How does the "VIP" (Bippu) style differ from other JDM styles? Which car models are commonly used for this type of modification?

Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Car CultureJDMCar ModificationLuxury SedansAutomotive Style
Created At: 8/19/2025Updated At: 8/19/2025

Hi there! Talking about the "VIP" style (known as Bippu in Japan, from the Japanese pronunciation of "ビップ"), it's a super interesting and incredibly imposing branch within JDM culture. It's totally different from the JDM styles we usually talk about, like touge (mountain pass) driving or track racing.

Let me break it down for you in plain terms.

What is "VIP" Style? How is it Different from Other JDM Styles?

You can simply imagine it as the "wheels of a Japanese yakuza boss" style. Of course, that's just an analogy, but it helps you quickly grasp its essence: understated luxury, powerful presence, and an undeniable "boss-like aura."

Its core difference from other JDM styles lies in its "purpose":

  • Performance-focused JDM (e.g., Drift, Track Style):

    • Core: Speed! Everything for performance.
    • Exterior: Massive rear wings, exaggerated widebody kits, various vents for cooling and aerodynamics. Body often covered in sponsor stickers.
    • Interior: Stripped out! Replaced with racing seats, roll cages – minimalistic for weight reduction.
    • Sound: High-pitched, screechy, wants the whole world to know it's arrived.

  • VIP / Bippu Style:

    • Core: Looks! Stance! Presence!
    • Exterior: Clean, sleek, flowing lines. Body colors are typically solid black, solid white, or deep shades, emphasizing paint gloss. Body kits are designed to make the car look lower, wider, and more grounded, not for racing.
    • Interior: Luxurious! Opposite of racing style, the interior is a major focus. Leather seats, lace curtains, mini-bars, premium floor mats. Rear seat comfort and opulence can be even more important than the front.
    • Sound: Low, deep, resonant. Exhaust note must be powerful but never grating, like a boss clearing their throat – commanding respect without shouting.

In one sentence: Other JDM styles are about the "Martial" (武), chasing higher, faster, stronger; VIP style is about the "Cultural" (文), pursuing a static, imposing presence while cruising. Driving a VIP-style car isn't about racing others; it's about making cars on the road instinctively give you way.

What's the Typical "Recipe" for Building a VIP-Style Car?

VIP style follows a very classic modification formula, almost like a cooking recipe:

  1. Body Slammed Low (Stance is Everything):

    • This is the soul of VIP! The body must be lowered as much as possible for a "flying close to the ground" visual. Air suspension is usually used to achieve this peak low static stance while allowing ride height adjustment. Hardcore players use extremely lowered coilovers, but that requires serious driving skills.

  2. Wheels: Big, Shiny, Deep Dish:

    • Wheels are the second soul of VIP. They must be large (19" minimum), often multi-piece, chrome-plated, or featuring a "deep dish". They look incredibly expensive. Wheel and tire sizing must be precise, fitting perfectly flush with the fender edge.

  3. Exaggerated Camber (Onikyan / Demon Camber):

    • To tuck massive wheels under the lowered body, extreme negative camber is often applied, creating the signature "stanced" / "\ /" look. This is a highly impactful, iconic element visually.

  4. Clean Aero Kits (Subtle Modifications):

    • Body kits aren't wild like race cars; they subtly extend the factory lines to make the car look more substantial and flush to the ground. The goal is a "clean OEM+" look.

  5. Luxurious Interior (Luxe Interior Fit Out):

    • White lace curtains on the windows, Fusa or Kintsuna knots hanging from the rearview mirror – these are classic accessories. Premium sound systems, custom plush floor mats, and even rear seat trays are common features.

Which Cars Are Commonly Used for VIP Builds?

VIP style has specific requirements; not just any car is suitable. The quintessential platforms are Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Rear-Wheel-Drive (FR) Luxury Sedans.

The Most Classic & Authentic "Big Three":

  • Toyota Celsior: (Sold abroad as the Lexus LS). Considered the "Godfather" of VIP, especially the LS400/LS430.
  • Toyota Aristo: (Sold abroad as the Lexus GS). Its appeal is boosted by the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine (same as the Supra).
  • Nissan Cima: (Sold abroad as the Infiniti Q45). Another iconic large luxury sedan from Nissan.

Other Popular Choices:

  • Toyota Crown: Especially the even more luxurious Crown Majesta variant is a VIP staple.
  • Nissan Fuga / Gloria / Cedric: Fuga became the Infiniti M, while Gloria and Cedric are Nissan's historic luxury models, common VIP choices.
  • Toyota Mark X: Though positioned slightly below the others, its RWD layout and sporty profile made it popular with younger enthusiasts.

Recently, the style has expanded to include other models, like MPVs (Toyota Alphard / Vellfire) adapted into a sub-style sometimes called "Vankulture." However, the most classic and pure VIP builds remain grounded on large JDM RWD luxury sedans.

Created At: 08-19 15:59:37Updated At: 08-19 17:59:11