VIP-style is definitely one of the newer trends in the US. With the internet bringing everyone in the world that much closer, the various styles and cultures in the automotive community can be shared and accessed by anyone. We’re happy and grateful that you choose S:N as your fix for that VIP goodness because it’s no secret that pretty much all of us here are big fans of the VIP-style. Like anything though, the style is different wherever you go, and the US has its own flavor of VIP. While some follow the trends in Japan closely, others have taken the foundations and gone from there, and that is how US-VIP was born.
Today, we’re going to take a closer look at one of the OG’s of the US-VIP game. At least I consider him an OG, and one to be respected at that. I’ve seen Michael Johnson’s Acura TL floating around the ‘net for some years. It was ahead of its time back in the day, and even now, the car holds it own while maintaining that timeless vibe. The car features all the classic touches of VIP-style all done on a chassis that normally doesn’t get much action.
What I really love about Michael’s TL is how simple and elegant it is, but the modifications are anything but. Custom, wide-fenders, Mercedes paint, a bespoke interior, and custom VIP Modulars ensure this car swings with the heaviest of hitters. While Japan has been pushing the limits with crazy body work, the US has really focused on keeping things clean, classy, and subtle, and Michael’s TL balances it all in what can only be called a total package.
First impressions of this car is that it is certainly wide. The custom fender work certainly jumps out at you, but it’s not so in-yer-face that it takes away from the rest of the car. Michael had the fenders cut and widened 2″ on each side, and radiused up 2″ all around. I always pay close attention to fender work since it’s an area that not a lot of people focus on. Keeping with the stock lines of the car is important, and the fender work should be factory quality. Notice with Michael’s quarters how the doors were widened and flared to not break up the lines. Those details are what set this car above others. I also like how Michael kept with the OE bumpers on his car. I like custom kits, but sometimes it’s hard to beat a nice lip kit. Luckily Acura had a sleek kit available from the factory in the form of an A-spec front lip and A-spec side-skirts while the rear lip is a Wings West piece. With the body modifications complete, it was time to lay down the paint. Despite the popularity of vinyl wraps and god-awful plasti-dip, nothing beats a full-on paint job. When you’re playing at this level, you gotta pay to play. Michael’s TL has been sprayed inside and out in a gorgeous Mercedes Barolo red, and the color compliments the body mods and overall theme of the car very well.
With the paint and body wrapped up, it was time for Michael to figure out his rolling-stock to fill up those widened fenders. When Michael was building the car, a wheel company by the name of VIP Modular came onto the scene, and as the name suggests, caters to the VIP-style. Tucking up under those fenders is a custom set of VX-310 VIP Modular wheels in triple-dipped chrome finished. Sized up at 18×10 +0 and 18×12 -20, the wheels fill out the fenders nicely, and sit millimeters from the fender lips. The spot-on stance is courtesy of an AirLift suspension kit. AirLift adjustable struts are at all four corners and controlled via their Autopilot v1 management and digital controller. A single Viair 380cc compressor fills a 3-gallon tank while SMC dumps with silencers keep things quiet and discrete when Michael sets the height. To dial in the camber, a pair of Ingalls upper-control arms and SPC rear-lower control arms were installed to get those wheels to tuck up nicely when aired out.
On the inside, the modifications keep coming and add to the luxurious theme of the car. Diamond stitching in red thread dominates the interior with seats, door cards, and armrests being treated with diamond-stitched suede. Even the floor mats and rear shelf were given the suede/diamond stitch treatment. A suede headliner and pillars were added to keep with the suede theme, while a Honda Inspire steering wheel, laser-etched door sills, and a classy VIP’d Out tray round out the interior.
The result of Michael’s work is a timeless car that will go down as one of the OG cars to pioneer the US-VIP style. Like the best builders, Michael isn’t in it for the fame and scene-cred. He’s just in it for himself and his car so he can enjoy it. That’s what this hobby is about. It seems a lot have forgotten that with so many after online fame and Instagram likes, people are forgetting how to build cars and no longer are pushing the limits, instead turning out cookie-cutter setups trying to up their scene-swagger.
Just remember why you got into cars in the first place. Find that flame and keep it burning. Study the styles that you like, learn their history, and make it your own. At the end of the day, build your car your way, but always remember why you’re doing it and keep it in that direction. Who knows, you may end up paving the way for others to follow.
Wheels/Tires/Suspension:
Triple Chrome Dipper VIP Modular VX-310
F:(18)J x (10)inch inset(0ish)
R:(18)J x (12)inch inset(-20ish)
break system: Rotora
Caliper size: 4 piston
Rotor size: 330mm
Air Lift AutoPilot V1 air management
Air Lift AutoPilot digital controller
Air Lift air struts (9 way adjustable dampening)
3 gallon polished air tank
Viair 380c compressor
SMC adjustable dump controls/silencer
air tool quick connection on tank
Ingalls adjustable camber upper control arm (front)
SPC adjustable camber arm (rear)
Exterior:
2″ fender radius, 2″ fender widening
OEM Acura with Acura Aspec lip
OEM Custom Cleared headlights
Trunk Wing: Medieval Pro
Roof Wing: Fastline Performance
OEM Acura with Acura Aspec lip
Acura Aspec side skirts
OEM Acura with Wings West rear lip
Mercedes Benz Barolo Red
Interior:
Double diamond stitched black suede front seats
Double diamond stitched black suede rear seats
Double diamond stitched black suede door inserts
Double diamond stitched black suede arm rest (front and rear)
Double diamond stitched black suede rear shelf
Double diamond stitched black suede floor mats
Black suede headliner
Black suede pillars
JDM Honda Inspire burl wood steering wheel
Full burl wood trim (sourced from tan interior car)
VIP’DOUT type 1 VIP table
JDM Honda Inspire laser etched door sills (front and rear)
K-Break K-Ring
Acura MDX shift knob
Pioneer AVIC 940BT DVD/NAVI/SD/MP3 head unit
Rockford Fosgate P2D4 12” subwoofer (x2)
Rockford Fosgate P400 400watt amplifier