Automotive body kits can be mainly divided into three types: soft kits, non-wide body kits, and wide body kits. These types differ significantly in design, performance, cost, and other aspects. Below is a detailed introduction and selection advice:
I. Main Types and Characteristics of Automotive Body Kits
1. Soft Kit
Definition: Components such as front lips, side skirts, and rear spoilers are added based on the original factory bumpers without changing the main body structure of the vehicle.
Core Advantages:
Low cost and high compatibility: Prices typically range from hundreds to thousands of yuan, suitable for most vehicle models, and installation does not require cutting the body.
Convenient installation: Fixed with 3M adhesive or bolts, operable in ordinary modification shops, taking about 1–2 hours.
High legality: Complies with regulations in most regions, no need to remove it for annual vehicle inspections, ideal for daily street cars.
Subtle style adjustment: For example, carbon fiber front lips can lower the visual center of gravity, and side skirts can enhance the smoothness of body lines.
2. Non-Wide Body Kit (NWB)
Definition: Replaces the original factory bumpers and side skirts while maintaining the same body width, optimizing lines and air intake designs.
Key Features:
Balanced performance and aesthetics: Preserves the original vehicle proportions, and improves aerodynamic efficiency through diffusers and air ducts (reducing lift by 15%).
Friendly installation: No need to cut the fenders, supporting non-destructive installation.
Application Scenarios: Suitable for factory upgrade enthusiasts and those pursuing low-key performance improvements.
3. Wide Body Kit (WBK)
Definition: Significantly widens the wheelbase (usually 50–100mm), paired with wide-body fenders and competitive kits.
Core Advantages:
Extreme aerodynamic performance: Increases downforce by over 30%, significantly improving high-speed stability.
Strong visual impact: Riveted wide bodies and large rear wings create a track-oriented appearance.
Tire compatibility: Supports wider tires (e.g., 305mm rear tires), enhancing grip.
Disadvantages:
High cost and risks: Both the kit price and installation fees are high, and cutting the original body may reduce the residual value by 50% (Note: All wide-body kits from IMP PERFORMANCE are exclusively designed to avoid cutting fenders and damaging the body).
Regulatory conflicts: Illegal for road use in most regions, limited to track days or exhibitions.
Poor daily practicality: Extremely low ground clearance (many kits make it impossible to pass speed bumps), and significant increase in wind noise.
Application Scenarios: Track-day vehicles, exhibition cars, or those seeking extreme personalization.
II. How to Choose the Right Body Kit?
Budget Consideration:
Limited budget: Opt for soft kits (e.g., adding a carbon fiber front lip to a family sedan).
Mid-to-high budget: Consider non-wide body kits for balanced performance and aesthetics.
High-end customization: Choose wide-body kits for track use or exhibition purposes, but be aware of legal and practical limitations.
Usage Scenario:
Daily commuting: Prioritize soft kits or non-wide body kits for legality and practicality.
Track driving/modification culture display: Wide-body kits are suitable but note the restrictions on road use.
Tuning Goals:
Subtle style upgrade: Soft kits meet basic aesthetic needs without major changes.
Comprehensive performance improvement: Non-wide body kits optimize aerodynamics while maintaining original proportions.
Extreme performance and visual impact: Wide-body kits are ideal for pursuing track-level performance and bold styling.
Final Advice: Choose based on your specific needs, ensuring compliance with local regulations and balancing aesthetics, performance, and budget. Always consult professional modification shops for installation to avoid potential issues.
