Modern Legends: Cool or Cheesy? - EP.156
About this episode
Exploring the resurgence of iconic JDM cars, this episode dives into modern remakes of legendary models like the Toyota 86, Nissan Z, and Honda Civic Type R. Bobby and Aaron debate whether these new iterations live up to their predecessors or fall short. They discuss the balance of nostalgia and modern performance, touching on key features, pricing, and driving experiences. The conversation also critiques some remakes that missed the mark, including the A90 Supra and the NC1 NSX, providing a comprehensive look at how these beloved cars have evolved.
In this episode of the Right Hand Drive Guys Podcast, we dive deep into the revival era of Japan’s greatest hits — from the legendary 90s icons to their modern-day counterparts. Are the new versions of the NSX, Supra, and GT-R worthy successors to their golden-age roots, or are they watered-down nostalgia plays wrapped in tech and marketing?
We share our honest takes on what each brand got right (and wrong), debate whether modern engineering kills soul or saves performance, and talk about which cars actually carry the torch of that raw 90s spirit. Expect passionate opinions, plenty of laughs, and a few unpopular takes along the way.
🎙️ From analog heroes to digital titans — are the reborn JDM legends still legends? Tune in and find out.
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Toyota Supra
"...w, old JDM cars we'd have episodes on 32, 33, 34, Supra episodes, you know, just different things like th..."
The Toyota Supra is a popular sports car that many people love for its speed and cool looks. It's known for being powerful and can be modified to go even faster, which makes it a favorite among car fans. People often talk about it because of its history and how it has influenced other cars.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car known for its performance and tuning potential, particularly the fourth generation (A80) produced from 1993 to 2002. It has a strong following in the automotive community, especially among JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) enthusiasts, due to its iconic design and impressive turbocharged inline-six engine. The Supra's significance in car culture makes it a frequent topic of discussion.
Mazda Rx7
"Like obviously the Skyline, the Supra, the RX7, right?"
The Mazda RX-7 is a sporty car from Mazda that is famous for its unique rotary engine, making it lighter and different from most other cars.
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car known for its lightweight design and rotary engine, which offers a unique driving experience and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
JDM
"...what are some of the best modern JDM remakes and, you know, saying JDM just means pretty much within this, you know, is of course maybe they had the model in Japan maybe they didn't..."
JDM means Japanese Domestic Market. It refers to cars that are made for Japan and may have special features that you won't find in cars made for other countries.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles and parts that are produced for the Japanese market. These cars often have specifications and features that differ from those made for international markets, making them unique and sometimes more desirable among enthusiasts.
GR86
"Well, I think one of the better ones for sure is the Toyota 86 or the GR86. You know, it's one of those cars that back in the day it was known for what?"
The GR86 is a newer version of the Toyota 86 that has some upgrades to make it even better for driving. It keeps the same fun feel but adds some modern features.
The GR86 is the updated version of the Toyota 86, featuring improvements in performance and technology while maintaining the original's lightweight and balanced characteristics. It is part of Toyota's Gazoo Racing lineup, which emphasizes sportiness.
handling
"Super light, great, great handling and just an overall good balanced car."
Handling is how a car feels when you turn the steering wheel. A car with good handling is easy to control and feels stable when driving fast or around corners.
Handling refers to how well a car responds to steering inputs and maintains stability during turns. Good handling is crucial for performance and driver confidence, especially in sports cars.
maintenance
"...he just keeps up with the maintenance, changes the oil."
Maintenance means taking care of your car so it stays in good shape. This includes things like changing the oil and checking the brakes.
Maintenance refers to the regular upkeep required to keep a vehicle running smoothly and safely. This includes tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
overpowered
"...it's not overpowered. It's not turbo or anything."
When a car is called 'overpowered', it means it has a lot more power than it needs, which can make it tricky to drive, especially for beginners.
The term 'overpowered' refers to a vehicle that has more power than is necessary for its weight or intended use, which can make it harder to control, especially for inexperienced drivers.
spiritual successor
"Is this the spiritual successor to the AE86? Or is it like just a modern sports coupe borrowing the name and trying to live off the hype?"
A spiritual successor is a new car that tries to be like an older, famous car. It might not be the same model, but it aims to give you a similar feeling when you drive it.
A spiritual successor refers to a new product that carries on the legacy or ethos of an earlier model, even if it is not a direct continuation. In automotive terms, it often implies that the new model embodies the same spirit or driving experience as the original.
Toyota Ae86
"... good one. Is this the spiritual successor to the AE86? Or is it like just a modern sports coupe borrowi..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people trust because it lasts a long time and gets good gas mileage. It's designed to be practical and easy to drive, making it a popular choice for everyday use. People often compare newer versions to older sporty models to see how they've changed.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in history, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. While it has traditionally been a compact sedan, recent models have adopted sportier designs and performance features, leading to discussions about its evolution and comparisons to classic models like the AE86. Its significance in the automotive market makes it a staple topic.
Ford Torino
"But it wasn't like a sport. It was the Torino or yeah, right, right."
The Ford Torino is a car made by Ford that was popular in the 1970s. It came in different versions, some of which were designed for better performance.
The Ford Torino is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford in the late 1960s and 1970s. It was known for its performance variants and was popular during the muscle car era.
Pontiac Torino
"But it wasn't like a sport. It was the Torino or yeah, right, right. There was an 85 and 86 85 ..."
Pontiac was a car brand that made some really powerful and cool cars, especially in the past. They are known for models like the Firebird and GTO, which were popular for their speed and style. People often talk about Pontiac to remember those classic cars and their impact on American driving.
Pontiac was an American automobile brand known for producing performance-oriented vehicles, particularly during the muscle car era. Models like the Pontiac Firebird and GTO are iconic, representing a time when American cars emphasized power and style. Discussions about Pontiac often revolve around its legacy and impact on the automotive landscape.
Nissan Z
"The Nissan Z, AKA the RZ 34, you know, compared to the original, which is the 240Z slash 300ZX."
The Nissan Z is a sports car made by Nissan, known for being fast and fun to drive. The RZ34 is the latest version in a long line of Z cars that started with the 240Z.
The Nissan Z, specifically the RZ34, is a modern sports car that continues the legacy of the Z series, known for its performance and handling. It follows the iconic 240Z and 300ZX models.
Nissan 300Zx
"...compared to the original, which is the 240Z slash 300ZX. Yeah."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sporty car that was made in the 1980s and 1990s, known for being fast and having cool features. It came in different versions, some with more power than others, which makes it interesting to car fans. People talk about it because it was an important part of Nissan's history of making fun cars.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was part of the Z-car lineage, produced from 1983 to 1996, and is known for its performance and advanced technology for its time. It features a sleek design and was available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, making it a significant model in Nissan's history. The 300 ZX is often discussed for its role in the evolution of sports cars.
Datsun 240Z
"... you know, compared to the original, which is the 240Z slash 300ZX. Yeah."
240Z
"compared to the original, which is the 240Z slash 300ZX."
The Nissan 240Z is an older sports car that was popular in the 1970s. It's known for being stylish and fun to drive, and it helped Nissan become well-known for making good sports cars.
The Nissan 240Z is a classic sports car that was introduced in the early 1970s. It is known for its sleek design and performance, helping to establish Nissan's reputation in the sports car market.
twin turbo
"...it's real driving, get in a manual, it's twin turbo. It's yeah, the modern performance with the heritage styling."
Twin turbo means the car has two turbochargers that help the engine produce more power. This makes the car faster and more efficient than if it had just one turbo.
A twin turbo setup uses two turbochargers to increase the engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This results in better performance and efficiency compared to a single turbo setup.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
"The MX five. So what is that? A Miata? Yeah. Our Roadster. Oh, okay. So they're on their fourth generation now. And if you've seen Miata's throughout the years, they started with the NA, which was, you know, the basic. The, the one that started it all, right?"
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that seats two people. It's known for being fun to drive and has been made in different versions since it first came out in 1989.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seat roadster known for its fun driving dynamics and affordability. It has gone through multiple generations, with the NA being the first generation introduced in 1989.
horsepower
"I think they just dropped the one with the highest horsepower and it's like barely around 200."
Horsepower is a way to measure how strong an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It helps consumers understand how powerful a vehicle is, influencing performance and speed.
Brembo brakes
"I took a, I got to test drive from Nick, a sports version with Brembo brakes and like these different things."
Brembo brakes are special brakes that help cars stop quickly and safely. They're often used in fast cars because they work really well under pressure.
Brembo is a well-known manufacturer of high-performance braking systems. Their brakes are often used in sports cars and performance vehicles due to their superior stopping power and heat dissipation.
CarPlay
"You know, it has the carplay, but everything still feels tight. Everything still feels like well proportioned."
CarPlay is a system that lets you use your iPhone in your car. It helps you listen to music, get directions, and use apps on your car's screen.
CarPlay is an Apple feature that allows users to connect their iPhone to their car's infotainment system, enabling access to apps, navigation, and music directly from the car's display.
driving experience
"They chase the driving experience over the horsepower."
The driving experience is how it feels to drive a car. It's about comfort, handling, and how the car responds, not just how fast it can go.
The driving experience encompasses all aspects of how a car feels to drive, including handling, comfort, and feedback from the vehicle, rather than just focusing on performance metrics like speed or power.
drifting
"...getting to drift Miata's at fat five land, you know,..."
Drifting is when a driver makes a car slide sideways while going around a turn. It's a popular skill in racing and car shows because it looks cool and is fun to do.
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control through a corner. It's often used in motorsports and is popular among car enthusiasts for its thrilling nature.
Honda Civic
"So this one is the Honda Civic Type R, you know, so we're kind of comparing the FL five because I don't like the FK eight."
The Honda Civic Type R is a sportier version of the regular Honda Civic. It's designed for better performance and handling, making it popular among car fans.
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance variant of the Honda Civic, known for its sporty design and powerful engine. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts, particularly for its handling and track capabilities.
weight
"...but like also the weight is like frigging double."
Weight is how heavy a car is. Heavier cars can be slower and harder to handle compared to lighter cars, which can be quicker and more agile.
Weight refers to how heavy a car is, which can significantly impact its performance, handling, and fuel efficiency. A heavier car may require more power to accelerate and can affect braking and cornering.
raw sports car
"...the EK nine is a raw, like the EK nine type R is a raw was made to be a raw, like sports car, right?"
A raw sports car is one that feels very connected to the road and doesn't have a lot of fancy technology to make it easier to drive. It's all about the driving experience and feeling every bump and turn.
A 'raw sports car' refers to a vehicle that emphasizes a direct and unrefined driving experience, often with minimal electronic aids and a focus on driver engagement. This type of car typically provides a more visceral connection between the driver and the road.
Toyota GR Corolla
"...the GR Corolla, the, you know, just these..."
The GR Corolla is a faster and sportier version of the regular Toyota Corolla. It's made for people who want a fun driving experience.
The Toyota GR Corolla is a performance-oriented version of the standard Corolla, developed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division. It features enhanced power, handling, and sporty design elements.
Honda Civic Si
"But plus, I mean, you look at the SI, the SI is like a 1.5 turbo."
The Honda Civic Si is a sportier version of the regular Honda Civic, designed for better performance. It usually has a more powerful engine and sportier features compared to the standard model.
The Honda Civic Si is a sporty variant of the popular Honda Civic, known for its performance-oriented features and turbocharged engine options. It has been a favorite among enthusiasts for its balance of practicality and sportiness.
1.5 turbo
"But plus, I mean, you look at the SI, the SI is like a 1.5 turbo."
A 1.5 turbo engine is a 1.5-liter engine that uses a turbocharger to make it more powerful. Turbochargers help engines produce more power without making them much bigger.
The term '1.5 turbo' refers to a 1.5-liter engine that is equipped with a turbocharger. Turbocharged engines can produce more power than their naturally aspirated counterparts by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, resulting in improved performance and efficiency.
Nissan R34
"...could we not mention it? Because, yeah, dude, the R34 GTR sick. Like, oh, yeah, frigging sick."
The Nissan Skyline is a famous sports car, especially the GT-R version, which is loved for being fast and high-tech. The R34 model from the late 90s is particularly popular among car fans and is often talked about because of its racing history. It's a big part of car culture, especially in Japan.
The Nissan Skyline, particularly the GT-R variants, is a legendary sports car known for its performance and advanced technology. The R34 GT-R, produced in the late 1990s, has gained a cult following for its impressive capabilities and has become a symbol of JDM car culture. Discussions often focus on its racing heritage and influence on modern performance vehicles.
Nissan R35 Gtr
"Okay. The R35 GTR, like trumpets. I don't know."
The Nissan GT-R is a super-fast sports car that has been around since 2007 and is known for its amazing speed and technology. It has a special engine that helps it go really fast and handle well on the road. People often talk about it because it's one of the best in its class.
The Nissan GT-R (R35), introduced in 2007, is a high-performance sports car that has redefined the supercar segment with its advanced technology and incredible speed. Known for its all-wheel-drive system and powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, the GT-R has become a benchmark for performance in the automotive world. It frequently comes up in discussions about modern supercars and racing.
Fuji Speedway
"...like yes, of course, fast car on a track like Fuji or the..."
Fuji Speedway is a well-known racetrack in Japan where cars can race. It's famous for its beautiful scenery and exciting races.
Fuji Speedway is a famous racetrack located in Japan, known for its challenging layout and beautiful views of Mount Fuji. It hosts various motorsport events, including car races and track days.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ehicles from the factory. Dude, the frigging Zora Corvette is like insane amount of horsepower from the fact..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people admire. It's known for being powerful and has a unique design that makes it stand out. The newest versions have a special engine setup that helps it handle better and go even faster.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an American sports car that has become a symbol of performance and style since its introduction in 1953. The latest models, particularly the C8 generation, feature a mid-engine layout that enhances handling and power, making it a significant topic in discussions about modern sports cars. Its performance capabilities and iconic status make it a frequent subject of admiration.
DCT
"...experience opening up a DCT, dropping off the DCT, replacing valves, like, but dude, like, we did..."
DCT means Dual-Clutch Transmission, which is a special kind of automatic transmission that helps cars shift gears faster and smoother. It's like having two clutches that work together to make driving easier and more fun.
DCT stands for Dual-Clutch Transmission, a type of automatic transmission that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. This allows for faster gear changes compared to traditional automatic transmissions, enhancing performance and driving experience.
2JZ engine
"...why don't you put a 2J in it? Right."
The 2JZ engine is a powerful engine made by Toyota that many car fans love because it can be modified to go really fast. It's especially known for being in the older Supra models.
The 2JZ engine is a 3.0-liter inline-six engine produced by Toyota, famous for its durability and tuning potential, particularly in the Toyota Supra A80. It is often sought after by car enthusiasts for high-performance builds.
BMW Z4
"Yeah. Like, is it a rebadged Z4 or is it a Supra? That's the joke, right?"
The BMW Z4 is a stylish sports car that you can get with a roof that goes down, making it fun to drive on nice days. It's known for being fast and handling well, which makes it enjoyable for people who love driving. Sometimes, people compare it to other cars to see how they stack up against each other.
The BMW Z4 is a luxury sports car that offers a blend of performance and comfort, available in both coupe and convertible styles. It has been praised for its sharp handling and powerful engine options, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts. The Z4 often comes up in discussions about sporty roadsters and its relationship to other models like the Toyota Supra.
Toyota GR Yaris
"...motors, dude. Why the frick aren't they using the GR Yaris and the GR Corolla? No, it's a new one."
The Toyota GR Yaris is a small, sporty car made for racing, with a powerful engine and four-wheel drive. It's designed to be lightweight and fun to drive, which makes it special among small cars. People talk about it because it's built for performance and has a strong connection to racing.
The Toyota GR Yaris is a high-performance hatchback developed for rally racing, featuring a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It has garnered attention for its lightweight design and agility, making it a standout in the hot hatch segment. The GR Yaris is often discussed for its motorsport pedigree and driving excitement.
Acura NSX
"...body was super hype on it. You know, the original NSX was light, simple driver focused. Of course, we'r..."
The Acura NSX is a fancy sports car that many people think is really cool. It was designed to be lightweight and fun to drive, which makes it special among other cars. People talk about it because it changed how sports cars are made and is still admired today.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance sports car that was first introduced in the early 1990s and is known for its combination of luxury and driving dynamics. The original NSX was praised for its lightweight construction and driver-focused design, making it a significant model in the history of Japanese sports cars. Discussions often highlight its impact on performance car development and its legacy.
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