Who is rwb

Overview

RWB, short for Rauh-Welt Begriff (German for "Rough World Concept"), is a Japanese automotive customization company that has revolutionized the Porsche tuning scene since its establishment in 1997. Founded by master builder Akira Nakai, RWB began as a small garage operation in Chiba, Japan, focusing initially on modifying older Porsche 911 models from the 1970s through 1990s. Nakai's vision was to create vehicles that combined raw, aggressive aesthetics with enhanced performance capabilities, drawing inspiration from both Japanese bosozoku culture and German engineering traditions. The company's name reflects this philosophy, emphasizing a "rough" or unrefined approach that prioritizes character and individuality over factory perfection.

Over the past 27 years, RWB has grown from a niche Japanese workshop to an internationally recognized brand with a cult following among automotive enthusiasts. The company's signature style involves dramatically widening the body of Porsche 911s, adding custom fenders, spoilers, and aerodynamic elements that give the cars a distinctive, track-ready appearance. Unlike many tuning companies that rely on computer-aided design, RWB builds are entirely handcrafted by Nakai himself, who travels worldwide to personally assemble each vehicle. This personal touch, combined with the company's commitment to preserving the soul of each Porsche, has made RWB builds highly sought after, with over 1,000 completed projects across more than 30 countries as of 2023.

How It Works

RWB's customization process is a meticulous, hands-on approach that transforms stock Porsche 911s into unique wide-body machines.

• Key Point 1: Vehicle Selection and Preparation: RWB exclusively works on air-cooled Porsche 911 models, primarily from the 964 (1989-1994) and 993 (1995-1998) generations, though older 930 models are also common. Each build begins with a thorough inspection of the donor car, which typically costs $30,000-$80,000 before modifications. The vehicle is stripped of its factory body panels, and the chassis is reinforced to handle the stress of wider track widths and increased power.
• Key Point 2: Handcrafted Body Modification: Nakai personally measures, cuts, and welds custom wide-body fenders that extend the car's width by 4-6 inches on each side, using steel or fiberglass materials. The process involves no digital templates or CAD designs—every cut is made freehand based on Nakai's experience. Each fender is individually shaped to fit the specific vehicle, requiring approximately 40-60 hours of metalwork per car.
• Key Point 3: Aerodynamic Enhancements: RWB installs custom front splitters, side skirts, and massive rear wings designed to improve downforce at high speeds. The rear wing alone can measure up to 6 feet wide and is adjustable for track use. These components are often paired with upgraded suspension systems, such as KW or Öhlins coilovers, that lower the ride height by 2-3 inches for improved handling.
• Key Point 4: Final Assembly and Detailing: After bodywork, each car receives a custom paint job, often in vibrant colors or matte finishes, followed by the application of RWB's signature decals and pinstriping. Nakai hand-fits all components, ensuring perfect alignment without gaps. The entire build process takes 7-10 days of intensive work, with Nakai typically completing one car per week during his international tours.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Impact 1: Revitalizing Classic Porsches: RWB has preserved and enhanced over 1,000 air-cooled 911s that might otherwise have been neglected or scrapped. By increasing their value and performance, the company has helped sustain interest in vintage Porsche models, with modified cars often appreciating 50-100% in value post-build. This has created a secondary market where RWB-equipped Porsches sell for $150,000-$300,000, compared to $60,000-$120,000 for stock examples.
• Impact 2: Influencing Automotive Culture: RWB's distinctive style has inspired countless imitators and shifted tuning trends toward wide-body, aggressive aesthetics. The company's events, like the annual "RWB World Meet" in Japan, attract thousands of enthusiasts and have spawned online communities with over 500,000 followers across social media platforms. This cultural footprint extends beyond Porsche to influence how enthusiasts view customization across all automotive brands.
• Impact 3: Championing Artisanal Craftsmanship: In an era of mass production and digital design, RWB demonstrates the value of handcrafted, personalized automotive work. Each build supports local economies through Nakai's international tours, which generate business for host workshops and suppliers. The company's success proves there is still demand for unique, artist-driven creations in a market dominated by factory offerings.

Looking ahead, RWB faces the challenge of evolving as air-cooled Porsche 911s become rarer and more expensive, potentially requiring adaptation to newer models or different platforms. However, the company's legacy is secure as a pioneer of automotive artistry that blends Japanese customization philosophy with European performance heritage. As electric vehicles and autonomous technology reshape the industry, RWB's emphasis on driver engagement, mechanical purity, and emotional connection serves as a reminder of what makes cars culturally significant beyond mere transportation. The future will likely see RWB expanding its influence through collaborations, limited edition builds, and continued innovation in craftsmanship, ensuring that the "Rough World Concept" remains relevant for generations of enthusiasts to come.