In this episode, the excitement is electrifying as we dive deeper into the final stages of the RWB Porsche 993 build series. Day four of the double RWB build brings together everything we’ve been anticipating, from the meticulous craftsmanship of Akira Nakai in his garage in Chiba, Japan, to the energy and camaraderie surrounding the project. This isn’t just about building two cars; it’s about Nakai’s influence on the global car culture, the people, passion, and precision behind these masterpieces.
Introduction to the RWB Porsche 993 Build
The RWB Porsche 993 build is a unique and highly sought-after customization of the iconic Porsche 911. At the heart of this transformation is Akira Nakai, the visionary founder of RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB). Nakai’s approach to car customization is nothing short of revolutionary, blending performance, style, and exclusivity into each build. The RWB Porsche 993 is not just a car; it’s a masterpiece that reflects Nakai’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. In this section, we will delve into the world of RWB and explore what makes this build so special.
What is an RWB Porsche?
An RWB Porsche is a customized, widebody Porsche 911, meticulously crafted by Japanese tuner Akira Nakai. These cars are instantly recognizable by their exaggerated fender flares, gigantic wings, deep-dish wheels, and exposed rivets. Each RWB Porsche is a bold statement, embodying Nakai’s “rough world concept,” which emphasizes a hands-on, improvisational approach to car building. Whether seen as rolling works of art or as blasphemous caricatures, RWB Porsches are undeniably unique, capturing the essence of Nakai’s vision and the spirit of automotive rebellion.
A Day Filled with Anticipation
The morning kicks off with the team refueling on Jersey Mikes subs before heading back to the Englewood Porsche dealership. Everyone’s eager to witness the completion of two incredible RWB Porsches—Joe’s “Goku” and Roger’s as-yet-unnamed build. For Roger, this day is particularly significant, as his car finally gets Nakai’s personal touch. As the owner, Roger feels a deep personal connection and emotional response towards his customized Porsche, reflecting his identity and pride in every modification. After watching Joe’s build come to life over the previous two days, Roger now steps into the spotlight, his excitement mounting as Nakai gets to work on his dream car.
The global admiration for RWB is not lost on anyone, as the team gets ready to document every moment with high-end camera gear, including Canon C70s and Sony A7IVs, ensuring that this East Coast build event will be captured in all its glory.
Nakai’s Mastery: Precision in Motion with Porsche
As the build moves forward, we get an up-close look at Nakai’s unique approach. Known for his ability to transform classic Porsches into widebody icons, Nakai’s work is more than mechanical—it’s an art form. Nakai is putting his personal touch onto the car, measuring everything by eye and making adjustments on the fly with an ease that comes only from years of experience. “It’s amazing,” comments Nico, a tech from the shop, as he marvels at Nakai’s precision and how effortlessly he brings the fenders, bumpers, and skirts together to achieve perfect fitment.
One of the more challenging aspects of Roger’s build was working with the car’s older suspension, which required additional adjustments compared to Joe’s newer setup. Nakai and his team spent extra time massaging the fenders to ensure the wider body sat flush, perfectly complementing the R1 Concepts Big Brake Kit (BBK) and the custom wheels designed by Matt Wong. As Nakai moves from panel to panel, every detail—no matter how small—is attended to with his characteristic perfectionism.
Widebody Kit Installation
The widebody kit installation is a pivotal part of the RWB Porsche build, transforming the car’s appearance and performance. The kit includes front and rear bumpers, side rocker panels, and massive fenders for both the front and rear, along with a choice of either a GT2 or 3.8-type wing. This installation process demands precision and an eye for detail, as each component must be meticulously fitted to the car’s body. Nakai’s team of skilled technicians ensures that every piece aligns perfectly, resulting in a unique and aggressive stance that defines the RWB aesthetic.
Body Shop Work
The body shop work is where the magic of the RWB Porsche build truly comes to life. Nakai’s team of dedicated technicians works tirelessly to perfect every detail, from cutting and shaping the car’s body to installing the widebody kit. This process is a testament to Nakai’s commitment to quality and his passion for creating one-of-a-kind vehicles. Each step requires an unwavering focus on precision and craftsmanship, ensuring that the final product is not only visually stunning but also a true reflection of the RWB ethos.
R1 Concepts and Custom Wheel Fitment: Precision is Key
As the build inches toward completion, the importance of precision machining in custom automotive design becomes increasingly clear. Collaborating with Matt Wong, who engineered custom wheels specifically for these RWB builds, R1 Concepts provided critical technical data to ensure perfect fitment with their Big Brake Kits. Brake rotors play a crucial role in optimizing vehicle performance, enhancing braking efficiency and overall durability. As we’ve seen in earlier episodes, this collaboration eliminates the guesswork, allowing Nakai and the team to confidently design around the brake system without sacrificing style or functionality.
The BBK, with its striking red calipers, adds a dynamic element to both Porsches, not only enhancing their performance but also giving the cars a more aggressive, track-ready look. By pairing custom wheels with larger brakes, the team achieves a seamless blend of aesthetics and performance, staying true to the RWB philosophy of creating cars that are as visually stunning as they are powerful.
Suspension and Performance Upgrades: The Final Tweaks
After Nakai completes the main bodywork, the team turns its attention to the final performance upgrades. The Porsches undergo meticulous suspension adjustments to perfect the stance, ensuring each car rides as smoothly as it looks. Higher quality materials in brake components contribute to reduced wear and tear, enhancing the overall effectiveness and lifespan of the braking system. Englewood Porsche’s expert technicians also fine-tune the vehicles’ handling with custom coilovers, sway bars, and engine modifications designed to bring out the best in these widebody legends.
As the finishing touches come together, it’s clear that this build is more than just a visual upgrade—these cars are built to perform. The addition of R1 Concepts’ high-performance brakes complements the suspension upgrades, offering enhanced stopping power and responsiveness. Whether these Porsches hit the track or the open road, they are now equipped for high-speed driving with precision-engineered components that deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
Capturing the Moment: Nakai’s Influence and the Enthusiast Community
One of the most touching aspects of this episode is how Nakai’s influence extends beyond the build. Some critics view modifications to classic cars as sacrilege, contrasting this with the community’s admiration for Nakai’s work. Fans like Santiago, a young enthusiast from Connecticut, travel to Englewood to witness Nakai in action. Though Santiago was unable to attend due to illness, his friend Iara made the trip to collect an autograph on his behalf. The sense of community and the emotional connection between Nakai, the cars, and the fans is something that resonates throughout the entire project. Roger, deeply moved by the camaraderie, reflects on how the seemingly simple act of assembling parts brings people together in ways he could never have anticipated.
The final day culminates in an emotional moment, as the team prepares to drive both Porsches out of the Englewood Porsche showroom—an iconic location that has now hosted two remarkable RWB creations. As the rain begins to fall, adding an extra layer of drama, the cars emerge into the twilight, ready to take on the world.
Looking Ahead: The Grand Reveal in Episode 6
With both cars now complete, we eagerly await the final reveal in Episode 6, where Joe and Roger will take their freshly minted RWB Porsches for a spin, showcasing the hard work, dedication, and artistry that went into these stunning builds. From the custom wheels and Big Brake Kits to Nakai’s final touches, these cars represent the culmination of months of planning and craftsmanship.
Stay tuned as we wrap up this unforgettable journey in the final episode of the RWB Porsche 993 x R1 Concepts build series.