America’s car scene has a problem…

For decades, America was considered the epicenter of import tuner culture. From packed parking lots and late-night street meets to the glory days of magazines like Super Street and Import Tuner, the U.S. helped shape modern car culture as we know it.
But has that changed?

In this episode of the Behind the Wheel Podcast, we discuss whether the most exciting car scenes in the world have shifted to Southeast Asia. Looking at countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, we explore the incredible builds, massive automotive events, thriving motorsports communities, and unique creativity emerging from the region.

Are fewer regulations, greater access to parts, and a different enthusiast mindset allowing builders in Asia to push boundaries that enthusiasts in America no longer can? Is Southeast Asia experiencing the same energy that defined the import tuner boom in the United States during the late 1990s and early 2000s?

Join Nick and Matt as they compare the two worlds and discuss where automotive culture is headed next.

Topics Covered:

  • The current state of the American car scene
  • Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia’s growing automotive communities
  • How regulations affect modification culture
  • Car shows and events around the world
  • The evolution of import tuner culture
  • Why some of the wildest builds are coming from Asia
  • Is the U.S. losing its influence on global car culture?
  • The future of enthusiasts, builders, and motorsports

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:

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Play

Would you put a TEMU performance part on your car? | REAL vs. FAKE

Is using “KNOCKOFF” parts off TEMU or AliBaba acceptable for your build in 2026? Let’s dive in.

Knockoff aftermarket parts are everywhere in 2026. A quick search on TEMU or Alibaba can uncover products that look almost identical to parts from respected brands like Acuity, Skunk2, Spoon, HKS, and more—often for a fraction of the price.

So what’s the catch?

In this episode, we compare genuine aftermarket performance parts against the cheap copies flooding the market. We break down where the money goes, what separates a reputable manufacturer from a copycat, and whether the savings are actually worth the risk.

Because while many of these parts are manufactured in Asia, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re made in the same factory, with the same materials, tolerances, testing standards, or engineering behind them.

The results might surprise you. Would you run a knockoff part on your build?

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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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
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More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
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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!

 

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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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:
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Play

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
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

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

Play

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:
podcast.konigwheels.com

Play

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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Play

Infiniti Q50 | Fit Check

Mastering Wheel Fitment for Your Infiniti Q50

In the realm of luxury sedans, the Infiniti Q50 stands as a testament to innovation and performance. Born from a rich heritage that began in 1985 with Nissan’s vision to elevate luxury, the Q50 has evolved into a masterpiece of engineering and design. Today, we delve into the art of wheel fitment for the Infiniti Q50, guiding you through the optimal choices to enhance both aesthetics and performance.

A Legacy of Luxury and Performance

The journey of the Infiniti brand started when Nissan set out to create a new upscale identity tailored for the American market. This ambition led to the formation of the Horizon Task Force—a dedicated team of executives from design, engineering, and sales. Their mission was clear: to craft a luxury brand that could rival German counterparts while building upon Nissan’s strong reputation in the United States.

Fast forward to the late 1990s, Infiniti had cemented its place with models like the G35 sedan, known for performance and reliability. In 2013, the G37 received a transformative refresh, emerging as the Infiniti Q50. Debuting with a more aggressive exterior and a suite of advanced features, the Q50 has since become a favorite among enthusiasts and luxury car aficionados alike.

The Importance of Proper Wheel Fitment

Upgrading your Q50’s wheels is more than an aesthetic enhancement; it’s about optimizing performance and ensuring safety. Maintaining the overall rolling diameter is crucial when altering wheel and tire sizes. This means the height of the tire from top to bottom should remain consistent to prevent any impact on speedometer readings, ABS functionality, or transmission shifts.

Fitment Categories for the Infiniti Q50

At Konig Wheels, we categorize wheel fitments into four distinct groups to help you find the perfect match for your Q50:

1. No Hassle

Ideal For: Drivers seeking a straightforward upgrade without altering the vehicle’s dynamics.

Recommendation: Opt for wheels with a width ranging from 8 to 8.5 inches and an offset between +30 and +35. This setup retains factory tire sizing while offering a more flush look compared to the stock fitment.

Suggested Size: An 18×8.5 wheel with a +30 offset provides a perfect balance of style and simplicity.

2. Slight Flex

Ideal For: Enthusiasts looking to make a subtle yet noticeable enhancement, willing to adjust both wheel and tire sizes.

Considerations: Minor suspension tweaks may be necessary, especially if choosing tires with a beefier sidewall.

Recommendation: Front wheels between 8.5 to 9.5 inches wide with an offset of +32 to +35. For the rear, a width of 9.5 inches with a +35 offset works well.

Suggested Setup: A square setup is recommended, particularly for all-wheel-drive models. Go for 18 or 19-inch diameter wheels, 9.5 inches wide, with a +35 offset.

3. All the Wheel

Ideal For: Drivers ready to make a bold statement with an aggressive stance.

Considerations: This fitment will result in some wheel poke, which may be exactly the look you’re aiming for.

Recommendation: For the front, choose wheels 8.5 to 9.5 inches wide with a +35 offset. In the rear, opt for 9.5 to 10.5 inches wide with an offset between +20 and +25.

Suggested Setup: A staggered arrangement with 9.5-inch wide front wheels and 10.5-inch wide rear wheels, both with a +25 offset.

4. You’re On Your Own

Ideal For: The adventurous modifier who doesn’t shy away from extensive customization.

Considerations: Exceeding the above recommendations will require significant modifications, such as suspension overhauls or fender rolling, to prevent rubbing and ensure proper function.

Warning: Proceeding beyond a 9.5-inch width with a +25 offset in the front or a 10.5-inch width with a +25 offset in the rear is uncharted territory and may impact vehicle safety and performance.

Final Thoughts

The Infiniti Q50’s versatility allows for a wide range of wheel sizes—from the factory standard 7.5-inch width up to an impressive 10.5 inches in the rear. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle upgrade or an aggressive transformation, understanding the nuances of wheel fitment is key to achieving your desired outcome.

At Konig Wheels, we’re here to assist you in finding the perfect wheels that match your style and performance needs. If you have any questions about the fitments discussed or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at fitment@konigwheels.com.

Elevate your Infiniti Q50 experience with wheels that not only turn heads but also enhance every drive.