If you’ve ever scrolled through modded car pages or walked past a slammed 86 with an aggressive front splitter, you’ve probably wondered: is that just for show, or does it actually do something?
It’s a fair question AND one that gets asked a lot. Because while body kits definitely level up your car’s appearance, they can also serve a real purpose. The trick is knowing which mods are just visual, and which ones are built for performance.
Let’s break it down.
What exactly is a body kit?
Before we talk performance, let’s cover the basics.
A body kit is a collection of aftermarket exterior parts that are added to a vehicle to change its appearance, aerodynamics, or both. A typical kit might include:
• Front lips or splitters
• Side skirts
• Rear diffusers
• Spoilers or wings
• Widebody guards or flares
Depending on your setup, it could be a subtle OEM+ enhancement, or a full-blown, track-ready showstopper.
Looks: the most obvious benefit
There’s no denying it, body kits make your car look cooler. They add aggression, shape, and style that your stock ride just doesn’t have. Whether you’re into clean lines or bold, flared-out widebodies, there’s a kit that can make your car look faster (even if it’s not... yet).
For many drivers, that’s reason enough. And honestly? Fair enough. Your car should reflect your taste - and if that means sharper lines and a lowered stance, go for it.
At AusBody Works, we’ve got kits for all sorts of styling goals - from subtle lips to widebody transformations - so whatever look you're chasing, you’ll find something that fits the brief and your car.
But what about performance?
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Not all body kits are about aesthetics alone. Some components are designed to improve airflow, reduce drag, or increase downforce - all of which can help your car perform better under certain conditions.
Let’s run through the main parts and what they actually do:
Front lips & splitters
These sit low under your front bumper and are designed to reduce air flowing underneath the car. This can create downforce and improve grip, especially at higher speeds. On a track car, that can translate to better stability and cornering.
Side skirts
These help manage airflow along the sides of your car, reducing turbulence and keeping air moving cleanly underneath. While subtle, they contribute to a smoother aerodynamic profile when paired with front and rear components.
Rear diffusers
Mounted under the rear bumper, diffusers help manage the air exiting from underneath the car. A well-designed diffuser can reduce drag and increase downforce - again, this matters more at higher speeds.
Spoilers & wings
These are the most performance-focused parts in the kit. A properly angled wing can generate serious downforce, which presses your rear wheels into the ground and improves traction during acceleration and high-speed cornering.
That said, not all spoilers are functional with some being are purely for show. The difference? Functional ones are designed with airflow in mind and often used in motorsports or track builds. Decorative ones usually don’t have the angle, size, or placement to make a real impact.
So… will a body kit make your car faster?
Short answer: not directly.
A body kit won’t boost your horsepower or drop your 0-100 time on its own. But it can complement performance mods like tuning, suspension, or wheels by making your car more aerodynamic and planted - especially at speed.
That said, if you’re not tracking your car regularly, the gains might be more about feel and style than outright performance. And that’s totally fine.
For most street builds, body kits are about achieving the perfect balance of form and function - looking fast, feeling confident, and maybe getting a bit of extra grip when you push it through the twisties.
The AusBody Works difference: style with substance
Whether you're chasing track-ready parts or just want to stand out at the next meet,
AusBody Works has options that do both. We stock high-quality kits that:
• Look great straight out of the box (many come in gloss black or carbon-look finishes)
• Are made to fit properly (we hate dodgy fitment too)
• Include both visual upgrades and aero-inspired designs
• Can be installed DIY or professionally (and yes, we offer installs in Sydney)
So, whether you're building for show, go, or both — we've got something for your style and your setup.
Final verdict: they’re not just for looks
While body kits won’t magically make your car a track weapon, the right setup can definitely improve your car’s aerodynamics, handling, and road presence. More importantly, they help your car reflect you - whether that’s subtle and clean or loud and aggressive.
So, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your ride, don’t wait. Give it the look it deserves - and maybe even a little boost in performance while you’re at it.
