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What Japan Car Culture Taught Us + Toyota Confirms New MR2!

What Japan Car Culture Taught Us + Toyota Confirms New MR2!

MartiniWorks Podcast Jan 30, 2026 55 min
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About this episode

Exploring the vibrant world of Japanese car culture, this episode dives into the recent Rolex 24 at Daytona, sharing firsthand experiences from the event. The hosts discuss the significance of drafting in racing, the excitement of vintage cars, and the thrill of seeing a new Toyota MR2 confirmed. With anecdotes about their trip to Japan, they highlight the immaculate condition of cars on the road and the unique pride in craftsmanship. The conversation wraps up with automotive news, including updates on diesel emissions regulations and the astonishing performance of the new Chevy Corvette ZR1X.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

Rolex 24 at Daytona

"...starting out the podcast talking about the Rolex 24 at Daytona, but not before letting you know that if you're looking for car parts..."

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. It takes place at a big racetrack in Florida and features different types of race cars competing to see which team can go the farthest in that time.

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Term

performance parts

"...if you're looking for car parts like wheel and tire packages, performance parts, tunes, intakes..."

Performance parts are special parts you can add to your car to make it go faster or handle better. They're often used by people who want to improve their car's performance for racing or just for fun.

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Concept

24 Hours of Le Mans

"...the success of the 24 hour of Le Mans. And they wanted to bring it to America..."

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for a whole day. Teams compete to see who can drive the farthest in that time, making it a test of speed and endurance for both the cars and the drivers.

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Concept

Daytona International Speedway

"...super cool track like Daytona International Speedway has a gnarly ton of history behind it."

Daytona International Speedway is a well-known racetrack in Florida where many important car races take place. It's famous for its steep banks and exciting races, including the Daytona 500.

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Mazda MX-5
MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mazda MX-5

"...watched some MX-5s go around in circles,..."

The Mazda MX-5 is a small sports car that is very fun to drive. It's known for being light and nimble, making it great for racing and enjoying on the road.

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Term

horsepower

"...those cars, I think at the wheel, have 170 horsepower and at Daytona, they'll go 148 miles an hour. They're using every bit of it, everything they got."

Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.

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Term

drafting

"...they'll go 148 miles an hour. They're using every bit of it, everything they got. The drafting."

Drafting is when one car follows another closely to go faster. It helps reduce wind resistance, making it easier for the trailing car to speed up.

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Dodge Viper
ArildV (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Dodge Viper

"...we got to watch a GT2 Dodge Viper race around, which was really cool."

The Dodge Viper is a fast sports car made by Dodge. It's famous for its powerful engine and unique design, and it has been used in many racing events.

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Term

GT2

"...we got to watch a GT2 Dodge Viper race around, which was really cool."

GT2 is a type of racing category for fast sports cars. Cars in this category are built to be very powerful but still have to follow certain rules to keep them safe and fair in races.

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Concept

IMSA vintage race

"Like they do this HSR IMSA vintage race, which is awesome. Because it's all pro AM drivers, usually business owners."

IMSA is a group that organizes car races, including ones where older cars compete. Vintage races are fun because they let people see classic cars racing against each other.

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Mazda Rx8
Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mazda Rx8

"There was one guy in the vintage race that was driving a Mazda RX-8"

The Mazda RX-8 is a sporty car that uses a special type of engine called a rotary engine. It's known for being fun to drive and has a unique design.

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Ferrari 333 SP
Prova MO (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Ferrari 333 SP

"There's this iconic Ferrari. I think it's called a 333SP or something like that."

The Ferrari 333 SP is a special race car made by Ferrari. It's built for racing and is known for being very fast and powerful.

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Saleen S7R
el.guy08_11 (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Car

Saleen S7R

"But there was a Selina 7R, which I had never seen in person before."

The Saleen S7R is a special race car that looks really cool and is built to go fast on the track.

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Concept

24-hour race

"And then, yeah, we went into the 24 hour race, which was super fun."

A 24-hour race is a car race that lasts all day and night. Teams take turns driving to see who can go the farthest in 24 hours.

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Company

Mazda Motorsports

"We were there with Mazda Motorsports, and Rolex, and LiquiMolly, and it was crazy."

Mazda Motorsports is the part of Mazda that focuses on racing cars and helping them compete in races.

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Company

Turner Motorsports

"So like Turner Motorsports, they were playing soccer in the pits. I went and hung out with BMWM, WRT team."

Turner Motorsports is a racing team that focuses on BMW cars. They are involved in different racing competitions and are known for their skills in making these cars perform well.

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Concept

Rolex 24 Daytona

"...if you guys and gals haven't gone to a 24 hour race, the Rolex 24 Daytona is a fantastic race. Do it."

The Rolex 24 is a long car race that lasts for 24 hours. It's held at a famous racetrack in Daytona, Florida, where different teams drive their cars non-stop to see who can cover the most distance in that time.

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Brand

Cadillac

"Cadillac and BMW were putting up one hell of a fight in GTP..."

Cadillac is a brand that makes luxury cars, often associated with comfort and style.

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Concept

GTP

"Cadillac and BMW were putting up one hell of a fight in GTP..."

GTP is a type of car racing that involves very fast and powerful cars competing in long races.

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Brand

Porsche

"against the Porsches."

Porsche is a well-known car brand that makes fast sports cars and luxury vehicles.

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Genesis
Andrew Bossi (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Car

Genesis

"He's ripping his Genesis right now because his winter beaters down."

Genesis is a brand that makes luxury cars, similar to how Lexus is a luxury brand for Toyota.

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Part

Viking Contact Seven winter tires

"So he's putting some Viking Contact Seven winter tires on there."

Viking Contact Seven winter tires are special tires made for driving in snow and ice, helping cars grip the road better in winter weather.

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Toyota Supra
Dietmar Rabich (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Toyota Supra

"The Rippers had them on my Supra, drove it all winter, never got stuck, never slipped."

The Toyota Supra is a fast sports car that many people love for its speed and how well it can be modified.

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Part

DWS06 Plus

"But also too, with all seasons, I had the DWSO6 Plus on my Jetta was phenomenal."

The DWS06 Plus is a type of tire that works well in all seasons, including rain and snow. It's designed to help cars grip the road better in different weather.

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Volkswagen Jetta
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen Jetta

"But also too, with all seasons, I had the DWSO6 Plus on my Jetta was phenomenal."

The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that's good for everyday use. It's known for being reliable and fun to drive.

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Company

Continental

"Continental really nails it with the wet performance."

Continental is a company that makes tires for cars. They are known for making good tires that perform well in rain and wet weather.

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Part

Extreme Contact Sport

"And then, of course, for your summer performance, the fun tires get some extreme contact sport O2s."

Extreme Contact Sport is a type of tire made for summer driving. It's designed to help cars handle better and grip the road when driving fast.

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Chevrolet C6
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Chevrolet C6

"...going to sound really lame, but I saw a modified C6 Corvette. When we were in Shinjuku."

The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love to drive. The C6 model is one of the versions made between 2005 and 2013, and it's known for being both fun to drive and practical enough for daily use.

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Mazda Rx7
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Mazda Rx7

"So I'll give two. I'll give the Veilside RX-7. Like I feel like that would just be the most baller"

The Veilside RX-7 is a special version of the Mazda RX-7 that has been customized to look very unique and sporty. Veilside is a company that makes these cool modifications to cars.

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Nissan R34
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Nissan R34

"I think an R34 would be dope. Like an actual like GTR. R34 would be incredible."

The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is a famous sports car from Japan that is loved for its speed and technology. Many car fans dream of owning one because it's considered a classic and has a strong racing history.

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Datsun 510
sv1ambo (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Datsun 510

"Yeah. You can get Fortunato 500 or 510s. They're custom built, modular to your vehicle."

The Datsun 510 is an older car that many people love because it's small and fun to drive. It's popular for customization and racing, making it a favorite among car fans.

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Toyota MR2
TTTNIS (CC0)
Car

Toyota MR2

"We're getting another Toyota MR2. Officially officially official? So Toyota made an announcement about it?"

The Toyota MR2 is a small sports car made by Toyota. It's known for being fun to drive because of its design, which places the engine in the middle of the car, helping it handle well on the road.

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Concept

diesel deletes

"The DOJ will no longer pursue criminal charges for diesel deletes and tunes. Wow. Volkswagen is rejoicing."

Diesel deletes are modifications made to diesel engines to remove parts that help reduce pollution. People do this to make their vehicles run better, but it can be illegal and harmful to the environment.

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Chevrolet Trax
Crisco 1492 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Chevrolet Trax

"...fact you can buy this at the same dealership as a Trax is very funny. That is a crazy thing that Chevy ..."

The Chevrolet Trax is a small SUV that is easy to drive around the city and has plenty of space for passengers and cargo. It's interesting because you can find it for sale at the same places that sell faster, sportier cars.

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Rimac Nevera
Miroslav.vajdic (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Rimac Nevera

"Rime neck. Nevera at a price point 12 times cheaper. At what point..."

The Rimac Nevera is a super-fast electric car that can go really fast and has a lot of advanced technology. It's very expensive, but it's also a glimpse into what electric cars can do in the future.

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BMW M5
Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

BMW M5

"...Lars I think. I think we're trying to get Lars's M5 setup for ice racing. And it looks really dope."

The BMW M5 is a super-fast version of a regular BMW car that combines luxury with sports car performance. It's built to handle well in all kinds of conditions, making it a great choice for exciting activities like ice racing.

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Mazda Miata
Yaktatel (Public domain)
Car

Mazda Miata

"...nd it looks fucking killer. First clip is like a Miata launching and getting air and then landing back ..."

Mazda makes many cars, but the Miata is a small, fun sports car that people love to drive. It's known for being light and quick, making it great for exciting moments like jumping off ramps.

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