Rauh-Welt Begriff, better known as RWB, is currently at the center of one of the wildest automotive controversies in recent memory. It feels like the internet has collectively shifted from celebrating RWB’s distinctive style to outright tearing it apart. And it all started with a viral video of Akira Nakai—RWB’s legendary founder—seemingly gluing a tow hook onto a customer’s build.
Cue the collective gasp of the automotive community.
But let’s take a step back. What exactly is happening here, and why is it spiraling out of control? More importantly, does this controversy highlight deeper divides within the global car community? Let’s dive into it.
The Legacy of RWB
For those unfamiliar, Akira Nakai is the mastermind behind RWB, a Japanese tuning house famous for its wide-bodied, aggressively stanced Porsche builds. His journey started when he got his hands on a battered 911 in his twenties and decided to breathe new life into it. What began as a personal passion project evolved into a global phenomenon, blending Japanese tuning aesthetics with classic European performance.
In the early 2000s, RWB made its way to the United States, and with just two cars built, a cult-like following erupted. Soon, everyone wanted an RWB Porsche, and Nakai-san’s unique approach—marked by his one-man-show installation process—became the stuff of legend.
But with that fame came scrutiny.
Breaking Down the Criticism
Lately, there’s been an explosion of accusations regarding poor build quality, corner-cutting, and even outright fraud. Videos claiming Nakai-san uses “chicken wire and glue” to hold his builds together have fueled the flames, with critics alleging that these high-dollar cars aren’t worth the hype.
To find out if there was any truth behind the criticism, I took a closer look at 20 RWB builds at SEMA 2024, along with countless others around the world. And here’s the reality—there’s no widespread evidence of shortcuts or shoddy craftsmanship.
What I found instead was a builder who operates in a specific style—one that prioritizes aesthetics and artistry over technical perfection. That’s where the disconnect seems to lie.
The Reality of an RWB Build
One of the biggest misconceptions about RWB builds is that Nakai-san is solely responsible for the entire car. That’s just not the case. His role is primarily in the bodywork, ensuring that his vision for the widebody kit comes to life. The rest—engine, suspension, interior—falls to the owner or their chosen shop.
The truth is, Nakai-san’s approach is highly personal and organic, a stark contrast to the precision-driven expectations of Porsche purists. He doesn’t work in a sterile environment with a meticulously planned CAD model. Instead, he cuts, shapes, and forms each build with years of hands-on experience and an artist’s touch.
Does that mean it’s flawless? No. But that’s not the point of an RWB build.
The Cultural Divide: Why the Hate?
The uproar around RWB is more than just about a tow hook; it’s a clash of car cultures. There are three distinct automotive communities reacting to these builds, and each one sees the situation differently.
- The Japanese Tuning Culture:
- For Japanese enthusiasts, modifying cars is an expression of individuality and rebellion. Radical body kits, extreme stance, and aggressive modifications are all about self-expression, and the idea of “ruining” a Porsche isn’t really a concern.
- The European Car Collector Mentality:
- Porsche purists, especially in Europe, see these cars as sacred. To them, cutting up a perfectly good 911 is akin to blasphemy. When they see an RWB build, they don’t see art; they see destruction.
- The American Automotive Scene:
- Americans, on the other hand, celebrate individuality and standing out. RWB Porsches fit right into the loud, brash culture of American car shows and social media flexing. In the U.S., it’s about being different at all costs.
The recent controversy comes from the fact that these three cultures are colliding more than ever before—thanks to social media. Everyone has an opinion, and when those opinions clash, things get heated.
The True Value of an RWB Porsche
One of the most common criticisms is whether an RWB build is “worth the money.” And here’s the hard truth—modifying a car is never a financially sound decision. You do it because you love it, not because it makes sense on paper.
Sure, an RWB kit might set you back $50,000 or more, but the real value lies in the experience—being part of a global community of like-minded enthusiasts who are passionate about these cars. Owners describe RWB builds as more than just widebody kits; they’re a lifestyle, a badge of honor, and a gateway into an exclusive club of people who truly get it.
What’s Next for RWB?
Despite the criticism, the demand for RWB builds isn’t slowing down. People are still lining up to have Nakai-san work his magic on their Porsches, and the community continues to grow.
At the end of the day, the debate over whether RWB is ruining Porsches or elevating them comes down to personal perspective. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the impact that RWB has had on the car world.
As for me? I’m all for it. I think car culture thrives on diversity and personal expression, and RWB embodies that in spades. But hey, I know opinions are strong on this one, so let me know—is RWB art or an automotive abomination?
If you’re intrigued by RWB and want to see more, check out Alex Martini’s deep dive into the controversy on YouTube. And don’t forget to follow him on Instagram at @alex.martini__, where he shares car news, build updates, and insights from the automotive world.
About Alex Martini
