In this episode of the KONIG Wheels Behind the Wheel Podcast, we ask a question a lot of car enthusiasts are quietly thinking—but few want to say out loud:

Are we witnessing the end of true enthusiast-focused cars?

We talk about:

From icons like the R34 Skyline, FD RX-7, and Nissan 350Z, to modern “revivals” that feel more like marketing exercises than passion projects, we break down how car manufacturers have shifted their priorities—and what that means for enthusiasts.

We dive into:

Why modern cars feel watered down compared to past legends The difference between an enthusiast car and a mass-market car with a legacy badge

Why slapping a classic name like “Prelude” on a hybrid doesn’t resonate with core enthusiasts

How regulations, electrification, and profit margins are reshaping car design. Whether automakers will ever build cars purely for enthusiasts again. Is this just evolution… or is something fundamental being lost?

Whether you grew up idolizing JDM legends, modifying budget cars into something special, or feel disconnected from modern performance cars altogether, this episode digs into the uncomfortable reality of where car culture may be headed.

Is this the end of enthusiast cars—or will they come back in a new form?

Behind the Wheel is KONIG Wheels’ podcast where we talk cars, culture, and the stories that shaped the automotive world.

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
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More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
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The post Are automakers killing enthusiast cars? appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.

Before social media, before YouTube builds, and before everything was polished, the East Coast car scene in the 90s and early 2000s was raw, underground, and community-driven.

In this episode of Behind the Wheel by KONIG Wheels, we take a deep dive into what it was really like growing up in the East Coast car scene. From late-night parking lot meets and industrial park street races to the rise of tuner culture and JDM imports, this era shaped modern car enthusiasm as we know it today.

We talk about:

-What East Coast car meets were like before social media

-The underground street racing scene and how it actually operated

-The explosion of tuner and JDM cars in the late 90s and early 2000s

-How The Fast and the Furious changed car culture forever

-Why the East Coast scene had its own unique identity compared to the West Coast

-Whether you were there building Civics, Integras, and WRXs, or you’re discovering this era for the first time, this episode is a full nostalgia trip into one of the most influential periods in car culture history.

Behind the Wheel is KONIG Wheels’ podcast where we talk cars, culture, and the stories that shaped the automotive world.

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

The post The 90s & 2000s East Coast Car Scene appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.

Some car mods make us cringe… but at the same time, we kinda get why people do them.

In this episode of the KONIG Behind the Wheel Podcast, we’re talking about the mods we can’t stand, yet somehow still understand. From cars running way too much aero for the street, to overdone carbon fiber everywhere you look, to exhausts that shoot flames and burble tunes that never seem to shut off—these are the trends that divide the car community.

We break down why these mods exist, where they actually make sense, and when they cross the line from functional to full-on spectacle. Is it all about attention? Chasing race car vibes? Or just doing what makes you happy, regardless of what anyone else thinks?

Whether you love these mods, hate them, or secretly want them on your own car, this episode dives into the fine line between form, function, and personal taste in car culture.

Listen in and let us know—what’s a mod you hate… but totally understand?

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:
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The post Mods we can’t stand… but also sort of get! appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.

In this episode of the Konig Behind the Wheel podcast, we dive into one of the most debated topics in car culture: where does a street car end and a race car begin? Every build starts with good intentions, but somewhere between coilovers, sticky tires, roll cages, and gutted interiors, the line starts to blur.

We talk about the moment a car stops being comfortable, practical, or even livable on the street, and becomes something better suited for the track.

Is it suspension stiffness? Noise and vibration? Daily drivability sacrifices? Or is it simply a mindset shift once lap times matter more than convenience?

This episode breaks down real-world experiences from street-driven builds, track-focused cars, and everything in between.

Whether you’re building a weekend canyon carver, a dedicated track weapon, or something you still need to drive to work, this conversation explores how far is too far—and whether that line even exists.

Perfect for car enthusiasts, racers, and builders trying to balance performance, comfort, and practicality, this episode captures a debate every enthusiast eventually faces when modifying their car.

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more car culture talks, industry insights, and all things wheels.

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

The post When does a street car become a race car? appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.

In this episode of the Konig “Behind the Wheel” Podcast, we dive into the crossover between the car community and action sports culture. From BMX to skateboarding to drifting to garage-built projects, we explore why so many car enthusiasts share the same roots, attitudes, and creative drive found in extreme sports. Youtube personalities like Adam LZ, Jimmy Oakes, Tommy F Yeah, and even stars like T-Pain all have things in common. Let’s break it down.

We talk about the mindset behind building, breaking, and pushing limits, how early exposure to BMX and skateboarding shapes the way people approach cars, and why these subcultures naturally blend into each other. This episode breaks down the shared lifestyle, the garage culture connection, and the progression from riding and skating with friends to wrenching on cars and going to meets.

Whether you’re into modified cars, drifting, stance, JDM builds, BMX, skating, or any mix of these, this conversation highlights why these communities feel so familiar—and why so many enthusiasts follow the same path.

This episode is perfect for listeners interested in:

Car culture, automotive lifestyle, JDM tuning, drifting culture, car meets, modified cars, garage life, automotive creativity, BMX culture, skateboarding culture, action sports crossover, motorsports influence, car community origins, car enthusiast psychology, Konig Wheels podcast, Behind the Wheel Podcast, automotive storytelling, enthusiast interviews, car scene history.

If you love cars, action sports, or simply understanding why these worlds overlap so naturally, this episode is for you.

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more car culture talks, industry insights, and all things wheels.

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

The post EXTREME SPORTS to CARS… enthusiasts tend to have A LOT in common appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.

In this episode of the KONIG Behind the Wheel podcast, we dive into a growing problem in the automotive community: illegal “takeover” sideshow events — and the negative impact they’re having on real car culture.

We talk about why these reckless pop-up gatherings have nothing to do with true enthusiast culture, how they’re destroying the reputation of legitimate car meets and shows, and why we’re seeing more of them as we move into 2025. From safety concerns to media portrayal to the ripple effects on event organizers and everyday enthusiasts, we break down what’s actually going on behind the scenes.

What does the future of car meets look like if illegal sideshows continue to stain the scene?

Are we at risk of losing safe, organized meets altogether?

And what can the real car community do to take back its image? Join us for a candid conversation about the past, present, and future of the culture we all care about.

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more car culture talks, industry insights, and all things wheels!

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

The post Are real CAR MEETS dying in 2025? The effects of ILLEGAL “takeover” sideshows appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.

SEMA 2025 did not disappoint — and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, we dive into the most insane builds, standout booths, and the surprising shift in how manufacturers are showing up (or not showing up) at the show. From engine swaps and cutting-edge tech to the grassroots creativity keeping car culture alive, we unpack how the automotive world is evolving faster than ever.

Whether you’re deep in the car scene or just love seeing where the industry is headed, this episode’s got you covered.

In this episode:

00:02:00 – SEMA 2025, what to expect

00:06:00 – South Hall isn’t what it used to be

00:10:00 – What about NEW WHEELS?

00:14:00 – “SEMA quality” booth cars

00:23:00 – BIG Booths at SEMA

00:27:00 – Social Media now… Magazines then.

00:30:00 – Tools at SEMA

00:40:00 – Unveiling the TRUTH behind Wheels

00:43:00 – K20C1 swaps, the L15 Engine, Other Swaps

00:53:00 – the COST of going to SEMA ($100K +)

00:56:00 – Honda Odyssey Type R (K20C1)

01:00:00 –  @StreetAlphaPodcast  A90 Supra Project was FIRE

01:07:00 – Kyle Kuhnhausen “Battle of the Builders” is so skilled

01:09:00 – SEMA is NOT a “car show”

Tune in, drop a comment, and let us know your favorite build or moment from SEMA 2025!

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:
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The post SEMA isn’t what you think it is! appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with David Buschur, the legendary founder of Buschur Racing – a name synonymous with DSM and Evo performance. David shares how he got his start working on domestic cars before becoming one of the most respected builders and tuners in the Mitsubishi community. We talk about his retirement from Buschur Racing, as well as his return! He’s basically the LeBron of the DSM world.

From early drag strip days to pushing the limits of the 4G63 and beyond, Buschur opens up about the highs, challenges, and legacy of building one of the most iconic tuning brands in the import scene.

Whether you grew up following DSM shootouts, own an Evo, or just love hearing how legends are made, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Topics Covered:

David’s early days in the car world

The transition from domestic builds to DSMs

Founding and growing Buschur Racing

Stories from the DSM/Evo golden era

Building a legacy in tuning and motorsports

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

The post DSM/EVO Royalty? David Buschur of Buschur Racing appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.

In this episode of the Behind the Wheel Podcast, we talk about our first cars and the questionable mods we did to them. Every car enthusiast has made some bad choices early on, and we’re no different. From cheap parts to wild ideas that didn’t age well, we look back and laugh at the mistakes that shaped how we see cars today.

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

The post Was your FIRST CAR your WORST CAR? appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.

When does a build become too nice to daily drive? Is just driving to your local corner store a risk these days? Do you live in fear when driving your pride and joy? This one’s for you!

In this episode of the Konig Behind the Wheel Podcast, we dive into the struggle many enthusiasts face: the balance between enjoying your project car and protecting it from damage, wear, theft, and most of all, other drivers on the road.

From pristine show builds and modified daily drivers to high-powered examples, we talk about the gray area where a car might be too clean, too valuable, or too risky to casually take out. Do you risk the potholes and door dings—or keep it tucked away in the garage? Great cars are MEANT to be driven, but where do you draw the line?

Whether you’re wrenching on your first project or protecting your dream build, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Drop your thoughts in the comments: Do you daily drive your build, or is it a garage queen?

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

The post Is your build too nice/expensive to drive? appeared first on Konig Wheels Behind The Wheel Podcast.