Top Wide Body Kits for Cars

What are Wide Body Kits?

Wide body kits are aftermarket body modifications that add width to a car’s body, typically by widening the fenders and adding flared wheel arches. This creates a more aggressive and visually appealing look, often enhancing the car’s performance by improving aerodynamics and stability.

Benefits of Wide Body Kits

Wide body kits offer a range of benefits that go beyond aesthetics, enhancing both the visual appeal and performance of a car. Here are some key advantages of installing a wide body kit⁚

Enhanced Aesthetics⁚

• Aggressive and Sporty Look⁚ Wide body kits transform the car’s profile, adding a more aggressive and sporty stance. The wider fenders, flared wheel arches, and often more prominent side skirts create a visually striking and eye-catching appearance.
• Improved Proportions⁚ By widening the car’s body, wide body kits can help to improve its overall proportions, making it appear lower, wider, and more muscular. This can create a more balanced and visually appealing aesthetic.
• Customized Style⁚ Wide body kits offer a high degree of customization. With various designs and materials available, you can create a unique look that reflects your personal style and taste. From subtle changes to dramatic transformations, wide body kits allow you to personalize your car’s appearance.

Improved Performance⁚

• Enhanced Aerodynamics⁚ By widening the body, wide body kits can improve the car’s aerodynamics, particularly at high speeds; The flared wheel arches help to reduce drag and improve downforce, enhancing stability and grip.
• Increased Tire Clearance⁚ Wide body kits often provide more space for wider tires and wheels, allowing you to fit larger, performance-oriented rubber. This translates to better grip, handling, and braking performance.
• Improved Cooling⁚ The wider fenders and wheel arches can improve airflow around the car, allowing for better engine and brake cooling. This can be particularly beneficial for performance-oriented cars that generate a lot of heat.

Other Benefits⁚

• Increased Resale Value⁚ A well-installed wide body kit can significantly increase the resale value of your car, especially if it’s a performance or collector’s model. The unique and eye-catching appearance can make your car more desirable to potential buyers.
• Enhanced Driving Experience⁚ The improved handling and stability provided by a wide body kit can make your car more enjoyable to drive, particularly on winding roads or at high speeds.

However, it’s important to note that installing a wide body kit requires careful consideration and professional installation. The added width can affect the car’s handling characteristics and may require adjustments to the suspension and other components.

Top Wide Body Kit Manufacturers

The wide body kit market is populated with numerous manufacturers, each offering their unique designs and quality standards. Here are some of the top names in the industry, known for their craftsmanship, innovation, and reputation in the automotive aftermarket scene⁚

Liberty Walk⁚

Liberty Walk is a Japanese company renowned for its aggressive and wide-bodied kits, often featuring overfenders, massive spoilers, and intricate details. Their kits are highly sought after by enthusiasts looking for a truly eye-catching and performance-focused aesthetic. Liberty Walk is known for its collaborations with renowned car manufacturers and designers, resulting in kits that are both visually striking and technically sophisticated.

Rocket Bunny⁚

Rocket Bunny, another Japanese company, is known for its flamboyant and exaggerated wide body kits. Their designs often feature exaggerated fender flares, aggressive side skirts, and bold rear diffusers, giving cars a truly unique and attention-grabbing look. Rocket Bunny kits are popular among enthusiasts who want to push the boundaries of automotive styling, creating a distinct and visually impactful presence on the road.

Pandem⁚

Pandem, also known as TRA Kyoto, is a Japanese company specializing in wide body kits with a focus on clean lines and aggressive styling. Their kits are characterized by their wide fender flares, subtle yet effective bodywork modifications, and a focus on functionality. Pandem kits are often praised for their ability to enhance a car’s visual appeal without sacrificing its overall elegance and sophistication.

Vorsteiner⁚

Vorsteiner is a German company renowned for its high-quality, high-performance wide body kits. Their kits are known for their meticulous craftsmanship, precise fitment, and use of premium materials. Vorsteiner focuses on enhancing a car’s performance and aesthetics, creating kits that are both visually impressive and functional. Their designs often feature subtle yet effective modifications that improve aerodynamics and handling, without sacrificing the car’s elegance.

Maxton Design⁚

Maxton Design is a Polish company specializing in high-quality, affordable wide body kits. They offer a wide range of kits for various car models, known for their stylish designs and attention to detail. Maxton Design kits are a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for a visually appealing and performance-enhancing upgrade without breaking the bank. Their kits often feature aggressive styling elements, such as fender flares, side skirts, and spoilers, while maintaining a balance of aesthetics and functionality.

Popular Wide Body Kits for Specific Car Models

Wide body kits are highly sought after for their ability to transform the look and feel of a car, adding an aggressive and visually striking appeal. Here are some popular wide body kits designed specifically for certain car models, known for their unique designs, performance enhancements, and overall impact on the vehicle’s aesthetics⁚

Liberty Walk for the Nissan GT-R⁚

Liberty Walk’s wide body kit for the Nissan GT-R is a prime example of their signature aggressive styling. It features massive overfenders, a dramatic front splitter, and a towering rear wing, all contributing to a truly intimidating stance; The kit not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves aerodynamics and stability, making it a popular choice for performance-oriented GT-R owners.

Rocket Bunny for the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86⁚

Rocket Bunny’s kit for the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 is known for its exaggerated fender flares, aggressive side skirts, and a bold rear diffuser, creating a truly eye-catching look. The kit’s exaggerated styling takes the already sporty character of these cars to the next level, making them stand out from the crowd with their unique and flamboyant appearance.

Pandem for the Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚

Pandem’s wide body kit for the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a perfect example of their focus on clean lines and aggressive styling. It features subtle yet effective fender flares, a redesigned front bumper with a more aggressive lip, and a rear diffuser that enhances the car’s overall aerodynamic performance. The kit transforms the Miata’s already sporty character into a more aggressive and visually striking presence on the road.

Vorsteiner for the BMW M3⁚

Vorsteiner’s wide body kit for the BMW M3 is known for its meticulous craftsmanship and use of premium materials; It features subtle yet effective fender flares, a redesigned front splitter with integrated canards, and a rear diffuser that enhances the car’s overall aerodynamics and downforce. The kit enhances the M3’s performance while maintaining its elegant and sophisticated appearance.

Maxton Design for the Ford Mustang⁚

Maxton Design’s wide body kit for the Ford Mustang offers a stylish and affordable upgrade. It features aggressive fender flares, side skirts, and a rear diffuser, all designed to enhance the Mustang’s muscular and sporty character. The kit’s affordability and focus on aesthetics make it a popular choice for Mustang owners looking to enhance their car’s visual appeal without breaking the bank.

Things to Consider Before Installing a Wide Body Kit

Installing a wide body kit is a significant modification that can dramatically alter your car’s appearance and performance. Before taking the plunge, carefully consider these factors to ensure a smooth and successful installation process⁚

Legality and Regulations⁚

Check your local laws and regulations regarding modifications to your car’s bodywork. Some regions have strict rules about exceeding factory dimensions or altering the car’s overall width. Ensure your wide body kit complies with legal requirements to avoid any potential issues with law enforcement.

Fitment and Compatibility⁚

Not all wide body kits are created equal. Research the specific kit you’re considering and confirm its compatibility with your car model and year. Ensure the kit is designed for your exact vehicle to prevent fitment issues and ensure a seamless installation process.

Professional Installation⁚

Installing a wide body kit is a complex process that requires specialized skills and knowledge. Consider hiring a professional body shop with experience in installing wide body kits. This ensures proper alignment, panel gap adjustments, and overall quality of the installation, minimizing the risk of fitment problems and damage to your car.

Impact on Performance and Handling⁚

While wide body kits can enhance a car’s aesthetics, they can also affect its performance and handling. Consider the potential impact on aerodynamics, weight distribution, and overall balance. Consult with a professional tuner or mechanic to assess any potential changes to your car’s driving dynamics.

Cost and Budget⁚

Wide body kits vary widely in price, depending on the manufacturer, materials used, and complexity of the kit. Factor in the cost of the kit itself, professional installation, any necessary paint work, and potential modifications to suspension or wheels. Ensure the overall cost aligns with your budget and financial constraints.

Maintenance and Durability⁚

Wide body kits require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and performance. Consider the materials used, the quality of construction, and the potential for damage or wear and tear. Research the kit’s maintenance requirements and ensure you’re comfortable with the ongoing upkeep involved.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about installing a wide body kit and ensure it meets your expectations for style, performance, and overall satisfaction.