Why Porsche Purists Hate Akira Nakai | RWB

Today, we will explore the life of a man whose passion and creativity have transformed the world of tuning. Get ready to meet Akira Nakai, the founder of RWB. Let’s get started!

The Beginnings

Akira Nakai, the founder of Rauh Welt Begriff, RWB, has a fascinating story. He was part of a daring group of drivers known as "Rough World," who roamed the streets of Kashiwa, Chiba, at a time when drifting and street racing were very popular.

Nakai stood out with his modified Toyota Corolla AE86, characterized by its distinctive style: lowered suspension, cambered front wheels, wide rims, and oversized tires. This unique approach, known as "Rough," allowed him to make a name for himself in the competitive world of tuning, paving the way for his future creations on four wheels. Nakai-san worked in a garage to earn money while practicing drifting with his Toyota AE86.

You can learn more about Toyota in: How a Factory Worker Built an Automotive Empire | The History of Toyota

However, it wasn’t until the early 90s that Nakai-san fully immersed himself in the essence of Porsche. His first job on a Porsche involved a simple body repair on a 911 that had suffered a minor accident. The beauty and the symphony of Porsche’s eternal Flat Six engine captivated him.

When Nakai-san received the damaged Porsche 911 in his garage, instead of just repairing it, he decided to buy it from the customer, risking the financial stability of his garage at the time. He did this to explore all the curiosity the German brand sparked in him. This Porsche 911 became the prelude to what we now know as RWB.

Watch more here: The Other Side of Porsche: Cars and Armament in Nazi Germany

The Foundation of RWB

Nakai’s first Porsche 911, one of the most celebrated and coveted, was named Stella Artois, after the genius’s favorite beer. Six years after that first step, Nakai officially founded Rauh Welt Begriff to dedicate himself exclusively to Porsches. Stella Artois remains one of Akira Nakai’s most iconic creations.

Contrary to the conventional approach, Nakai-san selects the clients rather than the clients choosing RWB. After interviewing and evaluating potential owners, he decides who will have the privilege of carrying his modification kit on their car. Additionally, Nakai-san chooses the color of the Porsche, and no “suggestions” are accepted.

What makes RWB Porsches so special is their handcrafted approach. Each Porsche is custom-designed and built by Nakai-san to suit the owner’s needs and tastes. This means that no two RWBs are the same; each has its own character and personality. Today, those familiar with the RWB process know that Nakai personally names his creations.

To date, it’s estimated that Akira Nakai has built over 1,300 RWB Porsche units worldwide. While not all are officially registered, it’s estimated that Nakai-san builds around 100 units annually. That’s an impressive legacy of automotive modifications!

Modifications

Nakai-san is known for significantly widening the bodywork of the Porsches he modifies. This is achieved by installing wide front and rear fenders, as well as widened body panels that give the car a more aggressive and muscular appearance.

Nakai-san installs large rear wings on the Porsches, which not only add a distinctive look to the car but also improve aerodynamic stability at high speeds.

He adds a series of unique stylistic details to each modified Porsche, which can include side skirts, additional air intakes, and other elements that contribute to the distinctive look of RWB cars. In some cases, he adjusts the Porsche’s suspension to enhance the car’s handling and performance, providing a more sporty and connected driving experience.

Nakai-san travels worldwide to modify Porsche cars. He personally involves himself in each project, working alongside the owners and creating a unique bond with each vehicle.

Interestingly, Nakai prefers to work at night, finding inspiration in the darkness while transforming cars into masterpieces of engineering and design. To stay focused and energetic during these night sessions, all he needs is a constant supply of cigarettes and a good pack of Stella Artois, elements that seem to be his faithful companions in the creative process.

Nakai immerses himself in his art with unwavering determination, making every cut, fold, drill, and screw with meticulous precision and unparalleled confidence. His uncompromising approach to his work is reflected in his eccentric lifestyle, where no one dares to question his methods, no matter how unusual they may seem. This aura of authority and uniqueness contributes to the legend surrounding Nakai, making him an iconic figure in the world of tuning and car customization.

The Controversy

Many Porsche purists consider modifying a classic 911 an act of desecration that compromises its value and authenticity. The controversy centers on whether these modifications enhance or degrade the essence of the vehicles. While some argue that tuners like RWB preserve Porsche’s heritage by creating unique and emotional pieces, others believe that classic Porsches should be kept original and unaltered.

Some critics suggest that the modifications could affect the car’s balance and aerodynamics, which could negatively impact the driving experience.

Others argue that the beauty of the tuning world lies in personal expression and creativity. While there may be differing opinions on RWB’s specific style, many defend Akira Nakai and other customizers' right to express themselves through their modifications.

Opinions within Porsche are diverse: Yinguang Casper Yuan, Porsche’s PR Manager for Asia, sees tuners as agents who enrich the brand’s heritage. Frank Haunstetter, Porsche Motorsport’s Chief Project Engineer for Bodyworks, also has a relevant view.

He notes that if there is a gathering event, whether in Asia or the United States, all types of Porsches are welcome: from factory models to Akira Nakai’s iconic RWBs and Singers. At Porsche, they take care of their customers and people, and these tuners are also part of that community.

Learn more in: Are Singers Really Better Than RWBs? | Singer

In Asia, tuners like RUF and RWB are highly valued by Porsche customers, which the brand sees as a symbiotic relationship. In short, RWB is a brand that evokes passion and divides opinions. For some, it represents creativity and individuality in the automotive world, while for others, it challenges the purity of classic Porsches. The discussion of preservation versus personalization remains a hot topic in the Porsche enthusiast community.

Accessories

RWB doesn’t just modify Porsches; it has also ventured into creating watches inspired by their iconic automotive creations. These watches aren’t accessible to everyone, as they come with a considerable price tag of $1,795 or €1,646. This move into watchmaking represents an extension of the RWB brand into the world of fashion and lifestyle, capitalizing on its distinctive aesthetic and recognition within the automotive enthusiast community.

Nakai-san was immortalized as the "Icon Builder" in the 2015 video game Need for Speed, a distinction that highlights his influence on car culture. His renowned body kits, bearing his distinctive signature, are available for certain Porsche models within the game, allowing players to virtually customize their vehicles with RWB’s unique style.

One of Nakai-san’s most notable projects, known as "RWB Champagne," was carried out in Champagne, France, adding a touch of glamour and elegance to his already impressive list of creations.

Although he is best known for his Porsche modifications, Nakai-san has also worked on customizing some BMW models. Although less frequent than his Porsche projects, the BMWs modified by Nakai-san often showcase his distinctive RWB style and artistic approach to car modification.

Nakai-san has also customized some Volkswagen models, adding his unique and stylistic touch to vehicles like the Golf and Beetle. Additionally, Nakai-san has worked on customizing some Toyota models, such as the AE86 and Supra.

While Akira Nakai is best known for his Porsche modifications through RWB, he has demonstrated his skill and creativity in customizing a variety of car brands and models, reflecting his versatility and status as one of the most influential car customizers in the world.

The Founder’s Legacy

Beyond the visual spectacle, RWB is more than a customization shop. It has become a global community of passionate enthusiasts who deeply appreciate Nakai-san’s craftsmanship. He meticulously builds each RWB himself, often flying around the world to work directly with owners. This collaborative process allows enthusiasts to witness the passion and dedication that Nakai-san pours into each creation.

Nakai-san’s influence extends far beyond the walls of his workshop. His bold and unapologetic approach to automotive design has inspired countless people, reshaping the landscape of custom cars. RWB Porsches have become automotive icons, gaining worldwide recognition for their striking presence and visceral driving experience.

Akira Nakai is a true visionary who has revolutionized automotive customization through his extraordinary craftsmanship and unwavering passion for Porsches. His creations under the RWB, Rauh Welt Begriff, banner have become synonymous with automotive individuality, capturing the hearts and imaginations of enthusiasts around the world.

Nakai-san reminds us that true beauty lies in authenticity and personal expression. Therefore, as RWB continues to leave its mark on asphalt around the world, Akira Nakai’s legacy will continue to burn with the same intensity and passion that inspired him from the beginning.