and model,the right camber, the right stetch, the right offset, the right color, the right brand..Which I totally dig..a different level of pride of ownership with a VIP car!

oh and to explain the sushi and steak...there both foods but one you cool and the other you dont. One is from a mamale and the other not..but they both satisfy the stomach of the person eating them.

So VIP in the US should not be taken so seriously!!! ..VIP is such a strong word on this forum ..fighting words it seems like.....but fot those of you that are pulling of the VIP style in the US that this forum talks about..many props to you..I know that there a handful of you and I hope to join the bunch of you soon...

Peace out..............................

[NG C-Klasse]

I still dig this..yet have not seen one done with this aero stateside??
http://www.finalkonnexion.co.jp/english/lineup/popup/other_img/other_img_01_a.jpg
http://www.finalkonnexion.co.jp/english/lineup/popup/other_img/other_img_01_b.jpg

[firelizard]

Like I'd said before, Cadillacs fail to move me. However, if that one above had some nice wheels, I might be swayed..

[ajo713]

Like I'd said before, Cadillacs fail to move me. However, if that one above had some nice wheels, I might be swayed..

maybe i can help with that.....


http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt173/ajortenstone/cadillac7-01.jpg

[khanhdom]

holy shit 5 years bump

[MR.J]

this thread is older then some of my underwear O_O

[airmax]

5 year bump by a non vip cadillac.

[Slo N Lo Benzo]

Interesting, so is there a thread with VIP influenced 80's, 90's, 00's american rides, if not someone should start one. Later.

[kingpin]

They gotta get that Post count up some how .. :pat:

[L3GDKANG/JDM-KANG]

^ lmfao thats a good 1