Return to Uzone News Portal
Uzone.id – Car modification trends, especially among teenagers, tend to come and go in cycles. In Europe, a region with a deep automotive history and a unique car culture, the trend is thriving more than ever. Despite strict regulations on vehicle modifications, governments across the continent haven’t been able to stop its growing popularity.
“Modifying cars is a way for young people to express their individuality and showcase their creativity. It’s also a way to connect with others who share the same passion,” said Alex Smith, a British automotive journalist who frequently covers car modification events in Europe.
Let’s dive into some of the most popular modification styles capturing the hearts of Europe’s young car enthusiasts.
1. Minimalist and Elegant Aesthetics: Scandinavian Tuning
Inspired by Scandinavian design, which is known for its simplicity and functionality, this modification style focuses on subtle yet significant changes. The hallmarks of Scandinavian tuning include the use of minimalist rims. Clean and simple wheel designs, often in dark or silver colors.
The lower suspension is also a hallmark of this modification, although it is also present in many other styles. The lower suspension in Scandinavian tuning gives a sportier look and sticks to the road.
Usually, this style of modification doesn’t have many additional accessories, just an emphasis on bold body lines. Meanwhile, the interior is more geared towards the use of high-quality materials in neutral colors.
“I like the minimalist look of my car. It’s like a moving work of art on the road. All the details are very carefully designed to create a clean and elegant impression,” stated Mikael Nilsson, a Swedish graphic designer whose car was modified in the Scandinavian Tuning style.
2. Elegant Street Racing: Stance
The stance modification style seems to be popular in many parts of the world, including Europe. It focuses on a very low profile with tires that almost touch the fenders. Although originally popular in Japan, the stance has also gained a lot of fans in Europe.
Usually, stance modifications rely on air suspension. With this suspension, car owners have the flexibility to raise or lower the height of the car. Not to forget, the stance flow is characterized by negative camber. This change makes the wheels look slanted inward, giving it a unique look.
Wide rims with thin tire profiles are also one of the characteristics of stance. It gives an aggressive impression and sticks to the road. Meanwhile, changes in the body kit are usually more minimal, as they are designed to blend in with the car’s body lines.
3. Retro Modern: Resto Mod
Combining classic aesthetics with modern technology, this modification style transforms old cars into more performance and comfortable vehicles. Usually, retro-modern modifications are characterized by a classic interior. Maintaining the original design of the car but with modern touches such as LED lights.
Unlike the exterior, the interior is made more modern in this style. By using high-quality materials and the latest technology such as infotainment systems.
Usually, modern retro modifications make improvements to the engine. This can be done by using a more powerful engine or even an engine from a modern car. The suspension part is also usually re-tuned, to provide better handling and modern driving comfort.
4. Stylish Off-Road: Overlanding
The trend for camping and outdoor adventures has led to the rise of the overlanding modification style, which is also popular in Europe. Cars are modified to explore difficult terrain. The hallmark of this modification is using cars that are built for off-roading.
Then the cars that are made overlanding usually use a lift kit. This modification raises the height of the vehicle to increase ground clearance. Coupled with the use of off-road tires to provide good traction on various terrains.
Because it is used to more extreme terrain, overlanding modifications usually provide underbody protection. This is done to protect important components from damage.
Not to forget, additional accessories to support camping in the wild. Usually, overlanding cars install roof racks, roof tents, and other camping equipment.
5. Performance Tuning
For speed enthusiasts, performance modifications remain a popular choice. The main focus is on improving the engine power and handling of the car. Some common modifications include upgrading the engine. Usually, modifiers of this genre replace the engine components with more powerful ones commonly referred to as engine swap.
Replacing a powerful engine is not enough for fans of this modification. Usually, modifiers add a turbocharger or supercharger to increase power. If these things have been done, changing the exhaust system is a must. By changing the exhaust, not only does it get a booming sound, but it also improves the exhaust gas.
Usually, lovers of this modification also make changes to the suspension. Instead of making it softer, it is made stiffer to improve handling and reduce body roll.
Usually, this modification trend in Europe is supported by several factors. One of them is government regulation. Government regulations regarding vehicle modifications greatly influence the growing trend.
On the other hand, the accessibility of aftermarket parts is crucial to support various modification styles. Plus, each country in Europe has its own unique automotive culture, which is reflected in the popular modification styles. Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube play a big role in spreading the latest modification trends.
“The demand for aftermarket parts for car modifications in Europe continues to increase. This shows that people’s interest in car modifications is growing,” said an automotive expert from Germany, Peter Jansen.
Car modification trends in Europe are diverse and constantly evolving. From minimalist looks to extreme performance, every individual can find a style that suits their taste. The most important thing is to modify the vehicle wisely and keep driving safety in mind.
