In a two-day high-intensity live performance Porsche builder Akira Nakai has completed his first-ever auto show build at the 2025 New York Auto Show. The completed vehicle is now on display and can be seen through Sunday, April 27, 2025.
New York Auto Show 2025
The New York Auto Show has been running since 1900, making it the oldest automobile fair in North America. One of the standout cars this year is the Soth Korea manufactured Genesis X Gran Equator, resembling something out of a sci-fi blockbuster.
The 2025 edition of the Show, Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan, proved that many automakers value the attention that comes with debuting a vehicle on a flashy convention centre stage. Here, Hyundai, Kia and Subaru each introduced new models, trims and powertrains that are set to compete for buyer dollars later this year.
Auto artist: Akira Nakai
Akira Nakai is a Japanese automotive tuner and founder of the Porsche aftermarket tuning company RAUH-Welt BEGRIFF (RWB) – German for “Rough World Concept”. Nakai specialises in the design and installation of custom wide-body kits for classic and modern Porsche models.
Founded in Tokyo, RAUH-Welt Begriff combines Japanese tuning culture with classic Porsche design. Known for ultra-wide fender flares, deep lips, and aggressive stance, RWB cars are considered by many to be rolling works of art—rebellious, beautiful, and unique.
Flying in from Japan, Nakai transformed a 2006 Porsche Carrera S into one of his iconic wide-body creations on the show floor. The build took place over April 23 and 24 in the R2XPO Exhibit. Here, visitors watched, photographed, and filmed the master craftsman in action.
Car tuners take an existing car and add modifications that enhance the vehicle’s appearance and performance, with Nakai taking off parts, designing, welding, and drilling right in front of attendees’ eyes.
Nakai began work on Porsches while employed by a body shop when he came across a damaged Porsche 911 Turbo, which he bought off its original owner. Later, this became the first RWB Porsche, named ‘Stella Artois’ after Nakai’s preferred beer, and it was completed in the late 1990s.
A Social Media Storm
The activation quickly went viral, racking up millions of views across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube within hours.
NY Auto Show President Mark Schienberg said in an official statement: “Now, Auto Show visitors can see it happen live, in real time, right before their eyes. It’s a piece of automotive history in the making. Nakai’s first-ever live build at an auto show will bring raw energy, precision craftsmanship, and high drama to the show floor.”
Nakai’s build and the artistry of the process spread rapidly, turning the R2XPO Exhibit into one of the most talked-about attractions at this year’s Show.
