Porsche is a renowned German automobile manufacturer, known by many as the brand behind some of the best-known sports cars ever created.
Synonymous with quality, performance, and precision engineering, Porsche cars stand out for their iconic design, featuring a distinctive sloping roofline and a powerful rear end. The Porsche 911, in particular, is one of the most recognizable car designs in the world. Porsche vehicles are also famous for their flat-six engines, celebrated for their incredible performance.
Not to mention that Porsche has an extremely strong racing heritage, with a rich history in motorsports, with numerous victories in iconic races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
To modify such iconic cars requires a unique and bold approach.
And Akira Nakai nailed it.
Known for being the Japanese automotive tuner, founder of Porsche aftermarket tuning company RAUH-Welt BEGRIFF (RWB), Nakai specializes in designing and installing custom body kits for classic and modern Porsche models.
Nakai travels around the world, meeting his customers in person, and modify their cars, often by giving them extreme body alterations.
Nakai offers options to his customers, such as new fenders, suspension adjustments and smaller aesthetic additions, like canards and special rivets.
While his usual modifications in RWB include a new front bumper, rear bumper, side skirts, wheel arches and spoilers, his signature design is making Porsches, which are known for their wide flared fenders, even wider.
HIs signature design for "RWB" Porsches is giving them extreme wide-body kits.
Nakai's and his company's modifications are said to have reached a "cult status" and his aesthetics are described as "singular".
While many admire his work, the internet often takes a different stance.
A video capturing him doing what some believe should never be done has led to RWB being labeled one of the most controversial Porsche designers.
It happened when Nakai, the founder of RWB, was customizing a customer's Porsche 911, 997.
The owner requested that the car be have a photoshoot before the build was completely finished.
To make it as if the car was already finished, Nakai attached the tow hook in its place, but used duct tape to secure it to the front bumper. While that was not final, this unconventional method sparked controversy among some car enthusiasts when the video first came out.
A lot of people started criticizing Nakai for his lack of quality.
People began questioning the integrity of the build, as well as his previous works.
Then, a lot of people also began arguing about the fate of the many Porsches Nakai 'raped'.
For example, the tuner had customized a lot of Porsches, including classic ones, as well as rare ones.
Vintage air-cooled Porsches, for example, are now considered vintage cars, and their owners are expected to be a kind caretakers. But by trusting these gems to Nakai, and have him cut and rip their fenders, is like a blasphemy.
With tools that include a reciprocating saw for cutting, a hammer for striking, a simple measuring tape for measuring, and silicone, glue, and bolts to put everythingback together, many argue that RWB stands for "Ruin Wheels Bodies."
Then, there is the fact that Nakai, despite his experience with Porsches, isn't exactly an "expert" like RUF.
While his work also includes setting up the car with properly drivable suspension setting, both from a ride height and a bump/rebound perspective, RWB Porsches no longer retain their original respective Porsche characteristics.
The wider body and tires, as well as the modified suspension, can potentially improve handling, especially in terms of grip and stability. However, the lowered ride height and wider stance can also negatively impact ride quality and ground clearance.
Not to mention that the added weight from the wide body kit and other modifications can slightly diminish acceleration and braking performance.
And lastly, while the wide body can potentially improve downforce, the overall aerodynamic efficiency might not be significantly better than a stock 911, especially at higher speeds, since the modifications aren't designed in wind tunnels.
But here's the thing, Nakai's work is largely aesthetic.
RWB is not RUF and never will be.
Whereas RUF is officially recognized by Porsche as a manufacturer, and RUF cars are legally classified as Porsches in many markets, and their models are built with Porsche’s blessing, and that it's a specialist Porsche tuner and manufacturer, and their modifications are considered factory-level by Porsche, RWB is for Porsche enthusiasts who love a customized car that looks different than the rest.
The debate about Nakai's work has been commencing for years.
But nevertheless, RWB is known for his unique approach to car modification and his dedication to creating visually striking display, not improving performance.
While the duct tape incident may have raised eyebrows, but that is to only those who don't know the whole story. What this means, the incident doesn't detract from his reputation as a skilled craftsman and innovator.
Nakai customized each car differently, and everything he created is handmade.
Nakai-San also creates only one RWB Porsche for each customer. What this means to many of those who adore is work, each RWB car is a work of art at its best.