Carbon Fiber Edition 370z

robones

This thread is so interesting for so many reasons

I LOVE the look of the car! What a goal it will be to complete a full CF body for this car.


I do find 370z tune is correct in one aspect, the fact that the replica product is being associated with the Amuse aka Powerhouse Amuse brand. Billet keeps referring to his product as "CF Amuse replica". The word Amuse should not be included anywhere when this product is referenced. This is basically "370 tune's" argument. The fact that this product is not authentic and it being associated with the Powerhouse Amuse and/or Amuse brand.

By calling the replica product "CF Amuse replica" it gives it value because the name ties it to the actual authentic brand. Powerhouse Amuse is valuable and respected company to the aftermarket industry. Its products and designs are well received by the aftermarket community and its price target points, make it very exclusive to a few which adds to its value. This is why replica products use the copied brand's name, because it gives their product "perceived" value just by mere word association.

The only thing that supports "Carbon Fiber Element" argument is the fact that he is NOT selling the replica product but only using it for his own personal use. He is not profiting directly from this product in anyway shape or form.

However, you can raise the argument that this replica product is being used as advertisement to increase potential sales of other "Carbon Fiber Element" products. Billet's "advertisement" of the replica product by calling it "CF Amuse replica" stirs excitement and curiosity by potential customers which can lead to increased sales for his other products.

In the case of Varrstoen, the wheels are known within the industry as Volks replicas because enthusiasts by nature are very knowledge and passionate and they know the difference between Varrstoen wheels and Volk wheels. But to the casual consumer, you would not know they were “replicas” or perceived as being valuable because they are not associated by name with the copied brands.

Case point, Varrstoen does not refer to their products as "Volk Replicas" or "Ray Engineering" replica wheels or associate their products in any form with these brands. Varrstoen uses numbers to reference their different products they offer. Customers trying to reference a wheel made by Varrstoen must use a number system which in a way prohibits its association with the actual copied brand thus limiting is perceived value.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and any information provided herein is merely my own opinion and not of others.

muzik212

I see points on both sides. However I don't think anyone on either side intended to be as aggro as they came across. The anonymity of the internet can arouse the "key board warrior" in all of us when we feel attacked. I'm a huge fan of CFE, I've had a bunch of work done by them. They are hard working guys and honest business men, so is 370tune. This thread is about modding a kick *** car we all love.

Familiarity here is the reason for the initial statement. Amuse was mentioned bc people know what it looks like, its just a familiar point of reference. It's easier then saying "CF rear with a bar sort of thing across the rear under the license plate with some mesh and ducts on the lower left and right."

Perhaps a new thread to debate the issue if people want to keep it going? I just want to see more pics, it looks great!

Sean

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2009 370z Sport/Touring- GTM stage 1.5 SC/ Fast Intentions HFCs/ DC sport headers/ Motordyne M370/ Invidia CBE/ Carbon Fiber Element interior & engine bay accents/ Oil Cooler/ Eibach Springs & Swaybars/ UpRev/ Work Gnosis GS4's/ Z1Rotors/ ONEighty Custom Headlights