Wataru Kato is literally a legend in his own time. Founder and CEO of Liberty Walk Performance, Kato is an aftermarket automotive designer hailing from Japan and specializing in fully customized body kits for high end performance vehicles. He has become a world leader in body kit design. His following has become almost religious due to his radical ideas. There is no other product on the market like Kato's. Many other manufactures that attempt to build wide body kits but none are like that of Liberty Walk. Every car built is done by Kato himself and his team. It gives you the idea that this is still a work of art and something hard to come by because you can actually meet its maker. There is a feeling of craftsmanship and care went into each car. Kato builds these cars "to bring out uniqueness of each automotive for owners to feel engaged with the vehicle at a personal level.”
Some find his work ridiculous and over the top. To the purist of each brand he lays his hands on, Kato is a murderer, diminishing the reputation, usability, and intention of the cars he works on. However to many others, Kato is enhancing and highlighting the best features of every vehicle. Lets start with some of Kato's best work and my favorite car of all time: the Ferrari F40
Some find his work ridiculous and over the top. To the purist of each brand he lays his hands on, Kato is a murderer, diminishing the reputation, usability, and intention of the cars he works on. However to many others, Kato is enhancing and highlighting the best features of every vehicle. Lets start with some of Kato's best work and my favorite car of all time: the Ferrari F40
The F40 is one of the best cars to ever to come out of any manufacturer. Hands down! It is widely known as just an all around bad ass but also a absolute masterpiece. Im sure when some people found out the Kato was getting his hands on one, their heart might have sank a little bit. That was until they saw the finished product. This beautifully designed and executed F40. Coming in white, a color never originally manufactured, was the first step in making it radically different. Adding Eniki wheels and some carbon fiber bits really added to the over all menacing look. This is by far my favorite car of all time!
Another one of Kato's major projects was the LB Performance BMW e92 M3. Since I deal with BMWs on almost a daily basis this is also one of my favorite cars.
Another one of Kato's major projects was the LB Performance BMW e92 M3. Since I deal with BMWs on almost a daily basis this is also one of my favorite cars.
Kato fabricated new over fender arch extension flares that really give the car an extremely dramatic appearance. Also adding a new spoiler to the trunk and custom Rotiform wheels, the look of the car is radically different and much more aggressive. I think the color choice also didn't hurt to much.
Although Kato works with many different high end models some of his most important and radical work is done with Lamborghini. His Murciélago and Aventador body kits are some of the best looking cars on the plant. The signature design of large fender flares and aggressive stance with wider wheels and lower right height really puts these super cars into a whole new realm. There are in a very select group of vehicles that are half a million dollars and highly modified and these two surely fall into it.
Although Kato works with many different high end models some of his most important and radical work is done with Lamborghini. His Murciélago and Aventador body kits are some of the best looking cars on the plant. The signature design of large fender flares and aggressive stance with wider wheels and lower right height really puts these super cars into a whole new realm. There are in a very select group of vehicles that are half a million dollars and highly modified and these two surely fall into it.
The Aventador does have a small body kit but it is not one that is usually as aggressive as most of Kato's other works of art. However I have a hunch that the car will probably be ready for the worlds largest custom auto show, SEMA, in November. So far here are some of the renders, and they do not disappoint.
*Photo credits to there respective owners