These days many new cars come equipped with sporty looking bodykits but do these bodykits really add any function or is it just for looks? typically a bodykit is made from ABS plastic or fibreglass. The design of the bodykit can make the car look more sporty or edgy compared to the original car. Big factories that are linked to car companies such as TRD, Mugen, Nismo, Brabus and etc are usually more subtle without the crazy wings and are visually acceptable to most people. These kits usually comprise of a new front bumper or splitter, rear spoiler, and side skirts. The outrageous types such as C-West, Liberty Walk, DAMD and XXX are offer much more extreme designs with flared out wheel arches, large rear wings and much lower and more aggressive front bumpers.
If designed correctly the bodykit will add downforce to the car at high speed improving stability and handling. If designed badly it will create more aerodynamic drag and additional weight on the car. A well designed kit would have been CAD designed and even tested in the wind tunnel for aerodynamic efficiency. Cars like the first generation Audi TT needed a rear spoiler fitted to keep the rear of the car stable because the original car's rear generated lift at high speed and resulted in many accidents when the driver applied the brakes and the tail became unstable.
The front of the car can also benefit from a well designed bodykit with the suitable ducting to channel cool air into the engine, radiator and brakes. For racing applications this is critical and similarly for cars which are put on race tracks. Car's like the BMW M3 or Porsche 911 have these features integrated into their front bumper design. The tricky part is to design it to be function but yet aesthetically appealing. There are cases where a bodykit is designed to look good but serves no function and may even hinder the performance of the car. these are purely for display and to look good but if put to use it will reduce the performance of the car.
The evolution of the bodykit has gone many steps forward compared to 10 years ago. Apart from usage of better materials that are lighter and stronger, additional parts have also been added such as vortex generators attached to the rear windshield and rear diffusers. These add downforce to the car. Some kits also include flat under floor plates what help channel air under the car more efficiently for better aerodynamics and improve stability of the car.
