The aftermarket modification scene in the automotive world continues to thrive. Those with the money to buy expensive toys are always looking for exclusivity and originality, a way to stand out from the masses, the rich masses that is...
Mansory, Nero Design, Onyx, 1016 industries are all recognisable names in the modification game but the real question still remains. Are modifications being done for the sake of it or are these changes improving the manufacturer's designs?
Here we take a look at some of the biggest aftermarket tuners in the game and their take on Lamborghini's Aventador S.
Mansory Aventador S - 7/10
+ Forged Carbon, Continuation of design language
- Marmite wheel design, too few modifications
Mansory are a big name in the automotive tuning world and are well known for their bold approach and almost marmite like designs. You either hate them or you love them!
Surprisingly, Mansory's take on the Aventador S ranks as one of their more modest designs with the trademark use of forged carbon throughout taking the most prominent role alongside subtle enhancements to the usual go to areas.
A revised front bumper is the main enhancement to the front as the forged carbon lip replaces the standard version from Lamborghini. Mansory's design is slightly more aggressive, the added flicks at the edges of the bumper the main diversion from the stock look.
The rear view is where the biggest changes happen, forged carbon again is used throughout, the rear diffuser now completely transformed with the marble like look of the forged carbon contrasting well with the paintwork. The design itself remains mainly unchanged with an additional slat added at the ends for good measure.
The fixed rear wing is the first "new" element sat on top of the stock retractable wing. Forged carbon again is the go to material, the design matches the original from Lamborghini with adjustments to the height and length helping the new wing to stand out better.
The wheels represent the biggest let down on Mansory's enhancements. Lifted from Mansory's full fat Aventador redesign, the Carbonado V central locking alloy wheels, in my opinion, do not look better than the stock options and appear out of place with the overall look of the car.
The Mansory redesign is a subtle one with tasteful enhancements, complimenting the original design from Lamborghini. The mods aren't as bold as the typical Mansory look, (Carbonado) instead focusing on slight improvements to add aggression aided by the extensive use of forged carbon to contrast the paintwork.
The wheels however are a big disappointment for me and prevent this from being a higher score, given they look cheaper than the stock options.
Nero Design Aventador 'S' Aero Program - 8/10
+ NDS-2 Forged Wheels, Carbon Fibre Rear Wing, Continuation of design language
- Unchanged Rear Diffuser, no exhaust option?
Nero design are one of the newer entrants into the automotive modification world, beginning with a focus on Lamborghini having touched on the Huracan and Urus plus the Aventador.
Nero Design's changes are subtle, following the lines and design language from Lamborghini, adding slight enhancements for extra aggression.
The front lip adds an additional carbon fibre layer underneath the original lip from Lamborghini. In darker colours the carbon fibre looks subtle, camouflaging into the paintwork perfectly, however also providing a great contrast to the iconic Lamborghini Arancio, Verdi and Giallo colours.
The blade at the end of carbon lip continues the pattern and form of the side skirts. Carbon fibre once again and with blades standing out from the hidden nature of the stock side skirts allowing the S that additional element of aggression and subtlety in the right places.
The rear is where the right level of Lamborghini craziness happens. A fixed carbon fibre rear wing designed by Nero towers above the rear hatch, mirroring the design of the retractable wing from Lamborghini but bigger, more flamboyant and a with cross hatch stand holding up the wing.
Disappointingly, there is no change to the rear diffuser with Nero sticking with the design from Lamborghini, which despite already looking great, could still use an enhancement.
The wheels are Nero designed NDS-2 forged wheels, with Lamborghini centre locks in a brilliant red. The biggest compliment I can give? These forged wheels are arguably on par if not better than the options from Lamborghini. The pattern and forged design give a raw material feel, almost outer space, keeping in line with the emotion this body kit is trying to exude.
The Nero design is for better use of a phrase a subtle masterpiece. The mods are enhancements that would suit a "special edition" perfectly and go to show how appropriate this body kit is. Being a less well know tuner, this kit is likely to see you operating amongst a limited number of Aventador owners without looking too out there (ahem Liberty Walks...) and is one that is highly approved from us at The Crbn Fbre Comp.
Would I do this to my Aventador S? Without a doubt.
1016 Industries Aventador S - 6/10
+ Unique Wing Design, Aggressive Front Lip and Side Skirts
- Wheel design and colour, marmite carbon fibre bonnet
Tuner 1016 Industries are big in the US. Widely known for their designs, alloy wheels, use of carbon fibre and redesigned front race hoods. For the big V12, 1016 industries have taken a more bold approach compared with Mansory and Nero Design, giving more reason to debate how well this body kit works.
Different to the other tuners, 1016 industries have created a new carbon fibre race hood fitted with vents that dip down at the centre, wildly different from the stock bonnet and almost reptile like in nature. The contrast between the carbon fibre weave, the front fenders and bumper does look odd and more so with the more extravagant Lamborghini colours.
The stock front lip has been replaced with a carbon fibre one that extends further out and makes itself known in a way the regular front lip from Lamborghini didn't. Contrasting nicely with the paintwork however also oddly with the carbon fibre hood.
1016 industries' version of the Aventador S comes with bronze wheels and a redesigned wheel pattern. The wheels are either in the category of you love em or hate em but are no doubt bold and continue along the lines of mods that are in no way looking to go unnoticed.
The carbon fibre side skirts are a good look, blending nicely with the paintwork but enough to know that they are there.
The carbon fibre wing is the biggest change to the rear, tall and more flat in design compared to the stock retractable offering from Lamborghini, the wing does the right job in adding aggression and reverting back to the old school Lamborghini appeal.
The rear diffuser is largely unchanged with extensions at the edges and additional slats added. The pin stripe is a nice touch, bringing more colour to the rear and drawing more focus towards the 3 exhaust exits.
The 1016 body kit is a grower, at first glance the bronze wheels and carbon fibre hood made me lean towards a much lower score, however the front lip, rear wing and pin stripped rear diffuser helped to redeem the overall kit for me. This is a half way house between understated mods and an out there design but still sits firmly in the world of love or hate.
Onyx Aventador SX - 8/10
+ Rear Diffuser, Bumper and Wing, Onyx emblem on glass engine cover
- Front hood
Onyx Concept is a well known, popular tuning house known for daring styling and a fantastic ability to recreate classy vehicles with a menacing prescence. Onyx' designs for the Rolls Royce Wraith and the Bentley Continental GT are perfect examples of what they are capable of but supercars, particularly one from a manufacturer as eye catching as Lamborghini, is a different kettle of fish.
The Onyx SX is the most adventurous of the 4 tuners chosen. The SX is not for the shy type as Onyx have attempted to make a menacing V12 supercar even more intimidating for all on the road including the owner!
The biggest diversion on the front of the SX is the redesigned front bonnet. Complete in carbon fibre, the vents similar to 1016 industries give off a reptile like, angry aura, kicking off the start of the road to aggression. Not one to my liking but certainly succeeding in the original brief.
The front bumper has changed, with a new carbon lip working its way all round to the edges of the bumper with additional side sills and gills making the front noticeably more angry.
Carbon fibre side skirts continue the pattern from the front with a simple but more prominent design. The forged wheels are a complex and mesmerising pattern, double decked in some places and appearing to constantly swirl even when stationary. The bronze wheels absolutely suit what Onyx are trying to do with the colour complimenting the paintwork of this example perfectly.
The rear is where Onyx have excelled themselves. The carbon fibre rear wing is completely different in both design and approach, the wing mounts almost sit in front and not directly underneath the wing, similar to the current Porsche 911 GT3, whilst the edges are shaped like the handles of a mythical sword from the middle ages.
The rear diffuser epitomises everything Onyx have tried to do with the Aventador SX.
Formed around the tunnel like exhaust exits, Onyx have completely reworked the rear. The diffuser and rear bumper are now connected with the slats angled to give off a mirror like reflection sitting below a carbon fibre floor to house the licence plate.
And what a design it is, never before has a licence plate been so welcomed by its surroundings.
The triple exhaust exits are no longer hidden as per the original Aventador S. The new design now appropriately centres the exhaust exit and brings that key element to the fore, just how it should be on a V12 Lamborghini.
Whilst aggression may have been the go to for Onyx, the carbon fibre rear slats covering the massive 6.5L V12 have been amended to include a diamond shaped glass cover of the Onyx logo. The touch is pure class and creates an air of something extra special about the Aventador SX. There's no doubting this is a Lamborghini product but Onyx Concept have done a wonderful job in putting their stamp down and make an already intimidating car, even more so.
A work of art.
Back to the original question, are aftermarket tuners creating body kits for the sake of it or are they improving on the original manufacturer's design?
For me the answer is yes they are improving and there is still a place for a variety of tuner's to put their take on these wonderful supercars. Long may this niche in the supercar world continue!
Comment down below and let us know what kit was your favourite and what one you would take?
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