Nakai-san Answers Your Questions

The 911 has a reputation for being one of the finest driving machines on the planet. Its unconventional rear-engine layout has become a proven recipe that works well on both the road and the track and since the beginning has dictated the way the car looks. And it’s these looks in particular that have captivated the minds of some car enthusiasts out there. Nakai-san at Rauh Welt is a man that has taken the 911 to places that nobody thought possible, created an instantly recognizable style that in a very short space of time has exploded in popularity around the world. So to finish off the Porsche 911 Day celebrations we thought we’d ask Nakai some questions…

…questions that you, our readers, kindly submitted last week. We were blown away by the feedback we got and I’d like to thank everyone that responded. I have had to make a short selection form the 100+ submissions we had, so apologies if your question wasn’t included. Read on to find out Nakai-san’s answers…

Speedhunters Readers: How did you get started in this line of work?

It started as a way for me to have fun with cars. Still to this day I don’t think that what I do is work, it’s just a way for me to enjoy myself doing what I love.

SHR: Why Stella Artois ? What make this beer your favourite?

I once visited Belgium and had a chance to try Stella Artois. During my whole time there that’s all I drank and I really got to like it, so once back in Japan I just continued to drink it. Also the label has a pretty cool design.

SHR: What’s the reasoning behind the looks of your cars? Is there any sort of “RWB Philosophy”?

My philosophy is to make cars that not only look cool, but that you can drive – cars that don’t just sit on display.

SHR: What were the early days of Rough World like??? Do you still have any of your AE86s from back then?

It was a fun time, nothing has really changed as I’m still having lots of fun with what I am doing today. As for the hachirokus, they are all gone.

SHR: Where do you start when you 1st start to build a car?

First I think about it and begin imagining what the final car will look like. The actual build process begins form the fenders, once those are taken care of everything else falls into place easily.

SHR: Love your work, would be very much interested in a 350Z (Fairlady Z) RWB conversion! Would you be interested in such a build?

Thanks! Sure, bring it over. I can do a conversion to any car, but since it will be more of a custom built it will probably take a while to complete. Some cars take longer than others.

SHR: Where could I buy the wide body kit that you use? Or is it not for sale and only exclusive with RWB?

Yes it’s exclusively on sale only from Rauh Welt, be it RWB USA, RWB Thailand or any other RWB dealer.

SHR: What would you do to a Porsche 959?

I’d make it wider.

SHR: What would you say is the best looking production car on sale?

There are none, my car is my favourite.

SHR: Can I have a job?

OK sure, come over and give me a hand…

SHR: Do you like comics/manga if so which ones?

I don’t read manga, I watch movies.

SHR: Ever thought about a RWB Cayman or even a Panamera?

Yeah sure why not, anything is possible but it will take a long time to create.

SHR: I want to know what it takes for me to actually have a 911 built by RWB here in Sweden… Need to ship the car to States/Japan to get it done?

There is no need to ship your car anywhere, just invite me over to Sweden and I’ll build it for you. Call me.

SHR: Which Porsche that you haven’t worked on do you want to work on the most? And which Porsches could there never be an RWB design for?

I don’t set limits, I would work on any Porsche.

SHR: How many cars do you do a year?

I don’t really keep count…

SHR: What do you see in the future for Rauh Welt?

I never think about the future, I just think about the “now.” I just want to enjoy what I do.

Rauh Welt Begriff

-Dino Dalle Carbonare

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments



Comments are closed.

107 comments

by Oldest
by Best by Newest by Oldest
1

This is so cool :)

2

Yep, pretty much reminds me of when I interviewed him a few years ago. A man of VERY few words lol.

3

 @sean klingelhoefer Few words for sure, but at least he is honest and to the point. I love talking to the guy, he tells it as it is, no bullshit :)

4

 @sean klingelhoefer Few words for sure, but at least he is honest and to the point. I love talking to the guy, he tells it as it is, no bullshit :)

5

 @sean klingelhoefer Few words for sure, but at least he is honest and to the point. I love talking to the guy, he tells it as it is, no bullshit :)

6

 @sean klingelhoefer Few words for sure, but at least he is honest and to the point. I love talking to the guy, he tells it as it is, no bullshit :)

7

This man is very quickly becoming my idol. Also, I would kill for an RWB original.

8

This man is very quickly becoming my idol. Also, I would kill for an RWB original.

9

This man is very quickly becoming my idol. Also, I would kill for an RWB original.

10

This man is very quickly becoming my idol. Also, I would kill for an RWB original.

11

Direct, honest and clear answers. Nakai san, you are really cool dude

12

Direct, honest and clear answers. Nakai san, you are really cool dude

13

Direct, honest and clear answers. Nakai san, you are really cool dude

14

Direct, honest and clear answers. Nakai san, you are really cool dude

15

Just enjoy yourself and everything else will fall into place.Good interview. i always though these guys (RWB,Chip Foose,Brabus,Shelby) had some sort of special education or advantage to be able to build custom built cars for a living but it seem thats not the case at all. They were just having fun with what they are doing and everything else fell into place. Cool

16

Just enjoy yourself and everything else will fall into place.Good interview. i always though these guys (RWB,Chip Foose,Brabus,Shelby) had some sort of special education or advantage to be able to build custom built cars for a living but it seem thats not the case at all. They were just having fun with what they are doing and everything else fell into place. Cool

17

Just enjoy yourself and everything else will fall into place.Good interview. i always though these guys (RWB,Chip Foose,Brabus,Shelby) had some sort of special education or advantage to be able to build custom built cars for a living but it seem thats not the case at all. They were just having fun with what they are doing and everything else fell into place. Cool

18

Just enjoy yourself and everything else will fall into place.Good interview. i always though these guys (RWB,Chip Foose,Brabus,Shelby) had some sort of special education or advantage to be able to build custom built cars for a living but it seem thats not the case at all. They were just having fun with what they are doing and everything else fell into place. Cool

19

Great interview and a possibly the coolest guy on the planet.Love the RWB style and what a great workshop.Does he live there?

20

Great interview and a possibly the coolest guy on the planet.Love the RWB style and what a great workshop.Does he live there?

21

Great interview and a possibly the coolest guy on the planet.Love the RWB style and what a great workshop.Does he live there?

22

Great interview and a possibly the coolest guy on the planet.Love the RWB style and what a great workshop.Does he live there?

23
MariusEngenSkinnes

Nakai-san is the boss!

24
MariusEngenSkinnes

Nakai-san is the boss!

25
MariusEngenSkinnes

Nakai-san is the boss!

26
MariusEngenSkinnes

Nakai-san is the boss!

27

Cool Guy indeed

28

Cool Guy indeed

29

Cool Guy indeed

30

Cool Guy indeed

31
speedhunters_dino

 @m8rky Most of the time he does, yes.  He really does live and breathe his work 

32
speedhunters_dino

 @m8rky Most of the time he does, yes.  He really does live and breathe his work 

33
speedhunters_dino

 @m8rky Most of the time he does, yes.  He really does live and breathe his work 

34

ask how much to build a rwb lol

35

ask how much to build a rwb lol

36

ask how much to build a rwb lol

37

He answered the questions exactly how i expected, short and sweet straight to the point lol.

38

He answered the questions exactly how i expected, short and sweet straight to the point lol.

39

He answered the questions exactly how i expected, short and sweet straight to the point lol.

40

 @hanablemoore 
i think chip foose studied automotive design and something other related to cars iirc

41

This guy is such a BOSS. Love the whole mindset and everything about RWB.

42

Eu já virei fã do cidadão por duas grandes razões: Porsche e Stella_Artois

43

Wow, awesome my question got answered! Not sure how practical it would be to bring my Zed over to Japan. You're welcome to visit Belgium again, I'll keep the Stella cold ;)

44

The Best Of UB40 and The Meters, do I spy there? Nice :)

45

That last photo is brilliant.

46

I know at least of one friend that would be happy to be just half as cool as Nakai-san. And would love to have that last picture as a desktop background.

47

No fluff responses. I dig. Nakai-San's work is beyond brilliant. 

48

What a King! LOVE RWB Style!
 
If I win the Lotto , im Gonna get a RWB 964 here in South Africa!
:-)
 
 

49

badass 

50

I have a feeling He is going to be the orneriest old man on earth some day :)

51

I love his philosophy, no BS, just do what you want. And he's so open to meeting people and he makes himself so available. We could all learn from that I think.

52

"I'd make it wider" lol

53

 @sean klingelhoefer I noticed that. I wish he'd given more information, it seems like there could have been some cool answers or ideas (other Porsches he wants to work on, what he sees for the future of his brand, etc) but instead we got "meh" responses. Maybe others interpret that as cool and no BS, but providing some interesting insight isn't BS or fluff.

54

what a pimp

55

Like a BOSS.

56

lol this guy!!! love his responses! if only everyone could cut the bull and give you a straight answer!

57

darkside!
 

58

Man of few words, lol

59

he almost seemed annoyed with the questions lol

60

Nice photos but his cars look like crap.   I love how people are amazed at crappy fender flares. 

61

A "big pimpin' balla" is what we call this guy. Almost at the level of Chuck Norris, but more at the Jet Li, Jackie Chan status. No where near Bruce Lee but potential is there.

62

Ask me a stupid question get a stupid answer! Lol . Still a top guy tho.

63

I'm glad to see that my fundamental question about the beer was answered.
It's also nice to see that he is open to others cars than 911s. I want to see a Z or a Miata done in the RWB way !

64

 @hanablemoore Foose went to Art Center.  He has a very specialized, expensive education to do what he does.  Other guys just work hard and make it.  But lets be clear, a guy like Shelby could never design a car the same way that Foose does.  They each took completely different approaches to their craft.  I know that sounds like I like Foose and not Shelby, but that's not my point at all.  

65

 @sean klingelhoefer I think his reponses reflect his personality and what you see in his builds too.  I don't take it as disrespect, I think he's just a guy who would rather be working than talking.

66

Judging by the answers, Nakai-San seems to be the Kimi Raikonnen of Japanese tuners. XDCool interview, seems like a really cool dude.

67

Epic man, man of few words, but words just on the right spot. Very nice, hope to get to do this some time again. :)

68

this guys pure boss....

69

Sometimes, its the little things. This guy has a Meters CD!!! That's it. No more needs to be said. The man has taste

70

One question i wish they had asked was of all the cars out there, why did he choose Porsche to be his marque focus. It seems that he could of gone with any of the other brand, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mercedes etc. Looking at his answers he would probably say something like " I like the way they look and drive". I doubt we could have gotten a deep philosophical insight into his reasoning, as he said, "My philosophy is to make cars that not only look cool, but that you can drive – cars that don’t just sit on display" but maybe help us know why he loves his Porsches so much.

71

 @KeithCharvonia  @sean klingelhoefer
I agree. I think that if you have a translator or if your speaking in your second language your thought process is to get to the point without sounding rude. for example the question about comics and manga could have ended with I don’t read manga. But the man watches movies! RWB watches movies!! hmmm i wonder if he likes Superfly or the Mack more. Nakai-san: when i can afford to have a car Rough Worlded I choose you.

72

 @grandtouring From what I remember from a magazine interview that I read, I think he had had a curiosity about the 911 back when he was building Toyotas. I can't remember when or why he ultimately switched.

73

 @grandtouring I wonder if it's the sort of thing where he started with his own car, people saw it and it took off from there.  Sort of a natural progression.  But I love the fact that he has no snobbery about the brand from the interview....seems he'll mod anything that someone feels is cool.  Neat approach to not pigeon hole himself, very cool

74

 @sean klingelhoefer I like that he doesnt seem to take himself too seriously, but instead, takes the work seriously.  I dont know if he ever asked, expected or necessarily wants all the attention he now gets, but it's cool to see a matter of fact approach to it.  I dont think he fancies himself an ambassador for the Porsche brand, or the tuning scene, or anything like that - even though that's the pedestal the net has put him on.  He likes the cars, their stock style generally lends themselves to his current design ideas, and they flow well together.  And it sounds like in the future, we'll get to see other platforms get the treatment, which is always neat to see.

75

 @KeithCharvonia  @sean klingelhoefer well put

76

"There is no need to ship your car anywhere, just invite me over to Sweden and I’ll build it for you." 
Nakai-san, i want an RWB!! 

77

"There is no need to ship your car anywhere, just invite me over to Sweden and I’ll build it for you." 
Nakai-san, i want an RWB!! 

78

 I totally agree. i could totally see Nakai-san building a car with "CLAP YA'  HANDS NOW!"  playing in the background!@MPistol 

79

Feel free to leave now

80

@ITRbroham exactly!! U my friend are cool, simply because you knew :)

81

I'm kinda bummed he didn't actually answer my question about what he considers to be the best looking car on sale, "There are none" doesn't apply to the question.

82

I know this kind of work can be expensive, and SUPER time consuming to do, but man this guy must be quite freaking wealthy. $18k for a kit on the rwb usa website. this guy is a high roller for sure. love his cars, and his standpoint on the cars he builds.

83

SICK!!! The man is awesome!! I wonder if he'd give the RWB treatment to my Saturn?! LMAO!!! No, seriously though...

84
Nismo Omori Factory

Sounds like one of the coolest guys ever! Keep up the great work Nakai-San!

85

 So authentic!

86

Wow... simple minded.. awesome!
So he would RWD any car but it'll just takes a longer time.

87

 @KeithCharvonia I was just listing my favorite tuners. i know chip has a education but he could have went the safe route designing buses and shit but he decided to build and sell hot rods. Also his daddy was a known customiser. Hot Rods is a very small customer base so for him to be successful is cool.

88

RWB PAnamera. I can't wait!

89

@Tonioseven He can, but it will take time :)

90

BadHouse what hes saying is he doesnt consider a stock car good at all. do you consider a blank canvas good artwork ?

91

If i brought in a Porsche 930, would it be possible for you to recreate the stella?

92

Hello,
I just want to learn do you only sell the body kit or all car,is it possible to ship the part or car to Turkey?

93
SalvatoreLoVullo

Each car is hand made by him, there are no jigs or kits it's ground up for every car.

94
SalvatoreLoVullo

That's just for the kit too. You then have to pay for the time and if he comes to you the plane ticket and hotel room unless you let him stay at your place which would be fucking awesome lol

95

Can you do it to my 2016 Ford Mustang GT?

96

Gosh don't think about it too hard... He just likes the car, he is artistically inclined and I can relate. There is not always a need for a formula, or deep philosophical standpoint. The reason he is so talented is precisely because he doesn't think about it too hard, he just proceeds to put out what his artistically inclined mind tells him. Just enjoy his work, and don't think about it too much.

97

I just love your work and what you do... would you ever teach someone your ways or how to create their own?

98

My Dream...RWB 350z...i own a 08 350z and would love to make my 350z into a RWB...
Facebook: Taviion Wiilson
SnapChat: Psychx_Pvth
Instagram: Kiing_Fiinesse
Gmail: EviiilGeniiius@gmail.com

99
GeorgeAnestisDeuce

I really want to see a RWB Seat Leon Cupra R 2002 model that would be sick

100
Patrick Lumbang jr

Have you ever thought of building a Porsche 911 gt3 rs rwb

101
Justin Horenziak

What Porsches do you work on and where kind I find one under $30,000

102
Justin Horenziak

Where can I find one

103

I had a dream about naki San making his own costume exhaust pipe for a Porsche from scratch

104

Dear Sir Nakai-San
If you even read this message in person, I would be totally honoured beyond words.
I live in an environment where people would not even bother to reply BUT if you do you would not have any idea how I would appreciate that.
My RWB body (89 wide bodied whale tail) is patiently waiting in my garage to be RWBed. Than you very much for being who you are. So incredibly humble and totally passionate. You joined the auto world together like a Formula1 super star could not do. What you're doing is contagious. If there is no distributor in South Africa, would you allow me to be it? Would it be possible for me to reproduce under license fibre-glass components for your products from molds? Anyway even if the answer is negative, thank you for your awesome down-to-earth personality. If ever you come to SA I would give anything to meet you and friends in person. Would love to treat you to our Kruger National Park. Regards and God bless you, my friend. ters v wyk

105

do you do street racing cause i think you can upgrade your porsche to like a faster speed to beat a subaru
and next year can i help you please

106

Can nakai san do a rwb hellcat challenger conversion ?

OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS