Caractere Front Bumper

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

I've had my eye on that same bumper, but it's a knock-off made out of fiberglass reinforced with plastic. Much cheaper than the Belgium original, but still $1200... which is why I have not purchased it.

May I ask you what you paid for it?

If my memory serves me right, an online company by the name of Wicked Bodies use to "knock-off" the Caractere bumper. In fact, they often used Caractere's photos to feature their products. I'm not certain, but this may have led to some legal issues that forced them out of business. Its possible that they now operate under a different name, however, a quick search on the web didn't reveal anything. In any case, unless the bumper has the actual Caractere insignia on it (which is an engraved during the molding process), along with TUV stamp ect.., there's a strong likelihood that the bumper originated from these people . Thats not say its bad a thing, just merely a clarification .

[xtremecc]

yes, Johnny you are right, it was still available a couple of months ago. I was looking at that bumper before as well but did not like that all bumper including splitters and air louvers was a rotomolded one piece. It would have to be all painted one color and not look good in my opinion. you can tell an original from a knock-off by looking at the top louvers ( 2 pieces, removable) bottom splitter extends the whole width of the bumper and its also removable (bigger piece) and either one or two air louvers on intakes option. carbon fiber or kevlar. I went for a cleaner look and decided to fill or shave caractere logo from bumper.

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

If my memory serves me right, an online company by the name of Wicked Bodies use to "knock-off" the Caractere bumper. In fact, they often used Caractere's photos to feature their products. I'm not certain, but this may have led to some legal issues that forced them out of business. Its possible that they now operate under a different name, however, a quick search on the web didn't reveal anything. In any case, unless the bumper has the actual Caractere insignia on it (which is an engraved during the molding process), along with TUV stamp ect.., there's a strong likelihood that the bumper originated from these people . Thats not say its bad a thing, just merely a clarification .

[Johnny Danger]

I think this vehicle belongs to a member on 6Speed. In any case, I always thought that it was a nice example of how well the Caractere bumper can look also.

[Boxtaboy]

I bought the PORSCHE trunk lettering from Suncoast Porsche in Florida. It is actually the factory lettering from the Panamera sedan, so I'm sure you can order this from any Porsche dealership. The badge on the back of the newer Cayenne's are probably the same thing too.

As for the center voids left behind the bumper, the other concern I'd have is that the left side induction cowl also protects the two audible horns from rain water/water from car washing. If water hits those horns, they can malfunction, so be careful to not spray water on them directly when you wash the car.

[Wingnut2u]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

I think this vehicle belongs to a member on 6Speed. In any case, I always thought that it was a nice example of how well the Caractere bumper can look also.

Johnny, thanks for the compliment.

I purchased the CTR bumper from xtrememotorcars.com They also sell on eBay. The customer service is fantastic and the fit of the bumper was pretty spot on. All in all it was a quality piece and I was happy with the end results.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by Wingnut2u

Johnny, thanks for the compliment.

I purchased the CTR bumper from xtrememotorcars.com They also sell on eBay. The customer service is fantastic and the fit of the bumper was pretty spot on. All in all it was a quality piece and I was happy with the end results.

Your vehicle looks great. Its one of my favorites in fact. Haven't you since gone to black wheels ?

[Wingnut2u]

This is what it looks like now with the black wheels

[RandallNeighbour]

xtrememotorcars.com contacted me via my web site and said they'd send me this bumper, their side skirts, rear GT2 bumper knock-off and wing for free if I agreed to paint them and put pix here and on my web site.

Then the recession hit and he didn't have the cash to do it for me.

Too bad too. That front bumper is stunning, wingnut2u... the whole car is stunning actually. One of my favorite 986's on this forum.

Keep it shiny, my friend!

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by Wingnut2u

This is what it looks like now with the black wheels

Very nice. The only thing that could make it look better, would be if it was yellow !