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The compact car performance is evolving—again.
By taking a look at enthusiasts of the market
we can get a better grasp of the direction of
the evolution.
For the cars, you can still find the standard
fare; compacts, mid-range sedans and Japanese
sports cars. But the most significant change
is the hospitality given to super cars, luxury
sedans, muscle cars, motorcycles, SUVs, and
an acceptance of practically everything in between.
Despite an obvious lean towards compact cars,
nothing seems taboo.
Performance parts are extremely popular for
owners, from pocket rockets to Porsches, and
the modifications are fairly similar. Forced
induction, air intakes, exhaust packages, suspension
upgrades, wheels and tires are all common across
the board. Compact and sports cars are more
thoroughly tuned, with other popular upgrades,
including braking systems, batteries, strut
braces, fuel delivery components and cam gears
and pulleys.
Cockpit alterations can be just as extensive
as under the hood. For cars with a performance
concentration, the key ingredients are racing
seats, steering wheels, short shifters and pedals,
and gauges with heavy emphasis on functionality
and less on flash.
Exterior modifications are becoming less flashy
as consumers have veered away from the explosively
visual style of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Body modifications now involve proven aerodynamic
kits, quality materials and tasteful additions.
Consumers value products that are more functional
and less ostentatious. Luxury car bodywork features
elegant kits which integrate cleanly into the
original design and resemble possibly factory
editions. At a recent Hot Import Nights, the
industries leading car show for the category,
it was interesting to note the cars on display
varied from Honda
Civic, Subaru
WRX, Lexus,
Nissan,
Volkswagen,
SUV’s, to traditional muscle cars.
This variance in vehicles signifies the enthusiasts
cross over from products created only for the
“sport compact” niche to traditional performance
parts. The tend represents a desire for less
show and more go. Source: SEMA Research and
Information Center
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