EDITORS NOTE
Welcome to this special edition of APEX where horsepower meets high notes!
This issue is all about The Rough World, Refined in the Philippines, the art of Akira Nakai and his brand, Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB).
Nakai-san doesn't just tune Porsche 911s; he transforms them into unique, wide-body, rolling sculptures Each car is a personalized masterpiece, hand-cut and named by Nakai-san himself a blend of Japanese street racing culture and German engineering.
Here in the Philippines, the RWB builds are a cultural event. Championed by local enthusiasts like Angie Mead King and the team at Car Porn Racing, RWB has placed Manila on the map of elite global tuning Every build, from the first RWB, "Victoria," to the latest additions, fuels an intense local passion. This issue also features the adrenaline-pumping fusion of roaring engines and electrifying live music.
We’re bringing you exclusive coverage of this year ’ s most talked-about event: a car show like no other, featuring stunning custom builds, classic icons, and cutting-edge machines all set to the backdrop of a live concert that kept the crowd on its feet.
APEX
David Stanley Ferrer Editor-in-Chief
"Drivenbypassion,
In a fusion of fashion, fandom, and fas (DBTK) has teamed up with the iconic Japa collaboration that’s got both streetwear an
The DBTK x Initial D collab event wasn't just a launch it was a full throttle celebration of culture, nostalgia, and street born ambition. Held at Ayala Malls TriNoma, the venue was transformed into a love letter to 90s JDM culture. From AE86 replicas to wall-to-wall manga panels, the energy was undeniable. Fans got an up-close look at the exclusive apparel drop, which combined DBTK’s bold, youth-driven aesthetic with the gritty, high-octane spirit of Initial D. Think monochrome palettes, technical fabrics, and signature graphics straight out of Mount Akina. But this wasn’t just about the gear. The event featured a car meet showcasing some of the cleanest builds in the scene a real-life manifestation of the anime’s underground racing universe. Live DJs spun Japanese city pop and hip-hop, bridging eras and cultures as seamlessly as the collab itself. More than merch, more than a meet -up this was a movement. A tribute to dreamers who chase passion at full speed, whether that’s through style, art, or the streets. This is for the kids who never stopped dreaming
This is DBTK x Initial D.
Akira Nakai The Artisan of
The Legend of RWB: Crafting Iconic Porsche Artworks
Akira Nakai is not just a car tuner; he is a revolutionary artist. Through his unique approach to automotive customization, Nakai has redefined the world of modified cars, transforming a modest tuning workshop in Japan into a globally respected name Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB). If the automotive industry has its great artists, Nakai stands as its sculptor, meticulously shaping, modifying, and perfecting each Porsche that passes through his hands.
Automotive Perfection
The RWB Aesthetic:
More Than Just Wide-Body a
To the untrained eye, an RWB Porsche might look like just another wide-body car. But to the enthusiast, it's something much deeper. The modifications Nakai performs sometimes referred to as a “wide-body” or “stretchedout” look serve not just a visual purpose but a functional one as well. The signature overfenders, aggressive stance, and often distinctive color schemes work together to create a machine that feels like it's ready to take on the world But these cars aren’t just about looks. Nakai’s modifications often include suspension adjustments, performance upgrades, and meticulous attention to every mechanical detail His work elevates Porsches into rolling pieces of art that perform just as beautifully as they look Nakai’s creations are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who understand the value of such attention to detail
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead
Akira Nakai’s journey is far from over RWB continues to grow and evolve, with new projects on the horizon As long as Nakai is behind the wheel, the world of automotive customization will never be the same. For car enthusiasts and collectors, the legacy of Nakai and RWB is one to watch closely Because, like the finest pieces of art, RWB creations will only appreciate in value and significance with time. Whether on the streets of Tokyo, the highways of LA, or the race tracks of Europe, Akira Nakai’s masterpieces will continue to leave their mark on the world
Rough World's Art Takes Root in Manila
The sight of a Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB) Porsche on Philippine streets is not just a car spotting; it’s an encounter with rolling art. RWB, founded by the visionary Japanese tuner Akira Nakai, is a global phenomenon where classic Porsche 911s are transformed into ultra-wide, aggressive machines with a distinct street-racing aesthetic
The Philippines became a key chapter in the RWB story with the launch of RWB Manila, spearheaded by prominent enthusiasts and shops like Car Porn Racing This partnership brought Nakai-san’s unique process to the country, where he personally flies in to cut, fit, and finalize every single body kit by hand a performance art that transforms a customer’s vision into a bespoke reality over a matter of days.
The cars themselves become legends, each one given a unique, personal name by Nakai-san. The first RWB in the Philippines, named "Victoria," made waves for being the first RWB in the world to be fitted with air suspension, a practical necessity for navigating Manila's roads. Other memorable creations like "Kirsten," "Hikaru," and the more recent batch of 997s like "Teresa" and the Safaristyle "Murasaki Shikibu" continue to grow the local Rough World family For Filipino enthusiasts, owning an RWB is more than a purchase; it’s an induction into a passionate, global community, turning a classic German sports car into a loud, rebellious, and utterly unique statement of style The RWB cars in the Philippines are a shining testament to a car culture that is dynamic, artistic, and entirely its own
SHELL SHELL
