GALLERY>> VIP & VAN STYLE @ TAS2010
It is sometimes pretty amazing just how many styles have originated from Japan. For this post I've selected the best of two worlds, two types of tuning that are as Japanese as the cars they are based on, VIP sedans and vans. Opening the post is the Aimgain Lexus LS460 wearing new style aero and dropped onto 21" Weds Kranze Vishunu, a perfect example of the modern side of the "bippu" style.
This was probably one of vans I remember the most from the show as it was fitted with a wide-body, full-carbon Masquerade body kit painted in a semi-transparent candy red. The Bold World suspension took care of the "on-the-ground" stance. The 20-inch wheels are Crimson Myrtle Two Face.
I had to smile when I saw the little Uras Wagon R rocking the same livery as Nomuken's ER34! Too funny!
I've always liked the Lexus GS ever since driving one for a while back in 2005. The design still manages to look pretty modern today even if the car is five years old. This particular example from Fortissimo was very smooth with the obligatory air-suspension and a clean look.
Still, if you want to pull off a more authentic kind of VIP look, you are far better going for a nice big black Toyota sedan like this Crown Majesta from Vlene.
This T-style Odyssey is supposed to have a Euro-feel, something that is obtained by implanting a BMW face and going for a very mature deep metallic brown hue.
The BMW feel is carried over to the rear with an M3-style diffuser and quad exhausts. Check out the negative camber on those rear wheels!
Another Aimgain creation.
It wouldn't be right to talk about VIP without mentioning Junction Produce, who had one of the biggest stands at the show, after the manufacturers. The cars were so tightly packed together it was hard to get some detailed shots.
Another T-style Odyssey!
The Toyota Alphard along with the Nissan Elgrand are the kings of the premium van market. I didn't see too many Elgrands this year but I spotted some very nice Alphards like this particular example from Sixth Sense. The aero gives it a sports-oriented feel with tons of air intakes and outlets. The 21-inch Work Schwert SC5s were a good fit too.
The rear might be a little over the top but it's definitely a pretty unique style!
Blow Design had two Parfume kitted Cima's…
…one we already saw in the Overview post…
…the other, an Infinity version, a little more aggressive thanks to the unpainted carbon hood.
But if I had to choose one car from their stand it would have to be this Parfume Phantom MarkX…
…lowered onto some 19-inch SSRs. It just oozed style.
This Wagon-R won the custom K-car prize thanks to its intricate psychedelic paint job! Peace man!
Now that is low!
Carbon fiber-look vinyl is all the rage in Japan right now and there were a few cars at TAS with full body wraps, I think I spotted an Evo X and a Civic done up like the Wagon R above! It's definitely cheaper than the real thing!
Next up Evo's & Imprezas…
-Dino Dalle Carbonare
