karkrub

Karkrub Review

1. Origins of RWB: RAUH-Welt BEGRIFF, or RWB, is a renowned Japanese Porsche tuning company founded by Akira Nakai. Nakai-san, the mastermind behind RWB, started his journey in the early 1990s, customizing and modifying Porsches for his own racing needs. His distinctive wide-body designs and attention to detail gained popularity, eventually leading to the establishment of RWB in 1997.
2. Handcrafted Masterpieces: One fascinating aspect of RWB is the artisanal approach to building its wide-body kits. Nakai-san personally handcrafts each kit, spending several days at the location of the customer’s car. This hands-on process ensures a unique touch to every RWB Porsche, making them not just high-performance machines but also one-of-a-kind automotive works of art. The personal touch and dedication Nakai-san brings to each project have contributed to RWB’s cult-like following in the automotive world.

Specs of the Car:
The Porsche 993, produced between 1994 and 1998, was a significant technical and visual advancement from its predecessor. It was the first 911 to feature a six-speed manual transmission. It came with a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter M64 engine, enhanced by the VarioRam system which increased power by 15%, and the implementation of a new multilink rear suspension attached to an alloy subframe, vastly improving handling and ride quality

History of the Model:
The 993 marked the end of air-cooled 911 models and was known for being much improved over the 964. Nearly every part was redesigned, with only 20% of its parts carried over from the previous generation.

Development of the Model:
Significant developments included a new light-alloy subframe with a multilink rear suspension and a six-speed manual transmission. The exterior design, with flared wheel arches and a smoother front and rear bumper design, was penned by English designer Tony Hatter.

Journalist Reviews at the Time of Release:
The reviews of the time lauded the 993 for its improved performance and handling, often highlighting the seamless blend of classic 911 characteristics with modern technological advancements. The exact contemporary reviews would need to be located in archival sources from the mid-1990s.

Types of Modifications Typically Done:
Common modifications to 993s include engine performance upgrades, suspension enhancements for improved handling, body kits for aerodynamics and aesthetics (like the RWB kits seen in the images), and interior upgrades for comfort or weight reduction. The aftermarket support for the 993 is extensive, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles for aesthetics, performance, or track use.

Karkrub Story

Sunday mornings have their own magic, don’t they? A time for relaxation, quiet streets, and for us petrol-heads, the thrilling anticipation of car and coffee meetups. This particular Sunday, the air was buzzing with a different kind of electricity. As I approached the gathering, a crowd was forming a tight circle, their excitement palpable, their eyes fixated on something spectacular.

Squeezing through the enthusiasts, I caught my first glimpse of the day’s star—a Porsche 993, but not just any 993. This one was a canvas of modification, a rolling art piece that had every gearhead’s heart racing. The wide body of the car stretched out like the wings of a mechanical falcon, ready to soar. The craftsmanship on this beauty wasn’t just a mere adjustment; it was a transformation costing a whopping 1 million Thai baht.

The wide body wasn’t just for show, though—it was like the car had been doing bench presses and squats, bulking up for a heavyweight title. It was the Arnold Schwarzenegger of Porsches, and it flexed its flares with a confident stance that commanded attention. “Look at those curves,” someone whispered, almost reverently. “It’s like it’s been hitting the gym!”

And let’s talk about that sleek black exterior. In the bright morning sun, it shined like a gemstone, reflecting our wide-eyed, coffee-fueled grins back at us. Each detail of the car’s exterior was so well-made that you’d think it was crafted by a team of elves—Porsche elves, the rarest kind.

The air-cooled engine, a relic from a bygone era, was like a hidden joke among us. “It’s like finding a mint-condition VHS player,” I joked, and chuckles rippled through the crowd. “Classic yet cool,” someone added, nodding with a wise look.

The owner, a laid-back guy with a passion for speed and an even greater passion for his car, revved the engine. The sound was music to our ears—a symphony of power and nostalgia. It was the kind of sound that made you want to throw your hands in the air like you just didn’t care, but of course, we did care, deeply, about this metallic beast before us.

As the morning progressed, the laughter mingled with technical talk. “Imagine taking this beauty through the winding mountain roads,” someone dreamed out loud. “With that suspension, it would hug the corners like a koala on a eucalyptus tree,” another quipped, and we all imagined the scene—a Porsche koala in its natural habitat.

The 993 became the center of stories, jokes, and admiration. It was like the popular kid at school, but instead of being aloof, it was welcoming, almost basking in the glory of the affection poured onto it by the crowd.

The coffee might have woken us up, but it was the car that kept us energized. As the day wound down, and the crowd dispersed, the memory of the car lingered, like the last guest reluctant to leave a party. It was a Sunday well spent, among friends, caffeine, and cars—particularly one car that, without a doubt, stole the show and maybe, just maybe, a little piece of our hearts.

And that, my friends, is the story of how a Porsche 993 with a wide body and a million baht worth of modifications made a bunch of grown-ups giggle and gawk like kids in a candy store. A reminder that sometimes, the best stories are not found in books or movies, but in the parking lots of Sunday car meets, over a cup of coffee and a shared love for all things fast and beautiful.

Karkrub Score

Design: 9/10
The Porsche 993 is often celebrated for its timeless design, which expertly blends classic 911 aesthetics with modern touches. Tony Hatter’s work on the 993 resulted in a body that’s both more aerodynamic and visually appealing, with its widened wheel arches and smoother lines.

Power: 8/10
With the introduction of the VarioRam system in the 3.6-liter M64 engine, the 993 enjoyed a notable increase in mid-range power, pushing its performance beyond its predecessors and providing a thrilling driving experience.

Fun: 10/10
The 993’s six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive dynamics, coupled with Porsche’s legendary handling characteristics, make it an absolute joy to drive, especially on twisty roads where it can truly shine.

Comfort: 7/10
While the 993 introduced a more refined multilink rear suspension for improved ride quality, it remains a sports car with a firm ride, which can be less comfortable on longer journeys or poor road surfaces.

Reliability: 8/10
Porsche 911s are known for their robustness, and the 993 is no exception. Its air-cooled engine is simpler and often considered more reliable than later water-cooled versions, although it does require regular and sometimes costly maintenance to keep in peak condition.

Safety: 6/10
By modern standards, the 993 lacks many of the advanced safety features expected today. However, for its time, it incorporated strong brakes and a design focused on handling prowess, which can be seen as proactive safety features.

Value: 9/10
The 993 has seen a consistent appreciation in value over the years, becoming a sought-after classic. Its blend of the last air-cooled engine, modern yet classic design, and driving dynamics make it a solid investment for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Average Score: 8.1

The Porsche 993 excels in areas intrinsic to the driving experience—design, power, and fun—while scoring slightly lower in comfort and safety, which are more in line with the expectations of a sports car from the 1990s. Its reliability and value retention are strong points, further cementing its desirability among Porsche aficionados.