Vinyl graphics using the traditional design ‘batik’
The Lancer Evolution IX on display at the show was the customized vehicle that won the number one position at the IMX in 2022 and is a fusion of Japanese and Indonesian parts. The striking vinyl graphics are based on ‘batik’, a traditional Indonesian fabric.
The exterior finish incorporated in this car is of the highest quality of Indonesian customization techniques and is a particularly proud point of the car’s Indonesian elements, says André.
The headlights, which also feature daytime running lights, are Indonesian-made items. Up close, they are of a high degree of perfection and are no match for Japanese customized parts. He said that in Indonesia, the technology for customized parts such as these for exterior and electrical systems is advanced and that these parts can be proudly shown off to other countries.
The engine uses mainly parts from HKS and Tomei Powered, with a 2.3-litre engine and an HKS GT III turbine for 600 hp.
Award presented to KUHL JAPAN’s R35 GT-R
This year, the Osaka Auto Messe has newly invited Andre to help cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony and has also prepared a new award, the NMAA Favourite Proper Modified Car, to decide which car was the best among the exhibited cars.
The winner of this award, which was held for the first time, was KUHL JAPAN’s R35 GT-R. We asked André why he chose it.
“The new body kit was very inspiring and impressive. I thought the linear design was fantastic, as no one else seemed to have thought of it. That was the main reason for the award.”
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It has been seven years since his first visit to the Osaka Auto Messe, but Andre still seems to be inspired by the Japanese custom scene. This interview gave us the impression that the relationship between Osaka Auto Messe and NMAA will deepen and that the custom scene in both Japan and Indonesia will continue to stimulate each other in the future. The future of the Indonesian customization scene is also something to keep an eye on.
translated by DeepL