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 all 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 venture – 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 Celebration – however then Covid struck. All our plans have 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 involved with William and getting updates on his new construct.
Quick ahead to August 2024 and an attractive, 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 underneath the knife.
Impressed by Dino, I aimed to seize Nakai-san’s each transfer. I needed to know 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 rapidly started to understand the depth of the method. An in depth-up view revealed the uncooked aftermath – there was no turning again now. It’s straightforward to know 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 velocity. It’s quick, too, holding a neighborhood lap file.
Right here’s a throwback to the automobile’s earlier look, closely impressed by GT3 Cup modifications.
The 997’s physique construction is especially advanced, with two steel layers as a substitute of 1. Nonetheless, the earlier modifications made Nakai-san’s job simpler. He closed up the gaps with a mixture of sealant and aluminum tape.
It’s loopy how a lot wider the Turbo physique equipment is in comparison with the usual 997. The explanation for this comes all the way down to the consumption. As you possibly can see, the equipment doesn’t come totally lower; Nakai-san has to make cuts for the consumption to circulate.
Sadly, he forgot his Turbo template, however RWB Kuala Lumpur got here to the rescue.
In contrast to older 911 fashions, the 997 fuel cap interferes with the RWB physique equipment. 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 every part lined up completely and trimming if wanted.
By the top of Day 1, the heavy lifting was accomplished, leaving Day 2 for the ending touches.
The subsequent morning was met with recent vitality. I’ve at all times been interested by how Nakai-san handles the fender liners after becoming the equipment. It’s a element hardly ever proven or mentioned.
Earlier than that, although, I need to point out a novel side of William’s construct – the prototype wing Nakai-san designed particularly for this automobile.
On this respect, the venture was a studying expertise for Nakai-san, and he talked about that he found rather a lot in the course of the construct.
The wing is super-large and super-aggressive, requiring cross-bar help to stop 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 form 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 unexpectedly was the addition of double canards. They complement the massive wing completely.
As soon as every part was finalized, it was time to suit the wheels one final time and align the automobile. Nakai-san customizes the wheel alignment primarily based on proprietor preferences.
After all of the arduous 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 throughout 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 tasks.
Rick Muda
Instagram: ardskellig
