First-Ever Live Auto Show Build by Akira Nakai

A Master at Work: Akira Nakai Stuns Crowds with First-Ever Live Build at the New York Auto Show

The energy inside the Javits Center hit a whole new level this week as automotive legend Akira Nakai completed his first-ever live auto show build — right in the heart of the 2025 New York Auto Show.

Over two electrifying days (April 23–24), thousands of visitors gathered inside the R2XPO Exhibit to watch Nakai-san in action. Flying in directly from Japan, the world-famous Porsche tuner transformed a 2006 Porsche Carrera S into one of his signature wide-body masterpieces, cutting and shaping the vehicle by hand in front of an awestruck audience.

From the first cut to the final bolt, Nakai’s unmatched craftsmanship had the crowd holding its breath. Phones were out, cameras were rolling, and social media lit up — with footage and photos going viral across social media.

A Moment That Broke the Internet

The buzz around Nakai’s live build was instantaneous. Clips of his meticulous cuts and signature touches flooded timelines, racking up millions of views almost overnight. The R2XPO Exhibit quickly became one of the most visited — and most talked-about — parts of the Show, as fans and first-timers alike gathered to witness true artistry.

From start to finish, Nakai’s process was part engineering, part performance art — and 100% unforgettable.

The 2025 New York Auto Show is honored to have hosted this incredible moment in automotive history!