Unless you have lived under a rock the whole time, you are most likely familiar with Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB). But, just for the sake of it, let us refresh your memory.
RWB, or Rauh-Welt Begriff, is a Japanese automotive tuning company specialising in Porsche models. Founded in the 1990s by Akira Nakai, RWB is renowned for its distinctive wide-body kits and aggressive, race-inspired designs.
Nakai, a self-taught mechanic, gained global recognition for his unique approach to modifying Porsches, particularly older 911 models, blending Japanese craftsmanship with a raw, hand-built aesthetic. Each RWB build is tailored to the owner’s preferences, often featuring exaggerated fenders, custom wheels, and a lowered stance. The brand has a cult following and is celebrated for its artistry and individuality in the automotive world.
You will not simply see any of these on the roads because of how unique they are. Most are kept as showpieces or only displayed during car exhibitions. Recently, RWB Collective Malaysia allowed us to get up close and personal with a few of the models from their collection.
Hosted at Tanamekar, PJ, RWB Collective showcased four unique models that are for Malaysia starting with the Hyakka Ryoran, Yugata, Mirai Yosouzu and finally the Yamato Nadeshiko. These are not new creations as they have been around since 2014.
The Hyakka Ryoran
The Hyakka Ryoran, based on the Porsche 993, is the fourth RWB in Malaysia. This was completed by Akira Nakai in 2015 and the name translates to “ A Profusion of Flowers,” which symbolises beauty and elegance.
The Yugata
This is the 12th RWB in Malaysia and was completed by Nakai-san in 2023. The Yugata is based on the Porsche 993 and the name “Yugata” translates to “Evening” or “Dusk” in Japanese. This symbolises the beauty of the sun setting and the Yugata attracted significant attention on social media with over 25 million views across various platforms within 48 hours of its release.
The Mirai Yosouzu
The Mirai Yosouzu RWB, also a Porsche 993, marked the seventh RWB build in Malaysia and was completed in 2018. Its name translates to “Forecast for the Future,” which means it symbolises vision. Not to mention that this was the first RWB to collaborate with HotWheels International.
The Yamato Nadeshiko
The first RWB build in Malaysia, The Yamato Nadeshiko RWB, is a custom Porsche 993. The name “Yamato Nadeshiko” is a Japanese term that refers to the idealised image of a traditional Japanese woman, embodying qualities such as grace, strength, and beauty. This name reflects the car’s elegant yet powerful design, blending RWB’s signature aggressive styling with a sense of refinement.
We also got to hear music that comes out of its exhaust pipes and that to us, has got to be one of the best ways to annoy your neighbours.
Jazeman Jaafar
Making his entry with style in the Mirai Yosouzu was Jazeman Jaafar, the ambassador for RWB Collective. Jazeman is a Malaysian racing driver who has made a name for himself in various motorsport disciplines, including single-seater racing, GT racing, and endurance racing.
Beyond his racing career, Jazeman is actively involved in nurturing young talent in Malaysia. He supports grassroots motorsport initiatives and serves as a role model for aspiring drivers in the region. His dedication, professionalism, and passion for motorsport have made him an influential figure in the industry.
We managed to ask him some burning questions such as “Are these cars for sale?” It was a no because RWB Collective wants to preserve these cars and maintain them as part of their collection.
Jazeman also noted that they will soon be opening a motorsports hall in Kuala Lumpur where six of the RWB builds will be available for public viewing.
This event brought together people from various platforms and managed to give us, the media, an insightful view of the RWB culture here in Malaysia.
