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

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

Posted on by Konig Gfx

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!

 

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Automotive YouTube is changing FAST… thoughts?

Posted on by Konig Gfx

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
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Nobody talks about the R31 Skyline… | Behind the Wheel Podcast

Posted on by Konig Gfx
Nobody talks about the R31 Skyline..

Sure, you’ve heard of the R32…. and the R33….. and as long as you haven’t been living under a rock since birth – you’ve heard of the R34. The Nissan Skyline has earned it’s reputation over the years as a “JDM Legend”, and while everyone talks about the 32, 33, and 34, the R31 has seemingly been swept under the rug… a forgotten ancestor of the heroes we love and cherish today.

The R31 was a beast though…. so, it’s time we talk about it. The 1980s produced a lot of GREAT cars, including the R31 alongside memorable standouts like the 1st Gen Honda CRX, the Toyota MR2, and the Nissan Z31 300zx! Let’s get into today’s episode of the Behind the Wheel podcast!

2024 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: Konig YouTube (we’d love for you to subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

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

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Turbos, Manifolds & Wastegates w/  Full Race Motorsports, Geoff R | Behind the Wheel Podcast

Posted on by Konig Gfx
Turbos, Manifolds & Wastegates w/  Full Race Motorsports, Geoff R

Geoff Raicer of Full Race Motorsports joins us on the podcast today to talk about Turbochargers, Wastegating, Engine Tuning, the EV Electrification shift, and a lot more!

Founded in 2002 by Geoff Raicer, his vision for the company was to engineer and manufacture top of the line turbo systems and supporting hardware for 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines. Full-Race’s new-school approach to engineering, fabrication and grassroots marketing has set the “gold standard” for turbocharger exhaust manifolds and their state-of-the-art turbo kits.

For more info on Full Race Motorsports: full-race.com

2024 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: Konig YouTube (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:
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Wanna get sponsored? Here’s how to make it happen… | Behind the Wheel Podcast

Posted on by Konig Gfx
Wanna get sponsored? Here’s how to make it happen… | Behind the Wheel Podcast

You’ve made some serious progress on your build and now you’re interested in finding a sponsor to help support your future goals. Reaching out to a brand you like seems like a natural step, but HOW you approach them is crucial to establishing a relationship. What should you include in your pitch? How can you make your proposal stand out from the countless others these companies receive every day?

In this episode of the Behind The Wheel podcast, Scott and Luis dive deep into the art of crafting a sponsorship proposal that grabs attention and gets results. They share insider tips on what companies look for, how to showcase your unique value, and some of the common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a budding creator, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you secure the support you need to build a lasting partnership with your favorite brands. Don’t miss it!

This is the last podcast of the year! From all of us here at Konig, Happy New Year! We are super excited to see you all in 2025!

2024 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: Konig YouTube (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:
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5,373 Mile Road Trip In A Miata!?

Posted on by Matt Rodriguez

An incredible story of Greg from Goodwin Racing taking his Mazda Mazdaspeed Miata on Konig Hexaforms on a trip from San Diego, CA to Birmingham, AL for the Miata Reunion at Barber Motorsports Park.

Greg was a one man show where he was the sole attendant at the Goodwin Racing booth and still managed to participate in the track event. The round trip of 5,373 miles took Greg 64.5 hours. Going to the event he completed the drive in just 30.5 hours totaling 2,041 miles. How many days did it take? An appropriate question, Greg finished the one way drive with a total of 1.5 hours of sleep split between two naps. A couple bags under the eyes was a small price to pay to keep his hotel reservations from being cancelled. Followed by a much needed good night’s rest , Greg was able to enjoy the beauty of Barber Motorsports Park and the Miata Reunion while meeting with customers, seeing old friends, and making new ones! After spending some time in his home town in Kentucky, Greg hit the road once again for a 2,245 mile drive back to California. This drive took him 34 hours with once again, only two naps. Forgot to mention, this entire trip was done in a racing seat.. Who needs a SUV! Great job Greg!

Behind The Wheel Podcast: COULD TIME ATTACK GO ELECTRIC? FT. JAMES HOUGHTON

Posted on by Konig Gfx

On today’s podcast, we are joined by the K-Tuned GLTC TSX driver and Time-Attack racer, James Houghton!

Today’s episode, the topic is… could TIME ATTACK GO ELECTRIC?! With EV integration currently happening in the automotive and motorsports industry and AEM’s recent announcement of the EV controller, we are asking James about his thoughts on how this could effect Time Attack and motorsports! We will be talking about that and so much more… If you’re a motorsports enthusiast you won’t want to miss this one!

For more on James Houghton, check out:
Instagram: ► @time_attack_typer
Facebook: ► https://www.facebook.com/james.houghton.75
YouTube: ► James Houghton YouTube channel

Thank you for Tuning in 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:

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

Scott’s Instagram: @scott_konig
https://www.instagram.com/scott_konig/

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

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Behind The Wheel Podcast: BRIAN WADMAN [FORMULA DRIFT]

Posted on by Konig Gfx

From Snowmobiles and street bikes to Nissan 240SX’s!!! Since 2015, Wadman has been on a tear! Competing in US Drift, Klutch Kickers and now, Formula Drift ProSpec. Wadman stumbled onto Drifting after watching a Ready Set Drift demo for a car show at Lime Rock Park, Brian hasn’t look back since! In this podcast, he talks about what it takes to send it and what his future looks like in Drift!!!

For more on Brian Wadman, check out:
Instagram: ► @wadman_drift
Website: ► https://www.wadmandrift.com/
Facebook: ► https://www.facebook.com/wadmandrift/
YouTube: ► Wadman Drift YouTube channel

Thank you for Tuning in 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:

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

Scott’s Instagram: @scott_konig
https://www.instagram.com/scott_konig/

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

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Behind The Wheel Podcast: JG PASTERJAK (Grassroots Motorsports)

Posted on by Konig Gfx

By trade, JG is the Production manager/Art Director at Grassroots motorsports, but he is also a racer, podcaster, wrencher and artist. Today we take some time to talk about his amazing history with Grassroots Motorsports, his career is pro-am racing and so much more! You don’t want to miss this one.

For more on JG and Grassroots Motorsports:
JG’s Instagram: ► @jg_pasterjak
Grassroots Motorsports website: ► https://grassrootsmotorsports.com
Grassroots Motorsports Instagram: ► @grassroots_motorsports
Grassroots Motorsports Facebook: ► https://www.facebook.com/grassrootsmotorsports
Grassroots Motorsports YouTube: ► https://www.youtube.com/c/grassrootsmotorsports

Thank you for Tuning in 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:

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

Scott’s Instagram: @scott_konig
https://www.instagram.com/scott_konig/

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

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Behind The Wheel Podcast: KYLE CROSS (FD PHOTOGRAPHER)!!!

Posted on by Konig Gfx

On today’s podcast, we are joined by Formula Drift / Motorsports photographer, KYLE CROSS!

Kyle Cross is known for his amazing photography of Formula Drift as well as the grassroots motorsports scene! On this episode, we decided to bring him on and have a conversation about how he got into this profession as well as giving the aspiring photographer/media personnel advice on how to break into motorsports industry.

Thank you for Tuning in 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:

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

Scott’s Instagram: @scott_konig
https://www.instagram.com/scott_konig/

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

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