D2-AUTOSPORT 745LI Update: AUTO-COUTURE Aero
04-17-06, 10:57 PM
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D2-AUTOSPORT 745LI Update: AUTO-COUTURE Aero
Hey guys, we were trying to hold off on any pics until the new wheels arrived, but HIN Chantilly is Saturday and they won't be in for another week or so. I hate when new cars are debuted with crappy, dark show pics so here goes.
From the onset I was POSITIVE that we would NOT use the ACS or HAMANN kits for this car. Quite simply, the overall design of the 7series is very busy and the absolute last thing that it needs is MORE character lines, which is exactly what the ACS and HAMANN kits add. I really think those kits are popular because people don't even know or think to ask for anything else. (kinda like "oh i got a bimmer so i guess i gotta get ACS / Hamann".....no).
In my opinion the car needed to be "toned down" a notch. The WALD kit is a great option, but in the end the AUTO-COUTURE just could not be denied. I have always considered AUTO-COUTURE to be like BRABUS in that their design philosophy is simply to take the current line and extend it lower and thats it! In the case of this platform, the aero package has lent some unity to a otherwise discombulated design. Another major pet peeve of mine is with the foglights, its a size 15car with size 2 foglights, they just look downright dumb to me. The OEM single exhaust just would not suffice so we had a dual opening cut and a 100% custom valvetronic exhaust was fabricated this weekend by RPM Racing, I'll get some more pics with the exhuast soon.
I personally could not be happier with the overall result, its EXACTLY as I envisioned it when I was in the planning stages. Many of my associates in the industry said that the AUTO-COUTURE was too plain, but I love it. I am not one for outlandish aero, especially not on a premium flagship sedan. I hope my clublexus compadres approve
(For the record this is the only AUTO-COUTURE 7series in the US
)
The package includes:
FRONT BUMPER REPLACEMENT
REAR BUMPER REPLACEMENT (custom dual exhaust cutout)
SIDESKIRTS
FOGLIGHT
A.C.S. ROOF SPOILER
BEFORE - JAN 2006
From the onset I was POSITIVE that we would NOT use the ACS or HAMANN kits for this car. Quite simply, the overall design of the 7series is very busy and the absolute last thing that it needs is MORE character lines, which is exactly what the ACS and HAMANN kits add. I really think those kits are popular because people don't even know or think to ask for anything else. (kinda like "oh i got a bimmer so i guess i gotta get ACS / Hamann".....no).
In my opinion the car needed to be "toned down" a notch. The WALD kit is a great option, but in the end the AUTO-COUTURE just could not be denied. I have always considered AUTO-COUTURE to be like BRABUS in that their design philosophy is simply to take the current line and extend it lower and thats it! In the case of this platform, the aero package has lent some unity to a otherwise discombulated design. Another major pet peeve of mine is with the foglights, its a size 15car with size 2 foglights, they just look downright dumb to me. The OEM single exhaust just would not suffice so we had a dual opening cut and a 100% custom valvetronic exhaust was fabricated this weekend by RPM Racing, I'll get some more pics with the exhuast soon.
I personally could not be happier with the overall result, its EXACTLY as I envisioned it when I was in the planning stages. Many of my associates in the industry said that the AUTO-COUTURE was too plain, but I love it. I am not one for outlandish aero, especially not on a premium flagship sedan. I hope my clublexus compadres approve
(For the record this is the only AUTO-COUTURE 7series in the US
)The package includes:
FRONT BUMPER REPLACEMENT
REAR BUMPER REPLACEMENT (custom dual exhaust cutout)
SIDESKIRTS
FOGLIGHT
A.C.S. ROOF SPOILER
BEFORE - JAN 2006
Last edited by D2-AUTOSPORT; 04-18-06 at 05:53 PM.
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Your car looks amazing. Very elegant. 
04-18-06, 05:44 AM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
Damn Derrick, I've missed a lot in CT huh? As always, you bring out a new surprise with the 745. Excellent job, and glad to see you and your biz are doing well up there!
As always, you bring out a new surprise with the 745. Excellent job, and glad to see you and your biz are doing well up there!
04-18-06, 06:44 AM
#15
Lexus Champion
Derrick:
Car looks really sweet.
Where do you have your work done?
Are there any good local shops you recommend for regular maintenance work in CT as well as any performance work?
You can PM me if you wish.
Thanks.
Ted
Car looks really sweet.
Where do you have your work done?
Are there any good local shops you recommend for regular maintenance work in CT as well as any performance work?
You can PM me if you wish.
Thanks.
Ted