Past Blast: C-West Z33

To me, this look is classic and timeless. I love the uber-aggressive Super Taikyu/JGTC look of this Z33 with the long nose bumper, canards, and GT wing. I just thought I should share…

Corner-Cutting Commentary, Part II

A pro-authenticity post published by JDMphasis a couple weeks ago garnered some internet attention. It was shared on a few different pages, forums, and blogs. It quickly became my most-read post. As expected, there were plenty of people denouncing the message as "condescending," suggesting that I was "butt-hurt," and, among other things, "elitist."

When taking a stance in this never-ending debate, one opens himself up to scrutiny and ridicule. I understand that. It comes with the territory. Nonetheless, though this topic is one about which I am passionate, I try to express my opinions with a moderate ration of tact and civility. I understand there will be name-calling, "trolling," and even physical threats. (Someone commented something to the effect of "knocking [my] teeth down [my] throat." Yes, and I'm the "butt-hurt" HATER.) In the past, I have had foolish internet threats against my family, as well. However, this does not change my stance. Skimming some of the comments of that particular post, one cannot help but wonder if people even took the time to read the post, as points unrelated to the topic at hand were often addressed, and, at times, I feel as though I was credited with opinions that I, in fact, do not maintain.

As I wrote in that post, I acknowledge that replica companies are not going anywhere. It is the choice of the consumer to outfit his or her car with whatever parts they desire. I cannot tell people how to spend their money. That does not mean that I cannot encourage enthusiasts to support the true talent of the industry; the innovators who take the risks, not the opportunists who steal proven designs. It also means that I can attempt to explain the foundation of my opinions.

The "Business is cutthroat. That is the way it has always been," justification is one with which I cannot argue. Business is cutthroat. I know this to be true. I am actually in favor of competition in the marketplace. However, I also believe there is a certain degree of ethics, morality, judgment, and consequence that comes with personal decision-making. We do not often consider the longterm repercussions that accompany our actions. I, for one, choose not to reward the people and companies who undermine the pioneers of the tuning industry.

I have mentioned this in previous posts, but it is worth mentioning again. And again. And again... The Japanese tuning industry is a narrow order. The enthusiast base is small, relatively speaking. Thus, when people attempt to compare the theft of aero designs to Rolex, Coach, or Coca-Cola they are comparing apples to elephants. It is not the same thing. Rolex, Coach, and Coca-Cola are huge multi-billion dollar corporations. If there are people who find this hard to believe, I would suggest approaching 100 random strangers on the street and ask them if they have ever enjoyed an ice-cold Coke, seen a Coach purse or been in a Coach store. Ask them if they would love to own a Rolex watch or know someone who does. I would be willing to bet they will have an answer for you, even if it is of dissenting nature. They will have an answer because they have a frame of reference. They KNOW these companies. Then ask them if they like the new Z34 Varis aero designs. Ask them if they prefer the Advan GT over the Volk Racing TE37. Ask them what they think of Rocket Bunny, Zele, Power House Amuse, Do-Luck, C-West, and Top Secret. If there are five people who do not look at you as if you have three heads; who have an iota of a clue about what you are talking, I will be shocked as well as impressed.

Yes, replicas happen. Yes, these money-hungry companies will continue to stand on the sidelines and wait until the real innovators of the industry have done their research, have done their testing, have done their developing, and have come up with a widely-acclaimed design that everybody loves. And, yes, only then will they copy it. Zero risk. All reward. The difference between Rolex having one of their watches copied and Varis having their aero designs replicated is that Rolex is such a large corporation that they will survive. Rolex makes close to $5,000,000,000 (Yes, billions!) annually and they have close to 3,000 employees. I believe Varis, with their handmade-to-order aero components, has somewhere between 8 and 12 employees. Apples and elephants. Another scale? Social media. Just look at Facebook LIKEs. Rolex has more than 2,000,000 followers on Facebook. Varis has just over 25,000. In other words, though hardly based on a precise scientific analysis, the fan base of Rolex is somewhere north of 80 times larger than that of Varis. Not twice as large. Not three times as large. Not eight or even ten times larger… Eighty times larger.

I addressed the issue of quality in that post, as well. I stated that, though I firmly believe authentic parts to be of superior quality overall, that there are, in fact, some replica parts that are of decent construction. My denouncement of replica parts is not based on their construction or lack of structural integrity. Yet, an abundance of "I have put 497,000 miles on my Rotas over the past six years and never had a problem…" justifications surfaced. That is wonderful. Despite my strong dislike of replica wheels, I am, in fact, glad to know that your replica wheels have not failed and put you, your family's, or the well-being of the people with whom you share the road in jeopardy. Shocking, I know since I am just a hater. Though my argument against fake parts is not based on quality, it should be noted that it does not take a metallurgist to arrive at the indisputable conclusion that because one specific set of replica wheels has not failed that they are all beyond skepticism.  

Another justification for corner-cutting that popped up in many of the comments of my previous post was something along the lines of "Not all of us have $3,000 to spend on wheels." Again, I understand the concept of a budget. No, we all do not have access to unlimited funds. However, the point I was attempting to make is that if one can allocate funds for replica wheels, then they can just as easily save for the real thing. Yes, it will take a little longer to be able to afford the real wheel, but is that not what is desired to begin with? I addressed this in the first post, but many of the excuses for buying fake wheels seemed to suggest that there are only two options: 1) The Real Deal or  2) The Cheaper Option Made to Look Exactly Like The Real Deal. This is one excuse that is just absurd. I can understand the notion of not wanting to spend top dollar on a set of wheels. What I cannot understand is the spin put on it that suggests buying a copy of that $3,000 set of wheels is the only alternative. There are plenty of other options that would fall into just about everyone's price range other than a wheel that is made to look like an authentic wheel. Replica wheels are NOT the only alternative. That is nothing more than a bold, irrational, ridiculous excuse. "I want the look of the real thing. I want it now. I don't want to wait and save up the money."

Encouraging support of innovation and authenticity is not "elitist." People do not like to admit that they are faking the funk. People do not like to acknowledge that they are cutting corners. The idea of having one's devotion to their hobby of auto tuning and modification called into question because they choose to give their hard-earned money to a larcenous company that has done NOTHING to earn it, quite simply, offends people. It provokes immature name-calling, threats, insults, and, of course, justifications and excuses. However, this debate is not about a style or a trend. It is not about a fad. It is not a debate about stance or Hondas or imports versus domestics. It is not a debate borne from opinion. It is about fact. Tuning shops in Japan suffer when they have their designs stolen. Insolvency is a real possibility for many of these shops. They are not huge corporations and when their intellectual property is stolen shortly after it is developed, they feel it. (Consider that Kei Miura, T.R.A. Kyoto, has said that it takes upwards of one month to develop a full prototype aero kit for one platform. One month. One kit.) 

This is why this topic is one about which I am passionate. This is why I urge enthusiasts to consider saving for just a little while longer and choosing to buy the authentic part over the replica. Do not buy authentic parts because, as some close-minded zealots will suggest, you are an "elitist label whore" or a "yuppie." Buy authentic parts because you care about the tuning industry; because you have an earnest desire to support the company that put in the hard work to bring that part to reality. Buy authentic because you, as an enthusiast, take pride in your build and would like to put the best parts on your project; not parts whose sole intention is to fool and deceive by resembling exactly something they are not. 

When did the so-called enthusiast adopt the "good enough" mentality? How can he declare his passion for a hobby and knowingly contribute to the decline of its culture? How can he tag his project his 'pride and joy' and willingly skimp on its components and simultaneously contribute to the subversion of the industry?

Be the funk. Don't fake it.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

JM's Evo X in Import Tuner

JDMphasis reader, JM Yang's, stellar 2010 Evo X was recently featured in Import Tuner. These are the types of builds that need to be recognized and praised more often. We would like to say thank you to JM not only for executing such a top-notch build with quality parts from legitimate companies, but for giving us a shout-out in the article. (He even references our Innovation over Imitation adage!)

"There are a lot of people in the industry who I look up to, both locally and abroad. Jay of JDMEGO, Bill of JDMphasis, Ben of Bulletproof Automotive, and countless other builds have served as inspiration for me," JM says. "They have been advocates of innovation over imitation, and that motto I have used as a cornerstone in my build philosophy."

Link to the full article: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR - Dream Come True

Thank you, JM. This recognition is well-deserved. We cannot wait to see what you do next...

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Perpetuation of Annihilation

Once again, I cannot tell a so-called enthusiast how to spend his/her money, but I guess I cannot grasp the concept of the "enthusiast" websites showcasing corner-cutting; the type of corner-cutting that ultimately harms the industry they claim to love and wish to promote. I can understand, with the crazy number of pictures some of these sites post up on a daily basis, missing a car that is rocking fake aero or even mistaking a set of replica wheels for the real thing, but when the vehicle in question is tattooed with branding of a bootleg company, an alarm should sound and I would hope that someone who loves the JDM parts scene and culture would think twice about supporting or condoning this methodology in regards to modifying.

I explored the website shrouded all over (at least 9 times) the Evo pictured below and found a bevy of [JDM company]-style parts for multiple makes and models. Founded in 2010, this company boasts of "using only Japanese made carbon fibre" for their products, resulting in "uncompromising craftsmanship and quality." I just find myself wondering why, with all the "cutting edge technology" and quality control, original and unique designs cannot be achieved. Why steal someone else's construct? 

I'd be quite surprised if Zele, Do-Luck, Veilside, Nismo, Mugen, RE-Amemiya, C-West, DAMD, Varis, Voltex, Jun, Wald, Origin, Bee-R, Auto Select, Top Secret, HKS Kansai, and every other legitimate aero company referenced as a [fill-in-the-blank]-style on that website are receiving, for their covetable designs, a percentage of the sales of this glorified replica company.

If I can just encourage you perusers of Facebook and automotive blogs to think twice before you applaud these pictures. Please do not perpetuate the "corner-cutting is okay" notion by praising these cars. Before you brusquely and impulsively click LIKE, SHARE, or type "Dope!" or "Do want!" or "Sick!" please consider the company that has been ripped off. Consider the research, development, tooling, and prototyping that went into that original design by those original designers. Consider those visionaries. Consider the skill and talent that went into imagining, conceiving, constructing, and actualizing that design. Consider the industry you love.

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

   

'BUTT-HURT': Another Replica Rant

I deem it fitting that, as I depart for a brief trip to the Left Coast where I will visit my friend, Ben, of Bulletproof Automotive, who faithfully promotes the upright code of Represent the Real, this topic be confronted once again.

If you support knock-off and replica companies, it is likely that you will not enjoy this post. (Although, I tend to doubt that you would be perusing JDMphasis to begin with if you are a fan of fake…) I have published quite a few posts conveying my disapproval of and aversion to these parts, many echoing what I am about to write. That said, please understand I have friends who buy replica parts. As much as I would like to sometimes, I cannot tell anyone how to spend his or her money. This is not a personal attack against those who fake the funk. Nonetheless, the following post will certainly not be my last expression of denunciation, disgust, and disdain of these sordid products…

_____________________________________________

I have been browsing the vendor sections of a few select forums lately and it is truly disconcerting to ponder the state of the industry when the vast majority of classified threads are advertising fake parts. I understand the notion that people want to save money and spend as little as possible. Especially in difficult economic times… To some, particularly when it comes to aero components, it is an easy decision to purchase the replica version of a certain part because the exact desired look can be achieved at a percentage of the cost of the authentic. It does not occur to people, however, that, with every replica/knock-off purchase, they are hurting the mastermind behind those original designs. People choose not to believe this truth and indifferently shrug it off as a “part of doing business.” The reality, however, is that the consumer, down the line, will be hurting, as well.

I suppose the thing I have trouble wrapping my head around most is why. Why choose replicas? Why cut corners? Is it for the instant e-praise? So a stranger on the internet can tell you your ride is “dope”? Is it so you can sooner land a “feature” on one of the many websites or publications that, frankly, do not care much about quality or, sadly (and ironically), the aftermarket industry? (On top of which, it must be acknowledged that many of these, like the parts on the vehicles they showcase, dicey and indiscriminate stance/trend/hipster sites, in reality, probably know next to nothing about the actual parts on your particular automotive platform.) Their main objectives and concerns are far from in line with supporting and promoting quality or innovation in the aftermarket industry. It is more about volume, how many people ‘LIKE’ their fan page or their corner-cutting features. Please do not get me wrong... I do not have a problem, at all, with growing, promoting, and building a name and reputation – but not at the expense of the real talent and ingenuity in the industry; not if it means perpetuating the notion that it is okay to rock fake parts or cut corners with builds. 

I often urge enthusiasts to save money for “a bit longer” to buy authentic not solely because, in doing so, they are supporting the skilled company that actually did the legwork and, thus, deserves the credit, but also because, in buying authentic, one will be taking a stance against the perpetuation of that notion that cutting corners is accepted and permissible. A prevailing tendency towards quantity over quality, the definition of “feature” has evolved to become hollow and remiss, to say the least. Let’s face it – how difficult is it to dial down one’s coilovers to the lowest possible setting, mount a set of wheels with offsets that could be confused for Arctic Basin temperatures, stretch a set of 225/25 Nankangs on an 11” wheel, and slap on a replica lip? If that is all it takes to land myself a “feature,” I will kindly dismiss myself (and my car) from candidacy.

Perhaps I am a bit too cynical, but I have trouble believing that people modify for themselves these days. With the boom of social media and online publication, everyone seems to be in a rush to get a cyber thumbs-up or pat-on-the-back from the obscure, disillusioned masses sitting behind their laptop monitors. To me, the “I want it now and I don’t want to work for it” mentality falls right in line with the trending ascent of replica parts. If people were, in fact, modifying their rides for themselves would they, so hastily, cut corners? Who knows? But, even if we put the adverse effects that buying replica and knock-off parts has on the real innovators of the aftermarket world (and the industry as a whole) aside for a moment, I suppose I am naïve enough to believe that “enthusiasts” would actually want their so-called pride and joy, their projects, to feature the BEST parts from the BEST companies in the world. Am I wrong?

By definition, an enthusiast is a person who is filled with zeal, devotion, and passion for some principle, pursuit, etc… A devotee, or fan. The word principle jumps off the page at me as I re-read the definition of “enthusiast.” Integrity, ethicality, honor, and morality are all synonyms for principle. Ironically, to me, the companies that steal designs and cash in on someone else’s ingenuity for the sake of a monetary profit are far from principled. Where is the morality and integrity? Where is the devotion? Where is the love and enthusiasm for a hobby and a culture? It's quite simple. There is very little. There is an overwhelming dose of hypocrisy, but there is no passion, dedication, or respect to the true pioneers of the industry when a design is stolen for the sole purpose of turning a profit. There is no risk; no originality, on the part of these knock-off companies.

Many pro-fake personalities audaciously attempt to argue that these companies actually help the consumer and enhance the aftermarket because they are offering in-demand products at affordable prices. My question is, if they truly care about the consumer and the modifying culture, why do they not create their own designs and provide more options for enthusiasts? If they are truly the saviors to the budget-conscious enthusiast in providing a copied product at a reduced rate, why not make a killer design of their own at an affordable price? Why steal someone else’s proven design? Would these diffident and recreant replica companies have a place in this industry if they were not cashing in on the work of the real talent, the skilled Japanese tuning companies? If replica companies do, in fact, have the well-being of the consumer at heart, as they would love us to believe, why won't they provide the community with more options by producing some of their own original designs? Would that not expand and improve the industry? Would it not enhance the culture they claim to love, respect, and represent with pride?

As I have done in past posts, I will use the example of the aero of my personal project… Zele Performance. Amuse, INGS+1, Impul, Nismo, C-West, Chargespeed, VeilSide, Vertex, etc… are but just a few of the legitimate, well-respected Japanese tuning companies that BAUS Auto ripped off before they decided to steal the V36 aero designs of Zele. But BAUS is far from the only stale, money-hungry, uninspired pillager of pioneering. One need not go much further than any forum classified section to heed the state of the industry we all love. I see twenty threads advertising brands such as Seibon, Extreme Dimensions, Autokits-X, AMS, BlackTop Aero, 180Custom, VIS, Rexpeed, CarbonSignal, JDP Engineering, Shine Auto, AIT, Aero Jacket, Data Systems, UAM, ABS Dynamics, Chaser Aerodynamics, and countless others for each single thread advertising authentic products from legitimate companies.

It is not a difficult concept to grasp. If it weren't for the real, bona fide innovators and pioneers with the passion, talent, ingenuity, expertise, and moxie to create the original designs, these knock-off companies that feign superiority would not be saturating the market. Can a valid, sensible argument be made that these companies are made up of passionate enthusiasts of modifying automotive culture?

Sadly, I don’t think so…

Furthermore, I was recently called out on a forum for being “butt-hurt” with people praising a certain replica/knock-off company. The message board moderators must be indifferent (to say the least) to the marauding of the industry by replica companies, as well, because my retort post was deleted. Shocker! The thread was not created by a forum sponsor or vendor. My response to the accusation of being "butt-hurt" was not rude. I did not personally attack the grizzled veteran forum member of 6 whole months. I did not curse. I was simply trying to educate those people who, frankly, know no better. The result? A deletion of my post. And, thus, the perpetuation of this ugly trend. And we wonder why the industry is in dire straits.

My response:

I am not "butt-hurt.” Consider the irony in the fact that you are the new guy on the forum wondering where all the parts are for your car... Why do you think companies are not making as many parts as you'd like? The answer? Because out-to-make-a-buck-off-a-proven-design replica companies rip off the real talent of the industry by copying their designs and selling them at a fraction of the price. Amuse, Access Evolution, Mines, and Varis, all companies that this CarbonSignal company has undermined by stealing their designs, are not huge corporations. They are small, for lack of a better term, "mom and pop" boutique shops in Japan that are very good at what they do. Why do you think more parts are not coming out for your car? Why do you think, when they do, the prices are high? Part of that is an essential aspect of being a successful company in this day and age: branding. The other part is that they are forced to think twice when, within weeks of creating a great design, they are ripped off by these fly-by-night companies that are out looking to make a dollar under the flawed and deceptive pretense that they are actually "helping the budget-conscious consumer." 

Before you go calling someone out for being “butt-hurt,” think about it. The facts are right in front of you. Parts coming out of Japan over the last five to ten years have drastically diminished. Why? Partly, the bad economy, yes. But to suggest that replicas and knock-offs have nothing to do with that fact is absolutely absurd. The people who are actually getting "butt-hurt" are the ones who do not want to listen to the truth about replicas and knock-offs. People take offense when someone suggests that they are "cutting corners" with their builds by purchasing fake parts, but, bluntly, that is exactly what it is. I'm sorry if you do not like to hear that. The editor of Modified Magazine, Peter Tarach, put it nicely in Speedhunters' The State of Tuning, 2011: 

"No matter which side you take, the truth is knock offs and counterfeits have hurt this industry in a big way. Less and less companies want to innovate in this market because of fear of having their products being copied and if you look at the track record of consumers these days, they are willing to buy whatever is cheapest despite the lackluster quality or fitment issues associated with knock off parts. Sadly, I don’t think it’s going away anytime soon. The best way to fight the problem is with awareness. As a consumer, think long and hard before buying a knock off product. What you may be saving initially will more than likely cost you in the future. It’s no secret that cheap parts don’t last as long, or that they need to be modified to work or fit (which costs money). Plus, think of the company that spent the time and money to actually design the product. That should count for something."

I am not making this stuff up. I do not come into threads looking to stir the pot with people who support replicas and knock-offs or to engage in foolish e-arguments. I am attempting to educate people as to the real damage these parts do to the industry, whether you want to hear it or not. As a JDM enthusiast, I truly hope some of my fellow “enthusiasts” on this site really consider the consequences of the decision to support a company like CarbonSignal by purchasing their parts.

I began writing this post (not expecting it to be this lengthy) in response to a few things I have been witness to as of late… As mentioned above, browsing the sorry vendor forum classifieds and engaging in the debate on message boards, but also a video I came across a few months back that I never found opportunity to post. Frankly, it is, in many ways, comical. Chalk-full of bold, haughty, and headstrong hubris and irony, a name highly synonymous with replica body kits, Extreme Dimensions, attempts to warn potential customers of fake parts. Just a hint of irony here.

What?!? Is this real life?

“Knock off knocking off the knock-offs!”

And a sorry picture borrowed from my good friends at Bulletproof Automotive, illustrating, via a forum vendor section, the ongoing marauding of the industry at the hands of replicas.

In closing, quite simply, please think twice before you decide to put your money in the hands of a company that has ripped off the real assets to the modifying community and tuning culture. They have not earned it. And worse, they are harming the companies that have. As my friends at Bulletproof urge, Represent the Real... With pride.

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

C-West Z33 on Limited Edition TE37s

Legit.

Function > Form Z33

It has been roughly five years since I sold my Z33. Having never reached my goals with that project before selling it for personal (read: relationship) reasons, I often kick myself. A great platform for modification with a plethora of possibilities, the Z has proven itself to be a timeless mainstay and the cornerstone for many in the aftermarket industry.

Outside some of the JDM company project builds, there are very few Zs that have managed to imbed themselves in my mind as embodiments for every aspiring modding enthusiast to mimic, not necessarily in specific parts selection, but in attention to detail, forethought, consistency, character, and execution. I have absolutely no doubt there are many more great Z33 builds out there. (In fact, keep your eyes open for another JDMphasis feature of one in the coming weeks…) However, the Zs of Andy Kim, Mike Lee, Alex Yao (420Z TT Project, “Alyssa”), and Cheston Chiu are but four that stand out and present quite the daunting challenge to surmount for their Z peers.

Cheston’s 2003 Z33 is one that garnered my attention from the day I started modifying my own Z. While the three other Zs mentioned above have since met their retirement or been passed on to new owners, this one is still, 8 years later, setting, and surpassing, the standard. There are literally hundreds of photographs of this Z33 all over the internet as well as multiple automotive publications, but I would still like to recognize and acknowledge Cheston and his Z as another proper build. Cheston, much like Jay (JDMEGO) and his Evo, has refused to cut corners with this project. From the authentic C-West, Voltex, and Top Secret aero, to the multiple sets of Volk Racing wheels adorned over the years, to the Cusco suspension components, GReddy exhaust, and, oh yeah, the built motor and GReddy twin snails under the hood, this car is a street-driven, track-proven 500WHP labor of love, and has been from the beginning.

I will stop writing now and let you enjoy some eye candy. Big Thank You to Cheston for allowing me to showcase what is, in my opinion, one of the nicest Zs out there…

Current shoes: 18" TE37SL on Nitto rubber

You can see more of Cheston's Z (as well as a complete mod list) in his Modified Feature from November, 2008.

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Random Picture...

C-West-clad FD on shiny SSR SP1s...

Fun car.

Must corner-cutting be glorified?

Not only has it earned a "feature" on one of the typical, trendy, and trite stance websites, but if one were to ask the owner of the G featured on this HIN pre-party flyer what aero his G37 is wearing, he would proudly proclaim a replica manufacturer that has not only ripped off the original design of the Zele G37 as seen on his car, but other JDM companies such as Nismo, Impul, INGS+1, C-West, Chargespeed, VeilSide, Amuse, and Vertex... 


Color me disillusioned, disenchanted, and disgusted.

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Coal in your stocking, BAUS Auto...

One need not be an avid reader of JDMphasis to make the guarded leap that I am passionate and vehemently enthusiastic in supporting authenticity and defending innovation within the JDM parts syndicate.

I have said it before - modifying is a bit more than a hobby to me. It is a passion. As is the ongoing campaign against knock-offs and replicas. A common tactic among those companies that steal and undermine the legitimate Japanese parts innovators is the employment of the false proposition that they have the best interest of the consumer at heart. Supplying knock-off and replica parts at a fraction of the cost of the original, they would have us all believe that they are the automotive parts saviors of every enthusiast out there.

[Enter BAUS Auto.]

I know very little about this company except what I have seen on the Z forums and, most recently, what I have read in the haughty thread created on the G boards advertising their Zele replica body kit for the G37. A post filled with hubris, this company boasts that this body kit will be available for purchase within the next few weeks. Below are the 'test-fit' pictures they originally posted where they claim "perfect" fitment while, at the same time, acknowledging that they have not secured every bolt and screw of the kit (a rather bold claim, if you ask me...). However, the thread was deleted after forum members, such as myself, expressed displeasure with the production of this kit.

If you happen to own a G37 and find yourself interested in outfitting your G with this body kit, I strongly urge you to reconsider. If you can call yourself even a moderate enthusiast of the JDM parts culture, in putting a single dime in the pocket of this company, you, like them, will become a contributing factor to the ravaging destruction of JDM in the United States. Zele is not the first JDM company BAUS Auto has ripped off. Impul, INGS+1, Amuse, Nismo, C-West, Chargespeed, Veilside, Vertex... These are just a few of the legitimate Japanese tuning companies BAUS has undermined before they decided to steal the Zele G37 aero design. An aftermarket parts savior, BAUS Auto is not. Make no mistake, they are not out to serve the consumer. They, like every other company producing and/or selling replica and knock-off parts, are out for themselves. BAUS Auto has blatantly stolen the G37 body kit design of Zele Performance, a proven, in-demand product from a proven leader of the Japanese Domestic Market, to put a dollar in their pocket. Though purchasing this kit at a fraction of the cost of the original may be tempting for those individuals struggling financially to modify their G's, please try to keep in mind that, in the long run, this only hurts the consumer, and the true JDM enthusiasts.

Shame on you, BAUS Auto...