The Art of RWB: Akira Nakai The Creator

TLDR

• Akira Nakai, born in Japan, founded RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB) to customize Porsches.

• RWB Porsches feature Nakai's signature widebody kits, emphasizing individuality and performance.

• Each build is a bespoke masterpiece, personally crafted by Nakai-san, ensuring exclusivity.

• RWB Porsches are not just cars; they embody a rebellious spirit and a unique driving experience.

• Owning an RWB Porsche is a privilege, with prices ranging from $100,000 to over $300,000.

The Journey of Akira Nakai

Akira Nakai was born on October 15, 1970, in Chiba, Japan. His early years were dedicated to honing his skills in car customization, a passion that would shape his future. Nakai became a member of the notorious Mid Night Club, an underground racing group famous for their high-speed exploits on Tokyo’s highways. This formative period was crucial for developing his understanding of aerodynamics and performance modifications, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors with RWB.

Nakai's love for customizing cars led him to the world of Porsche, where he saw an opportunity to merge performance with artistic expression. In the early 1990s, he founded RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB), which translates to "Rough World Concept." The name reflects his gritty, aggressive approach to tuning and car culture.

The Birth of RWB

Nakai gained recognition for his work on his personal Porsche 930, affectionately named "Stella Artois." This iconic vehicle featured the now-signature wide fenders, low stance, and race-ready aesthetic that would become synonymous with the RWB brand. The car caught the attention of fellow Porsche enthusiasts, leading to a growing demand for Nakai’s unique craftsmanship.

What truly sets Nakai apart from other tuners is his hands-on approach. He personally installs every RWB kit, traveling across the globe to ensure that each build meets his exacting standards. His distinctive hand-cut, riveted-on widebody fenders create a raw and rebellious look that contrasts with the precision-engineered modifications of other tuners. Each RWB Porsche emphasizes individuality, ensuring that no two are ever identical.

The Philosophy Behind RWB

Beyond aesthetics, Nakai’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the driving experience. He believes that Porsches should be driven hard and enjoyed on the road, not merely admired in garages. This passion for performance and artistry has earned him a cult-like following, with RWB chapters established in multiple countries, from Japan to the U.S., the U.K., and beyond. RWB isn’t just about building fast cars; it’s about crafting an experience—a connection between driver and machine that transcends traditional automotive culture.

Nakai-san’s legacy continues to grow as more enthusiasts seek to join the exclusive world of RWB. RWB Porsches are among the rarest custom Porsches in existence, with Nakai-san and his small team handling a limited number of builds each year. It’s estimated that fewer than 200 RWB Porsches exist worldwide, making them incredibly exclusive. Their handcrafted nature and cult-like following make them highly desirable among collectors and enthusiasts.

What Makes RWB Porsches Special?

Each RWB Porsche is a unique creation, meticulously built by hand and shaped by Nakai-san himself. His attention to detail ensures that no two builds are ever alike. RWB Porsches challenge the traditional definition of a Porsche, introducing an aggressive aesthetic that defies convention. With only a handful produced each year, owning an RWB Porsche is a privilege reserved for those who truly appreciate rare automotive artistry.

The Unique Build Process of an RWB Porsche

Exclusivity is everything when it comes to RWB Porsches. Akira Nakai, the mastermind behind RAUH-Welt Begriff, personally oversees every transformation. The process is unlike any other in the automotive world. To begin, owners must place an order directly with Nakai-san or an official distributor. Once approved, the widebody kit is shipped, but the real work starts with car preparation and painting.

Finally, Nakai himself arrives on location to fit the kit, completing the transformation in just 1-2 days. This hands-on approach ensures that every RWB Porsche is a bespoke work of art, making each one a rare masterpiece.

The RWB Phenomenon

RWB Porsches are not just modified cars; they are rolling pieces of art. Nakai-san masterfully sculpts each vehicle, transforming the classic lines of Porsche’s air-cooled icons into wide-bodied, aggressive silhouettes that stand out in any setting. His craftsmanship breathes new life into each car, merging aesthetics with performance. The result is a creation that commands attention on the streets and at automotive events worldwide. RWB isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement.

The Rebellious Spirit of RWB

Owning an RWB Porsche is not for the faint-hearted. These cars embody a rebellious spirit that challenges the status quo. Unlike traditional Porsche purists, Nakai-san embraces a bold, untamed aesthetic—handcrafted, rivet-on fenders that scream individuality. Every RWB build reflects the owner’s personality, pushing the boundaries of traditional automotive design. They are not just about speed; they are about self-expression, a testament to breaking free from convention.

The Thrill of Driving an RWB Porsche

Driving an RWB Porsche is an experience that captivates every sense. The deep growl of a modified exhaust, the low and wide stance gripping the asphalt, and the sheer visual presence—it’s automotive nirvana. Unlike standard supercars, an RWB Porsche is built to be driven hard. Each car is designed for high-performance excitement while maintaining the raw mechanical connection between driver and machine. Whether on the streets or the track, an RWB Porsche demands to be felt, heard, and admired.

The Cost of Owning an RWB Porsche

How much does an RWB Porsche cost? The answer isn’t straightforward—every build is unique, with pricing dependent on multiple factors:

• The Donor Car: Typically, RWB builds start with a Porsche 930, 964, or 993. The condition of the base car plays a significant role in the overall cost.

• Modification Levels: Some opt for a Stage 1 build, including the widebody kit and minor enhancements, while others go full-throttle with a Stage 3 build, featuring an engine overhaul and advanced aerodynamics.

• Personalization: Custom wheels, unique paint jobs, upgraded suspensions, and performance exhausts all contribute to the final price.

A basic RWB build—including the donor car—typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 USD, while heavily customized builds can exceed $200,000 to $300,000 USD.

Conclusion: The RWB Legacy

RWB Porsches are more than just cars; they are statements of passion, rebellion, and individuality. Their combination of bold aesthetics, handcrafted details, and exhilarating driving dynamics makes them some of the most coveted vehicles in the world. For those lucky enough to own one, an RWB Porsche is not just a machine; it’s a lifelong experience, a rolling masterpiece, and a symbol of automotive artistry.

Do you want one?

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