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!

 

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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!

 

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Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
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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
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More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
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When modding your DAILY goes too far…

In this episode, Nick and Matt dive into one of the most relatable topics for car enthusiasts: over-modding your daily driver. We all love the idea of building the perfect do-it-all car — something that looks great, handles like it’s on rails, and turns every commute into an event. But where’s the line? Is it the full racing bucket seats that make every trip feel like a workout? Deleting your A/C in the name of “weight reduction”?

Or that ultra-stiff suspension that makes every pothole feel like a personal attack?

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

Nick and Matt break down the most common mistakes enthusiasts make when modifying their daily drivers, share personal experiences, and talk about how to strike the perfect balance between performance and livability.

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.

If you’ve ever questioned your own build (or are about to start one), this episode is for you.

Listen now and rethink your “perfect” daily.

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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More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
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These Cars Should’ve Been TERRIBLE… So Why Do We Love Them?

Some cars are supposed to be bad…. No car enthusiast ever woke up thinking “you know… the PT Cruiser actually isn’t half bad”…. or did they?

On paper, they miss the mark. Weird styling. Questionable performance. Odd positioning. Maybe even straight-up hated when they launched.

…but then you drive them.

In this episode of the Konig Behind the Wheel Podcast, we dive into the cars that should have sucked—but somehow didn’t. The unexpected heroes. The guilty pleasures. The cars we shouldn’t love… but absolutely do.

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.

Why did these cars work when they shouldn’t have?

What made them fun despite their flaws?

And are we all just lying to ourselves… or were these actually great?

If you’re into underdogs, hot takes, and cars that don’t make sense—but somehow do—this episode is for you.

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:
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GRIDLIFE Champion, Dewey Dewitt talks GRIDLIFE sale, building RACECARS in 2026

In this episode, we’re joined by GRIDLIFE champion Dewey Dewitt for a deep dive into everything happening in the world of grassroots motorsports right now.

We get into:

  • The recent sale of GRIDLIFE and what it means for the future of the series
  • What it’s really like building a competitive racecar in 2026
  • The rise of 8HP transmissions and why everyone’s talking about them
  • Subarus, K-swaps, trends in engine builds, and where things are headed
  • Plus plenty of real-world insight from Dewey’s experience at the highest level of the scene

We talk through why wheels and tires are usually the first step, how suspension transforms the driving experience, when it makes sense to add performance upgrades, and where people commonly go wrong.

Whether you’re building a car, racing competitively, or just love the culture, this episode is packed with knowledge, opinions, and behind-the-scenes perspective you won’t want to miss.

Drop a comment and let us know your thoughts on the GRIDLIFE sale and where you think the scene is headed!

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:
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Discontinued Wheels…. meant to stay in the past?  | Behind the Wheel Podcast

Discontinued Wheels…. meant to stay in the past?

Ever wonder why we discontinue wheel designs? We’ve gotten the question a lot, so let’s dive into some of the reasons why we discontinue wheel designs in general, the challenges of making a new wheel, and why a “re-introduced” design never really works.

Thanks for joining Daut x Nick on the podcast today! COMMENT below with a discontinued wheel we should bring back and MAYBE… just MAYBE, we will! (But, probably not).

For more info on Konig Wheels visit: https://konigwheels.com

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: 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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Konig Neoform | Flow Formed

The Konig Neoform is a 5-spoke flow formed wheel with motorsports inspired origins. Flow forming technology is a manufacturing process that results in a lighter weight and more durable wheel. Available in 17, 18, and 19 inch diameter. Widths range from 8-10.5. Although there is no 4-lug pattern option, the Neoform is available in 5 different 5-lug bolt patterns including: 5×100, 5×108, 5×112, 5×114.3, and 5×120. The Neoform is available in A & B profiles. The A profile is a more straight face with more brake caliper clearance. The B profile is more concave with a more aggressive look. B profile is only available in the wider widths.

The Neoform is currently only offered in a Matte Grey finish. We get asked, why only one color? When creating a new wheel we receive many samples in different finishes. The Matte Grey on the Neoform was no compromise, the grey highlights the details in each spoke and allows the lines to look the sharpest. Other finishes on this particular wheel would wash away some of the more flattering details.

Specs and sizes

 


FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa

Konig’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels

Konig Heliogram | Flow Formed

The Konig Heliogram is a split 5-spoke flow formed wheel with motorsports inspired origins. Flow forming technology is a manufacturing process that results in a lighter weight and more durable wheel. Available in 15-19 inch diameter. Widths range from 7-12 inch width. Available in both 4-lug and 5-lug bolt patterns. The Heliogram is available in A & B profiles. The A profile is a more straight face with more brake caliper clearance. The B profile is more concave with a more aggressive look. B profile is only available in 10.5-12 inch widths.

The Heliogram is currently offered in a Matte Bronze & Titanium Metallic finish. Not every size is available in both colors. To see more specs click the button below.

Specs and sizes

 


FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa

Konig’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels

Konig Hypergram | Flow Formed

The Konig Hypergram is one of our most popular wheels in general. Coming in four finishes with a huge range of sizes, pcd offerings, and offsets. This wheel is iconic to our brand and does it all. It is a flow formed wheel making it extremely light weight and durable while still being visually pleasing.

The Hypergram has been introduced in a Matte Black finish along side the Matte Grey, Race Bronze, and Carbon w/ Machined Lip. The Hypergram comes in 4 & 5 lug bolt patterns with widths up to 11 inches and newly introduced 19 inch diameter. To see more specs click the button below.

Specs and sizes

 


FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa

Konig’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels