Last Updated: August 5, 2025
When you hear the term RWB Porsche, your mind probably conjures images of impossibly wide, aggressively flared sports cars that look like they’ve been pulled straight from a racing movie. And honestly? You wouldn’t be wrong. These automotive sculptures represent some of the most polarizing yet beloved modified Porsches on the planet, thanks to one man’s uncompromising vision: Akira Nakai.
But what exactly makes an RWB Porsche 911 so special that car enthusiasts either worship them like automotive deities or dismiss them as sacrilegious butchery of classic German engineering? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes controversial world of Rauh Welt Begriff.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Prices, availability, and specifications mentioned may vary. Always consult official RWB sources for the most current information.
The Genesis of a Legend: Who is Akira Nakai?
Picture this: It’s 1970 in Chiba, Japan, and a future automotive icon is born. Akira Nakai, the mastermind behind every RWB Porsche that has ever graced (or terrorized, depending on your perspective) the streets, didn’t start out planning to become one of the most recognizable names in Porsche modification.
Born on October 15, 1970, Nakai San (as he’s respectfully known in the automotive community) was just another kid with a fascination for four wheels. But everything changed in the late 1980s when he spotted a Porsche 930 Turbo prowling the streets of Japan. That moment was like automotive lightning striking – the sleek lines, the raw power, the unmistakable Porsche silhouette burned itself into his consciousness and never left.
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The Birth of Rauh Welt Begriff
Fast forward to 1997, and he made a decision that would reshape the Porsche tuning world forever. He established his custom car shop, Rauh Welt Begriff, which translates to “Rough World Concept” – a name that perfectly encapsulates the aggressive, no-holds-barred aesthetic that would become his signature.
Starting as a small countryside body shop in Chiba-Ken, RWB has evolved into something much more significant than just another tuning house. It’s become a movement, a philosophy, and for many enthusiasts, a way of life.
What Makes RWB Porsche So Special?
So, what exactly is an RWB Porsche? At its core, it’s a customized Porsche 911 (think 930, 964, 993, or the occasional 997) transformed with his signature wide-body kit. Think exaggerated fender flares, deep-dish wheels, low-slung suspensions, and wings so big they could double as airplane spoilers. But it’s more than just parts—it’s a vibe, a community, and a statement. Here’s why RWB Porsche stands out:
1. Handcrafted by Nakai Himself
Unlike mass-produced body kits, every RWB Porsche is built by Akira Nakai personally. You order a kit, wait up to a year (sometimes three!), and Nakai flies to your garage with his tools. He eyeballs measurements, cuts fenders with an air saw, and sometimes even welds on the spot. It’s not a sterile factory process—it’s raw, organic, and deeply personal. Owners describe it as a surreal experience, watching Nakai San turn their 911 into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece in just two days.
Expert Insight: Automotive journalist Alex Martini, who’s covered RWB builds extensively, says, “Nakai’s process is like watching a painter create a canvas. It’s not about perfection—it’s about passion.”
2. A Blend of Art and Performance
RWB Porsche builds aren’t just for show. Sure, they’re Instagram gold, but they’re built to perform. Nakai draws inspiration from Porsche’s racing heritage, ensuring his kits enhance aerodynamics and handling. Many RWB Porsche 911 builds, like the turbocharged Rotana (built for photographer Larry Chen), are track-ready, with some hitting lap times as low as 58.8 seconds at Japan’s Tsukuba Circuit.
Here’s a quick look at what goes into an RWB Porsche build:
|
Component |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Wide-Body Kit |
Fiberglass fenders, bumpers, and side skirts for an aggressive stance |
|
Rear Wing |
Oversized for downforce, often inspired by Porsche 934/935 race cars |
|
Suspension |
Lowered with coilovers or air suspension (e.g., Aragosta) for better handling |
|
Wheels & Tires |
Deep-dish SSR rims with wide tires (up to 335mm) for grip and aesthetics |
|
Aesthetic Touches |
Rivets, canards, and custom paint jobs for that signature RWB look |
3. A Global Community
Owning an RWB Porsche isn’t just about the car—it’s about joining a family. Once your build is complete, you’re invited to an exclusive app where RWB owners chat, share builds, and even watch his work on new projects. It’s a tight-knit community that spans continents, from Japan to the U.S. to Europe. Events like the RWB New Year Party in Japan or SEMA in the U.S. bring owners together to celebrate their shared passion.
4. Controversy That Fuels the Hype
Love it or hate it, RWB Porsche builds are polarizing. Purists cry “blasphemy” when they see Nakai take a saw to a classic 911’s fenders. Online forums like Reddit are filled with debates, with some calling his work “chicken wire and hot glue” or “butchery.” Others argue it’s art, not destruction, pointing out that many RWB builds start with high-mileage or damaged 911s that might otherwise be scrapped. The controversy only adds to the allure, keeping RWB Porsche in the spotlight.
Expert Insight: Dino Dalle Carbonare of Speedhunters notes, “Nakai’s builds are performance art. Purists may cringe, but that’s the point—it’s about pushing boundaries.”
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5. Each Car Has a Soul
Every RWB Porsche gets a unique name chosen by Akira, often inspired by the owner’s personality or the build’s vibe. From Pandora One to Hoonigan to Tsubasa (Japanese for “wings”), these names add a personal touch. Nakai believes every car has a soul, half from its design and half from its owner. This philosophy resonates with fans, making each RWB Porsche 911 a storytelling masterpiece.
The RWB Process: From Dream to Reality
Want an RWB Porsche? It’s not as simple as clicking “Add to Cart.” Here’s how it works:
-
Find a Donor Car: You’ll need a Porsche 911 (930, 964, 993, or 997). Good luck finding a clean one—prices for air-cooled 911s have skyrocketed.
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Order the Kit: Contact RWB through their website (rwb.jp) or an authorized shop. Kits start at around $28,000, not including paint or additional mods.
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Wait Your Turn: The waitlist can be one to three years. Nakai’s schedule is packed, and he builds only about 60 cars a year.
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Prep the Car: Get the kit painted and source wheels, tires, and suspension. Nakai will specify what works best.
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Nakai Time: Akira Nakai flies to your garage, tools in hand. Over two days, he transforms your 911, often working late into the night fueled by coffee and cigarettes.
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Name It: Nakai names your car, and you’re officially part of the RWB family.
Here’s a cost breakdown for context:
|
Item |
Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
|
Donor Porsche 911 |
$50,000–$150,000+ |
|
RWB Wide-Body Kit |
$28,000–$40,000 |
|
Paint Job |
$5,000–$15,000 |
|
Wheels & Tires |
$5,000–$10,000 |
|
Suspension Upgrades |
$3,000–$8,000 |
|
Total (Approx.) |
$91,000–$223,000+ |
Note: RWB Porsche price varies based on the donor car’s condition and mods. Akira Nakai price for the kit and installation is typically $28,000–$40,000.
The Investment Perspective
While RWB Porsche builds aren’t cheap, they’ve proven to hold their value remarkably well. In fact, many have appreciated significantly over the years, making them not just passion purchases but potentially sound investments. The combination of Akira Nakai’s growing legend and the limited number of builds ensures these cars remain highly sought after.
The Controversy: Art or Sacrilege?
The Purist Perspective
Not everyone loves what Akira Nakai does to Porsches. Purists argue that taking a classic 911 and dramatically modifying its bodywork is automotive sacrilege. They see these cars as works of art that should be preserved in their original form, not transformed into something Ferdinand Porsche never intended.
The Modernist Defense
On the flip side, RWB supporters argue that Nakai San is continuing the tradition of Porsche racing modifications that date back to the company’s earliest days. After all, Porsche has always been about pushing boundaries and improving performance – isn’t that exactly what RWB does?
Expert Insights: Industry Perspectives
According to automotive journalist and Porsche specialist Magnus Walker, “Akira Nakai represents something pure in the tuning world – he’s not building cars for trends or quick profits. He’s creating automotive art based on his personal vision, and that authenticity resonates with enthusiasts worldwide.”
Renowned automotive photographer Larry Chen adds, “The first time you see an RWB Porsche in person, it’s shocking. The proportions are so extreme that your brain almost can’t process it. But then you realize that’s exactly the point – these cars are meant to provoke a reaction.”
The Technical Breakdown
Performance Modifications
| Component | Typical RWB Upgrades | Performance Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Coilover systems, adjustable dampers | Improved handling, track readiness |
| Wheels/Tires | Custom wide wheels, high-performance tires | Better grip, enhanced appearance |
| Aerodynamics | Front splitters, rear wings, side skirts | Increased downforce, stability |
| Engine | Varies by customer preference | Enhanced power delivery |
The Build Process
The transformation of a regular Porsche into an RWB Porsche is an intensive process that can take several weeks. Akira Nakai approaches each build as a unique project, considering the owner’s preferences, intended use, and the car’s original condition.
The process typically begins with careful disassembly, followed by the dramatic bodywork modifications that give RWB cars their distinctive appearance. Every cut, every rivet, every adjustment is made by Nakai San himself, ensuring that each car meets his exacting standards.
The Global Impact
RWB Around the World
What started as a small operation in Japan has now become a global phenomenon. RWB Porsche builds can be found on every continent, from the streets of Los Angeles to the racing circuits of Europe. This international expansion has helped cement Akira Nakai’s reputation as one of the most influential figures in modern automotive culture.
Influence on Popular Culture
The distinctive look of RWB Porsche builds has influenced everything from video game designs to fashion. The aggressive aesthetic has become synonymous with a particular type of automotive enthusiasm that values boldness over subtlety.
Finding RWB Porsche for Sale
The Reality of Acquisition
Finding an RWB Porsche for sale is like hunting for automotive unicorns. Due to the limited production and high demand, these cars rarely come to market, and when they do, they command premium prices. The exclusivity is part of the appeal – owning an RWB build means joining a very select group.
What to Expect
When you do find an RWB Porsche available for purchase, expect to pay significantly more than you would for a comparable stock Porsche. The combination of Akira Nakai’s craftsmanship, the extensive modifications, and the car’s exclusivity all contribute to its value.
The Future of RWB
Continuing Legacy
As Akira Nakai continues to build his automotive legacy, the future of RWB looks bright. The demand for his unique creations shows no signs of slowing down, and his influence on automotive culture continues to grow.
Preserving the Philosophy
One of the most remarkable aspects of RWB is how Nakai San has maintained his original vision despite the company’s growth. Each RWB Porsche still receives the same personal attention and craftsmanship that defined the early builds, ensuring that the brand’s integrity remains intact.
Conclusion
The world of RWB Porsche represents something truly special in automotive culture. Whether you view Akira Nakai’s creations as masterpieces or modifications gone too far, there’s no denying their impact on the enthusiast community. These cars embody a philosophy that values personal expression, functional performance, and uncompromising craftsmanship.
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by mass production and computer-controlled everything, RWB Porsche builds stand as monuments to individual artistry and hands-on craftsmanship. They remind us that cars can be more than mere transportation – they can be expressions of creativity, passion, and personal vision.
For those lucky enough to own an RWB Porsche 911, they possess not just a modified sports car, but a piece of automotive history crafted by one of the most influential figures in modern car culture. And for the rest of us? We get to appreciate these rolling works of art from afar, dreaming of the day we might join the exclusive RWB family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Akira Nakai so famous?
A: Akira Nakai became famous for his unique approach to Porsche modification through his company RWB (Rauh Welt Begriff). His distinctive wide-body designs, personal hands-on approach to every build, and the creation of a global automotive community around his vision have made him a legendary figure in car culture. His work represents a perfect blend of Japanese tuning philosophy with German engineering, creating something entirely new and instantly recognizable.
Q: How much does Akira Nakai charge per car?
A: The cost of having Akira Nakai build an RWB Porsche varies significantly depending on the base car, desired modifications, and location. Generally, expect to invest anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000+ for the conversion alone, not including the cost of the base Porsche. This price reflects not just the modifications, but the exclusivity of having Nakai San personally craft your vehicle.
Q: Which country is Akira Nakai from?
A: Akira Nakai is from Japan, specifically born in Chiba on October 15, 1970. His Japanese heritage heavily influences his design philosophy, combining traditional Japanese attention to detail and craftsmanship with bold aesthetic choices. His workshop, RWB, is located in Chiba-Ken, Japan, though he travels worldwide to work on customer cars.
Q: What is an RWB Porsche?
A: An RWB Porsche is a customized Porsche 911 modified by Rauh-Welt Begriff, a Japanese tuning company founded by Akira Nakai. It features distinctive widebody kits, aggressive styling, and performance upgrades, tailored to each customer’s preferences.
Q: How much does an RWB Porsche cost?
A: The cost starts at around $20,000-$25,000 for the RWB body kit alone, excluding the base Porsche, paint, suspension, wheels, and installation, which can push total costs to $40,000 or more. Prices vary based on customization.
Q: Who is the RWB Porsche guy?
A: Akira Nakai is the founder of Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB). He’s a Japanese tuner known for his hands-on approach, crafting unique widebody Porsche 911s with a blend of Japanese and European tuning styles.
Q: How do I contact Akira Nakai?
A: Contact Nakai through official RWB partners like RWB USA (rauhweltusa@gmail.com) or RWB UK. Direct inquiries are typically handled via their websites or email, as Nakai travels globally for builds.
Q: Are RWB Porsches rare?
A: Yes, RWB Porsches are rare, with only about 500 built worldwide due to Nakai’s personal involvement in each project and a waitlist of up to 3 years.
Q: Are RWB Porsches street legal?
A: RWB Porsches can be street legal if modifications comply with local regulations. However, their low stance, wide tires, and aggressive setups may require adjustments to meet road laws in some regions. Check local regulations
External Links
- Learn more about Akira Nakai on Wikipedia.
- Visit the official RWB Japan website for the latest on Rauh-Welt Begriff builds.