1996 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera 2S RAUH-Welt Begriff “Rough rhythm Martini” Tarmac Works - T43-014-MA (diecast)
Published 12/17/21
Toshiya Ichiraku, the owner of RAUH-Welt Kansai, in Japan, met Akira Nakai in the late 1990s. Soon after, he had Nakai-san work on his 964, converting it into an RWB. They became friends and Ichikaru became instrumental in helping Nakai develop his brand overseas. Though he still had his race-oriented 964, the car was far from a daily driver. With that, he wanted a car he could drive around and even take his kids to school. So in 2011 he bought a 1996 911 (993) Carrera 2S and took it for the Nakai treatment. Since it was meant to be a daily driver, the engine is basically stock. The only modification to the factory 3600 cm³ boxer-6 was the installment of a custom exhaust system and RWB “Tunerhaus” ECU. That being so, the engine develops a civilized 310 hp of power.
And that’s how Rough rhythm came to be. Painted in a lively green, the car received the full RWB treatment. Wheels are 18-inch tall, and are shod with massive 265 mm and 355 mm tires front and rear. Rough rhythm received, at the time, RWB’s widest rear body kit ever. From fender to fender, the car is 2080 mm wide! Must be a dandy parking the thing in the big city. Nonetheless, Mr. Ichikaru says it’s a “civilized car for the city”, even though it rides millimeters off the ground… As I said elsewhere, I can’t think of an RWB as a “practical car”, however I will take Mr. Ichikaru’s word on it.
As striking as Rough rhythm looked at inception, everything can be made cooler. So in 2016 ( 2017? I could not find out exactly when) the car received a very special livery. Gone was the green, everything covered up by a dashing Martini wrap. To the best of my knowledge, this is how the car looks today, and is now referred to as “Rough rhythm Martini”. Over here you can see a 3:30 minute video of the car in 2019. In my humble opinion the car looks awesome, and immediately reminds me of the fantastic 1974 Carrera RSR.
After I got my Ixo 930 RWB, I discovered the RWB world of fat-ass porkers. I’m still not a fan of tuned cars, however Akira Nakai’s creations grabbed my attention. And with these cool race-inspired liveries, it was not hard to find them a spot in the W-143 Garage. This is another Tarmac Works model, and it looks great.
Detail level on the model is honestly terrific. If I didn’t know better, I would think this is an “expensive” model. I’m still flabbergasted that it only costs Ixo-money. Yes, the subject matter is hardly for everyone, I will admit to that. However, in terms of overall value this is a terrific model. Being sincere, I have to remind myself that I do not collect tuned/modified cars – really! Because these models are absurdly enticing.