Ever since I used to be launched to the world of RAUH-Welt Begriff by William Bakajin and Tsubaki, his RWB Porsche 993, I’ve been dreaming about witnessing one in every of Akira Nakai’s customized builds in individual. Final month, that dream lastly got here true on the ‘RWB Expertise’ in Indonesia.
In 2019, William and I mentioned his subsequent RWB mission – a 997 Turbo. On the time, Nakai-san had simply launched into a brand new chapter in RWB historical past, and I used to be decided to seize William’s construct because it occurred. I acquired excited once I noticed the 997 RWB prototype on the 2020 RWB New 12 months Get together – however then Covid struck. All our plans had been placed on maintain. I stored revisiting Dino’s ‘Making The RWB 997′ collection (Half 1, Half 2, and Half 3 right here) whereas staying in touch with William and getting updates on his new construct.
Quick ahead to August 2024 and a fantastic, clear day at Ivan’s Motor Pik 2, round 30km from Indonesia’s capital metropolis of Jakarta. Right here, William’s 997 RWB transformation would lastly occur.
Nakai-san was within the nation for every week, with 4 builds lined up, every taking round two days to finish. First up was Ivan’s 993 – RWB Indonesia #10 Susanoo. William’s 997.2 Turbo was third below the knife.
Impressed by Dino, I aimed to seize Nakai-san’s each transfer. I needed to grasp how he sees the world, from his honed hand actions to the preparation: taping, gluing wireframes on the bumpers, and trimming.
Then the enjoyable started: slicing. Viewer discretion is suggested.
I shortly started to appreciate the depth of the method. A detailed-up view revealed the uncooked aftermath – there was no turning again now. It’s straightforward to grasp why purists shudder on the RWB wide-body transformation.
However don’t fear; this 997 isn’t new to modifications. Its life has been spent on the race monitor, and it was already lower, stripped, and tuned in pursuit of pace. It’s quick, too, holding a neighborhood lap report.
Right here’s a throwback to the automotive’s earlier look, closely impressed by GT3 Cup modifications.
The 997’s physique construction is especially complicated, with two steel layers as a substitute of 1. Nevertheless, the earlier modifications made Nakai-san’s job simpler. He closed up the gaps with a mix of sealant and aluminum tape.
It’s loopy how a lot wider the Turbo physique package is in comparison with the usual 997. The explanation for this comes right down to the consumption. As you possibly can see, the package doesn’t come totally lower; Nakai-san has to make cuts for the consumption to stream.
Sadly, he forgot his Turbo template, however RWB Kuala Lumpur got here to the rescue.
Not like older 911 fashions, the 997 gasoline cap interferes with the RWB physique package. Extra slicing and a brand new hinge system for the cap clear up the issue.
As soon as the slicing was full, Nakai-san examined the fitment, attaching the wheels to make sure all the pieces lined up completely and trimming if wanted.
By the tip of Day 1, the heavy lifting was accomplished, leaving Day 2 for the ending touches.
The subsequent morning was met with recent power. I’ve at all times been interested in how Nakai-san handles the fender liners after becoming the package. It’s a element not often proven or mentioned.
Earlier than that, although, I have to point out a novel side of William’s construct – the prototype wing Nakai-san designed particularly for this automotive.
On this respect, the mission was a studying expertise for Nakai-san, and he talked about that he found loads through the construct.
The wing is super-large and super-aggressive, requiring cross-bar help to forestall extreme flexing.
As for the fender liners, it’s fairly easy. Nakai-san makes use of the unique liners, modifying them and including customized items the place required. It’s this type of consideration to element that units RWB builds aside.
Seeing Nakai-san at work revealed his dedication to perfection. If a sealant line is a few millimeters off, he redoes it. I watched Nakai-san take his time to make sure that the trunk lid had even gaps and opened and closed correctly – a course of aided by detaching the discharge cable so he might concentrate on the duty.
One other factor that took me abruptly was the addition of double canards. They complement the massive wing completely.
As soon as all the pieces was finalized, it was time to suit the wheels one final time and align the automotive. Nakai-san customizes the wheel alignment primarily based on proprietor preferences.
After all of the laborious work, it was time to introduce Indonesia’s first 997 RWB – #12 翼 Tsubasa.
Tsubasa interprets to wings, a reputation Nakai-san selected to honor William’s son, wishing him wings large enough to soar excessive and defend his sisters.
This second felt like a full-circle expertise for me inside the RWB household. Whereas it introduced a way of closure, I do know Nakai-san’s journey will proceed, with this new period of the 997 poised for development. Congratulations, William, I look ahead to future initiatives.
Rick Muda
Instagram: ardskellig
