Why Modern Cars Lack “Soul” (Analog vs. Digital)

Are modern cars actually better, or have we traded driver soul for digital convenience? 🚗💨

In this episode of Konig Wheels’ Behind the Wheel Podcast, we are diving deep into the massive shift from Analog to Digital in the automotive world. We break down the technical transitions that changed how cars feel—including the loss of throttle-by-cable systems for drive-by-wire, and how electric power steering (EPS) has completely altered our connection to the road. Which is easier to work on and to live with? Analog or Digital… that is the question.

2026 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

Thank you for tuning in, and if you enjoy our podcast, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and iHeartRadio, and we always upload our full video interviews on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels (we’d love for you to subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
podcast.konigwheels.com

Play

Old School vs. New School: Why We Still Crave the Legends

In this episode of Behind the Wheel, we’re stepping back from the spec sheets to ask the big question: can modern technology ever truly replace the raw, mechanical soul of a classic?

From the lightweight legends of the 90s to the 600hp+ digital monsters of 2026, we explore a variety of platforms to see where manufacturers got it right—and where they lost the plot. It’s a deep dive into the passion, the engineering, and the “X-factor” that makes us fall in love with a car in the first place.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage iron, JDM icons, or the latest performance EVs, this is a conversation about the heart of car culture.

So the question arises… old school or new school? EK9 Type R or FL5 Type R? Both very different, but share the same name.

If you could only have one car for the rest of your life, would it be a 1-of-1 classic or a brand-new factory-warrantied beast?

2026 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

Thank you for tuning in, and if you enjoy our podcast, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and iHeartRadio, and we always upload our full video interviews on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels (we’d love for you to subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
podcast.konigwheels.com

Play

Automotive YouTube is changing FAST… thoughts?

Welcome back to KONIG’s Behind the Wheel Podcast. In this episode, we take a step back and look at the state of automotive content in 2026—how we got here, and where things might be headed next.

There was a time when car culture lived in the pages of magazines like Super Street and Import Tuner. You’d wait weeks (or months) for the next issue to drop, soaking in builds, tech features, and industry trends. Fast forward to today, and everything has changed. Content is instant. The options are endless. And the way we consume automotive media has completely evolved. With great channels like  @mightycarmods  ,  @CleetusM  ,  @chrisfix  ,  @speedacademy  ,  @BisforBuild  , etc…. there’s no shortage of automotive content out there now.

At some point, the upgrades that make your car exciting can start to make it… miserable.

Now, it’s all about YouTube, social media, and a constant stream of creators pushing out builds, reviews, hot takes, and everything in between.

We’re talking about machines like the Dodge Neon SRT-4, the cult-favorite Nissan NX2000, the bizarre-but-brilliant Infiniti FX50, and more that completely defy expectations.

But with so much content out there, we have to ask:

  • What do enthusiasts actually want to watch in 2026?
  • Are we oversaturated with the same formats?
  • Do we miss the depth and storytelling of older media?
  • Or is this the best era of automotive content we’ve ever had?

Nick and Matt dive into:

  • The shift from print to digital and what we lost (and gained)
  • The rise of automotive YouTubers and evolving content styles
  • Algorithm pressure vs. authentic builds
  • Viewer expectations in today’s fast-paced content cycle
  • What WE want to see more (and less) of going forward
  • Whether you’ve been in the scene since the magazine days or you’re part of the new wave of digital-first enthusiasts, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

2026 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

Thank you for tuning in, and if you enjoy our podcast, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and iHeartRadio, and we always upload our full video interviews on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels (we’d love for you to subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
podcast.konigwheels.com

Play

From Formula 1 & Military Tech to making the BEST SHIFTER EVER… w/ Russell  ACUiTY Instruments ​

Ever wonder how some of these aftermarket companies in motorsports get their start? You’d think most of them start with an idea… maybe a potential opportunity to fill a niche gap in the market…

Here we are with Russell Garehan from  @ACUiTYinstruments  . In the case of Acuity, you could make the argument that the company is the culmination of an interesting and twisting journey that the founder, Russell, has endured to get here. Whether it’s his background working in Formula 1 for the likes of Ferrari or Williams, to his time working in Military Defense Technology. Russell has taken his engineering experience gained throughout his life and applied it to automotive in the form of Acuity Instruments.

Acuity specializes in developing high-performance aftermarket components designed to enhance the driving experience of Honda and Acura vehicles. Being founded by engineers with backgrounds in F1 and Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1), their product lineup includes precision-engineered gear shifters, throttle pedal spacers, shift linkage bushings, air intake systems, and wiring harnesses. These components are crafted to meet the rigorous demands of motorsport while offering the refinement desired by street enthusiasts. Acuity’s mission is to help drivers reconnect with their vehicles by improving performance and driving enjoyment.

In the podcast episode, we chat with Russell about Acuity’s beginnings, how the company came to be, and the new advancements in automotive tech that they’re bringing to the table currently. Truly a brilliant guy, our convo with Russell highlights the journey and insights that someone like him can bring to this industry – pushing us forward with critical thinking, problem solving, and testing… A LOT OF TESTING.

For more information on Acuity Instruments, visit their website at acuityinstruments.com or follow them on social media at  @ACUiTYinstruments 


2025 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

Thank you for tuning in, and if you enjoy our podcast, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and iHeartRadio, and we always upload our full video interviews on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels (we’d love for you to subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
podcast.konigwheels.com

Play

Behind The Wheel Podcast: – Wheel Wednesday – LAWSON (AEM ELECTRONICS)

In this #WHEELWEDNESDAY podcast, Scott (Konig Wheels, Vice President) and Jared (Konig Wheels, Marketing Coordinator) talk shop with Lawson of AEM Electronics about all things automotive and how AEM has been on top of the game when it comes to the innovation of performance aftermarket products for the motorsport community and beyond.

Thank you for your support and for listening/watching!

And please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel ( https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels )

(we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

AEM Instagram: @aemelectronics
https://www.instagram.com/aemelectronics/

@aemevcontrols
https://www.instagram.com/aemevcontrols/

https://www.aemelectronics.com/

Scott (Konig) Instagram: @scott_konig
https://www.instagram.com/scott_konig/

Jared Auslander (Konig) Instagram: @wheelandtorque
https://www.instagram.com/wheelandtorque/

www.konigwheels.com

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
https://konigwheels.compodcast

Play

Behind The Wheel Podcast: – Wheel Wednesday – LOST WHEEL KEY?!

Do you have spline drive lug nuts or lug nuts that use a specific key to remove them? What do you do if you can’t find the key? In this week’s Wheel Wednesday podcast we go over some possible solutions to getting your wheel off your car.

Thank you for your support and for listening/watching!

And please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Google Play and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel ( https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels )

(we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Scott Weiss (Konig) Instagram: @scott_Konig
https://www.instagram.com/scott_konig/

Nick Pedroza (Konig) Instagram: @nick_pedroza_
https://www.instagram.com/nick_pedroza_/

Joey Redmond (Konig) Instagram: @joeyredmond
https://www.instagram.com/joeyredmond

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
https://konigwheels.compodcast

Play