What is a VIP car? The car modification trend known as VIP style originated in Japan, focusing on transforming luxury sedans into lowered, wide-stanced vehicles with an emphasis on aesthetics and comfort. This style, while no longer strictly associated with the Yakuza, has become a popular method among car enthusiasts to express elegance and sophistication. What is a VIP car in today's automotive culture? It's about more than driving a luxury car; it's about making a statement with customized features that enhance both appearance and comfort.
The VIP style, also known as "bippu," began as a way to adapt Japanese luxury sedans to have a lower and wider stance, featuring aggressive wheels, suspension, and body kits. Originating from the street racing scene in Osaka during the early '90s, it has now become a global phenomenon. These cars often boast large rims, sometimes as part of three-piece wheel setups, and use height-adjustable airbags to achieve their signature low profile.
These vehicles are typically large, rear-wheel drive sedans from esteemed Japanese makers such as Lexus and Toyota. However, the trend has expanded to include various types of vehicles, including minivans and kei cars. European models like Mercedes and Jaguars, and even American cars like the Chrysler 300C, have been adopted into the VIP scene.
Inside, VIP cars are known for their luxurious touches such as custom upholstery, window curtains, and upgraded stereo systems. Accessories like neck pillows and tray tables further enhance comfort. The color palette traditionally ranges from blacks and greys to recent additions of brighter, flashier hues.
While VIP cars were once seen as a status symbol within certain exclusive circles, the style has broadened its appeal, attracting a diverse range of modders from around the globe. American enthusiasts often modify domestic models to resemble their JDM counterparts, swapping badges and incorporating VIP-specific aesthetics.
In the United States, VIP style is evolving to include customizations that extend beyond traditional Japanese luxury sedans. While maintaining the essential luxury form, enthusiasts are experimenting with high horsepower setups and breaking down traditional VIP style barriers.
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