PODSPEED by GTChannel

Two kids from San Diego, Matt Martelli and his brother Josh, who got into skating and off road racing, founded Mad Media. They were there when X Games decided to include rally racing. Mad Media also produced the first three Gymkhana videos with motorsport marketing genius Ken Block. Then they bought the most famous desert race in America, the Mint 400 because they didn't like how the old guys were running it. Mad Media also owns OffRoadRacer.com and UTVUnderground.com.  We've heard rumors of a R36 Nissan GT-R but not so fast. Sam Mitani reports that before an all new model GT-R, there could be a Final Edition R35 GT-R according our Ninja Otakus in Japan.  James Mckeone reports on the VW Atlas and McLaren Artura.  Taro reports on more flying cars that are trending on the internet these day. Article here on GTChannel.  

The Podspeed cast is joined by guest Roger Yasukawa former Indy car racer who was second to future series champion Dan Wheldon in the rookie-of-the-year competition in 2003. After retiring from racing, Roger spotted for Takuma Sato's first win at the Indy 500 and now manages Alex Palou's Indy racing career.  Sam Mitani reports on rumors of a Toyota Corolla GRMN and a Lexus LC F in the works according to his ninja otakus in Japan. James reports on the Mazda6 and Taro introduces a new video from GTChannel that features a reimagined Spoon Sports EK9 Civic Type R. 

The Podspeed team start by reporting on the cars which were released for the Tokyo Auto Salon. Then joined by Jim Liaw, president & co-founder of the professional drifting series Formula Drift. Jim talked about the challenges and accomplishments of the 2020 season which incredibly happened under the Covid pandemic. Drift machines, now and then and their new 2021 schedule which was just announced a few days ago. 

In order to create an authentic enthusiast car movie, Universal hired Craig Lieberman for the first two Fast & Furious pictures, The Fast and the Furious and 2Fast2Furious. Craig shares with the Podspeed team on how he was hired for the ride of his life, meeting Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and the cast and behind the scenes stories on vehicle selection. Craig has been a consultant and marketing head for numerous automotive brands and currently runs a YouTube channel dedicated to the cars of the Fast & Furious franchise. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNlI4oCO9ue81NZbsdohNFg Sam reports on renderings of a new Honda/Acura NSX and a $3M new EV performance car coming out of Japan. James reviews the the Singer 911 off-road racer that broke the internet this week and Taro reports on a 11-year old Japanese drift phenom. Don't miss the first Podspeed episode of 2021!

Arisa Mizuhara is a Cusco works driver that competes in both drifting and rallying in Japan. She recently blew up with her video of the 800+HP Toyota GR Yaris drift car on GTChannel. She did not grow up in motorsports but discovered drifting when her brother showed her Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift. Since then she got hooked, bought a car and started on her journey of becoming a professional drift driver.  As it's the last Podspeed episode of the year, we will also list our favorite moments and cars we talked about this year. Podspeed is hosted by Taro Koki, James McKeone and Sam Mitani.

This man needs no introduction, Matt Farah from The Smoking Tire is our guest! Matt walks us through his new Westside Collector Car Storage facility. Talks about his new Ferrari 328 GTS and Lamborghini Countach. Why he doesn't wrench. On his new series with Rob Ferretti and Tanner Foust, Sorted. He also gave us his frank thoughts on Sam's report about rumors on a new Nissan Silvia (S16). Don't miss this one! James reports on Formula One as always and Taro introduces two new videos from GTChannel. A video on Daikoku-futo and a Heyman Robbie's episode on Arisa Mizuhara's 900hp GR Yaris drift car. Arisa is our next guest in a few weeks. 

During college Kenji Sumino walked into GReddy USA in the mid 90's and was hired on the spot to join the R&D department. They immediately sent him to Japan to train at HQ in Chiba. Upon returning he has spearheaded the US operations and lead GReddy into an aftermarket powerhouse for the last two decades. Unlike typical Japanese companies, GReddy has collaborated with other parts brands and in recent years embraced social media to expand its presence in the digital world. The FuguZ project with Fast & Furious star Sung Kang was originally born from Instagram. Sung Kang also pops in during our interview with Kenji to discuss the new Nissan Z Proto we have recently covered on Podspeed.  Sam reports on rumors of a next generation R36 Nissan GT-R. James reviews his ride-of-the-week the 2021 Toyota Rav4. 

Rob Ferretti, aka Superspeedersrob, is the outspoken and very opinionated automotive YouTuber. He definitely did not fail to give us his opinions on the new Z proto and the controversial recent events of the SSC Tuatara reaching 316mph. We also touch on his new show "Sorted" which stars himself, Matt Farrah, Emelia Hartford and Tanner Foust. Don't miss this episode! Taro reports on the new Z proto he got to see in person, Sam reports on flying cars (yeah, really!) and James updates us on another victory by Lewis Hamilton. What else is new?

Sung Kang, the actor who plays fan favorite Han in Fast & Furious and car enthusiast is our guest. Sung talks about the filming of Tokyo Drift and getting back with the cast for Fast & Furious 9. The various car projects he is working on now from a Safari themed 240Z called DocZ to Porsche 914 restorations. Don't miss this episode.  Sam reports on the new Nissan Z Prototype and James reports on the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary edition he has in his garage this week. 

Fredric Aasbø, aka the Norwegian Hammer is the most winningest professional driver in Formula Drift history with 14 wins and the series champ in 2015. He currently drives the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra for Papadakis Racing. Apart from professional competition, he  also the host of Top Gear Norway in his home country. He talks about his upbringing and how he was inspired by his grand-mother's e-brake technique on the snow covered road as a child. Fredric also tells us how he financed his drifting career before he made it to the big leagues and how he is now helping young drivers follow his path.  Podspeed is hosted by Sam Mitani, James Mckeone and Taro Koki. 

Larry Chen is the busiest auto photographer in the business. When he's not shooting as the official photographer for Formula D and Pikes Peak, he's travelling around the world for clients and publications, all while creating videos for his successful YouTube channel Autofocus. We talk about drifting, motorsports events during Covid, back story of Dai Yoshihara's victory at Pikes Peak, his favorite shoot, his least favorite car, the new Z prototype and much much more.  Podspeed is hosted by Sam Mitani, James Mckeone and Taro Koki.   

Rutledge Wood is one of the coolest car guys on TV today. Rutledge is a motorsports analysts for NASCAR, former host of Top Gear USA and has hosted hit shows Hyper Drive and Floor is Lava on Netflix. This guy is a real car nerd! We talk about his favorite episodes on Top Gear USA, how he got the reporter gig for NASCAR, why drifting is so awesome and we surprise him with a update from Toprank on his personal Nissan R33 GT-R he hasn't even driven yet!Sam reports on a Aston Martin Victor, a one-off super car from the British manufacturer and another scoop on the next Honda Civic Type R!James is back home from his drive-about the South West and give us his motorsports update. Taro reports on his homie Dai Yoshihara winning the Pikes Peak Intl. Hill Climb unlimited class and reviews the GT-R The Journey book by Alexander Qureitem. 

What's my car worth? The question everyone has asked themselves. Roger Williams made a TV show out of this idea. What's My Car Worth? aired on the Velocity and Motor Trend Network and is now available on Curiosity Stream. We asked Roger to give us a list of some of his favorite domestic, Euro, Japanese, classic and used cars. You don't want to miss this one.  We are still in the times of Covid-19 but James has bravely set on an adventure around the South West States of the US in a Lexus RX450h. Where is James today? You will just have to listen to find out.  Sam reviews the Mazda MX30 and Subaru Levorg.  Taro introduces two more GTChannel Original videos. A feature on the late Paul Walker's personal R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R and Part 2 of visiting Yasuyuki Kazama's shop Rodextyle. 

We are delighted to have Jennifer Nicole as our guest on Podspeed.  Not only does Jennifer run the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles. she's an avid car enthusiast as well. We get into the history of PECLA and what they have going on now under the covid restrictions. Same reviews the Tesla Roadster and Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR. James gives us his motorsports roundup and reports on the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport which he drove for a week.  Taro introduces the new gtchannel.com website that just launched today.  

Podspeed welcomes 80-90's enthusiast event Radwood's Art Cervantes. Art also co-hosts the Driving While Awesome podcast. We talk about Radwood's inception, criteria to get your car in the show and also Art's personal top cars.  Sam continues to get more renderings on the Nissan 400Z from his minions in Japan and also reviews the Lexus UX 250h F-Sport. Ok a hybrid SUV with an F-Sport badge really? Sam gives it a thumbs up or down?  Taro introduces the latest GTChannel video which covers OG JDM drifter, Yasuyuki Kazama of D1, Option Video and Hot Version fame who disappeared from the scene almost 10 years ago. He runs a small shop in Nagano, Rodexstyle like Sushi from Jiro.  James gives us the update on motorsports during corona times. 

We welcome Jann Mardenborough who was the youngest GT Academy winner in 2011 and now races at the highest level of racing in Super GT as a NISMO driver for Kondo Racing. What was it like to go from sim racing to driving real cars? Competition among GT Academy drivers at the pro level? His favorite car from the Nissan Heritage Garage? What was it like to drive for Nissan GT-R legend Kazuyoshi Hoshino? Track he wants to visit is Ebisu circuit!?  In our review section James reviews the 2021 Kia Seltos. We also go over the new Nissan Ariya just announced this morning.  Sam shows some pictures surfacing on a limited edition Supra GRMN edition. We also agree that the new Ford Bronco is one good looking truck.  Taro introduces a GTChannel video where Robbie Nishida interviews an 18 year old Formula Drift Japan driver that drifts a Nissan Siliva S15 with an SR20 engine. 

Jordan Greer is the founder of gtplanet, a major website in the eRacing world and especially famous for covering and creating an online community for Sony/Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo franchise for over 20 years. Jordan has also been a commentator for live Gran Turismo events in the past. We asked him how he got started and even some of his favorite cars in the game. His story on the first time he met the creator of Gran Turismo, Kazunori Yamauchi is definitely not to be missed.  Sam reports on a new Civic Type R in the works and renderings from Best Car on the new Z car.  James gives us the skinny on the new livery of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas, eSports and his review of the Volkswagen Passat 2L turbo SEL.  Taro introduces a new Altezza drift car video hosted by Robbie Nishida and shows off the new GTChannel.com website with micro-moments full integration. 

The Podspeed team interviews Megan Leatham, executive director of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hillclimb Presented by Gran Turismo. The good news is the race is still scheduled to happen this August. The bad news is the race will happen unfortunately without spectators. Megan explains in more detail about this decision and what's to come in the future from the 2nd oldest race in the United States.  James reviews the Lexus LC coupe. Sam reports on a new rendering of a 2021 Toyota 86. 

-Our guest today Stephan Papadakis drove the fastest front wheel drive drag racing car back when import drag racing was taking off in the late 90's and early 2000's. His 9 and 8 second Civics are legendary and even displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. In the mid 2000's he transitioned to drifting and became a team owner and builder with Papadakis Racing. His team has won two Formula Drift championships with Tanner Foust behind the wheel and one championship with Fredric Aasbo. Stephan also has a successful YouTube channel where he showcases his masterful race car building techniques. -James McKeone reviews the Toyota Yaris.  -Sam Mitani reports on speculations of a new Nissan 400Z. 

We welcome Lexus Communications Sr.Manager and friend of GTChannel, Mr.Moe Durand to our 19th episode of Podspeed. Sam also breaks the news on a potential new Nissan Silvia S16. James reviews the Kia Forte GT and Kia Niro EV. Taro shares the "PaperDrift" YouTube video from Stephan Papadakis, a new show on GTChannel called "Finally Legal" hosted by Justin Kaehler that reviews 25 year old cars eligible for importation to the US. Our first episode was on a 1995 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo II. GTChannel also just released a video interviewing the Drift King himself, Keiichi Tsuchiya on his personal Toyota AE86. 

Another lockdown edition via Zoom, we are joined by Ben Hsu co-founder of Japanese Nostalgic Car. Sam reports scoops on a Nissan Skyline sedan from Japan and a Yaris Crossover. James reviews the VW Golf and some drama on e-sports as Taro shares a few YouTube videos from the Honda Collection Hall and a Toyota + Japan McDonalds video featuring drift champions Nob Taniguchi and Daigo Saito. 

In this special Podspeed lockdown edition, we speak with Sean Morris of Toprank Vehicle Imports. Toprank is the premiere GT-R importers in the United States as you have seen in some of our other videos. Sean was part of MotoRex, who were the original importers of the Nissan Skyline GT-R in the early 2000's. We talked to him about how he got into GT-Rs, about the rise and demise of MotoRex, what it was like to provide cars for the Fast & Furious franchise and more. Sam and James also review some cars including the Audi Q3 and a scoop on the new Subaru STI!

We welcome friend of GTChannel, Champion drifter, Dai Yoshihara to Podspeed. Cabin fever gets Sam and James heated up over the RUF Rodeo and Taro is caught in between. Don't miss this episode!

 Hosts Sam Mitani, James McKeone and Taro Koki discuss rumors and recent auto news. Sam reports on the latest news on the Supra GRMN, Lafitte G-Tec X-Road, Aston Martin Vantage Roadster and Lexus LF-1. Taro gives the inside skinny on who the heck are these Built by Legends guys building JDM resto-mods now and James updates us on recent motorsports news. 

Just like out of a spy thriller, former Nissan/Renault chief Carlos Ghosn tricks Japanese authorities and escapes to Lebanon. Expect big changes for the Nissan 370Z and the development of the all new next gen 2025 Nissan Z has started. Lexus confirms the development of a F trim to their flagship model LC. Taro reports on the top 5 cars from the JDM tuner show Tokyo Auto Salon 2020. James reviews the powerful Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack Widebody. 

As the final episode of the year, we look back at the best scoops and cars we've reviewed. What did the cast select as their favorite import, concept car, race car and overall car of the year?  Tired of the same old “we drove this and it was great” automotive podcasts? Then tune into PodSpeed where our panel of insiders reveals secrets that the car companies don’t want you to know just yet. At PodSpeed, we provide exclusive SCOOPs on all your favorite cars!

November was a busy month for us. We kicked off the month with the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, then followed by the LA Auto Show capping it off with the FIA GT Championships in Monaco. James reviews the Fiat 123 Spider Abarth and Sam got to drive an Aston Martin around Monte Carlo.  Tired of the same old “we drove this and it was great” automotive podcasts? Then tune into PodSpeed where our panel of insiders reveals secrets that the car companies don’t want you to know just yet. At PodSpeed, we provide exclusive SCOOPs on all your favorite cars!

Sam and Taro flew out to the Tokyo Motorshow last week so in this episode we go over the cars we liked and the ones we didn't so much. Lexus released their LF-30 that attracted a big crowd. Some others we mention are the Honda Fit, Toyota LQ Concept, Mitsubishi Mi-Tech, Nissan Ariya and Mazda MX-30. Taro also reviews the new Toyota GR Supra he drove on the Streets of Willow and James tested the Toyota Corolla, Tacoma and Fiat 500 Abarth around town.  Tired of the same old “we drove this and it was great” automotive podcasts? Then tune into PodSpeed where our panel of insiders reveals secrets that the car companies don’t want you to know just yet. At PodSpeed, we provide exclusive SCOOPs on all your favorite cars!

Rumors about an all new Nissan GT-R (R36), a super Nissan GT-R even faster than the Nismo, is Honda planning an NSX Type R(?), Supra racecar making a comeback in Super GT series in Japan and more. James reviews the Ram 1500 Limited Crew Cab 4x4 and the crew talk shop.  Podspeed is hosted by Sam Mitani, James McKeone and Taro Koki. 

Today our panel discuss the Le Mans inspired Toyota Supersports, the much talked about Chevrolet Midship Corvette Z06, Bugatti Cintodieci and McLaren Roadster from Pebble Beach, Acura Type S Concept, Drako GTE and our James McKeon reviews the 2019 Mazda CX-9 SUV. Sam Mitani reports on the GT Sport world championships held in New York. Taro Koki got to see the Pangani Huarya Roadster BC before its official reveal at Pebble Beach. 

Our panel discuss the Lotus Evija electric super car, speculate the all new 2021 Lexus IS F, BAC Mono R, New Nissan Juke renderings, 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander renderings, Toyota Sora and Mirai, Bentley EXP 100 GT, RIP Lee Iococca and the all new Nissan Skyline which is just a re-badged Infiniti Q50.

Tune in for the latest rumors and spy info! Mazda’s new FR platform, Lexus RC and Mini LC, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SUV, Volkswagen ID.R, Gordon Murray T50, Ultima RS, Toyota Tj Cruiser, Honda Mean Mower V2, Mad Mike’s SLAMBO and more! Podspeed is produced by GTChannel and hosted by Sam Mitani, James McKeone and Taro Koki.     

Tune in for the latest rumors and spy info! Wut?! A 4 door GT-R? We also guessed right on the Mazda front engine rear drive sedan/coupe which we will most definitely be patting ourselves on the back multiple times! Also Volkswagen Golf 8, Hillclimb GT-R, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, Nissan Skyline, Lexus LM350 Minivan, Porsche Taycan & Sport Turismo, aircooled Porschepalooza at Luftgekuhlt!

The panel discusses the mid-engine Corvette, how much the one-off Ferrari P80C would cost, the 50th Anniversary GT-R and more from the New York Intl. Auto Show. 50th Anniversary Z, VW TaroK, MX-5 review from James, Lexus NX review from Sam, D'Action 360 dash cam report from Taro. 

The panel discuss New Toyota 86, Mugen RC20, Pininfarina Battista, Ferrari F8 Tributo, Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept, Ginetta Cars Akula, Lexus LC500h etc. Let us hear your comments! Tired of the same old "we drove this and it was great" automotive podcasts? Then tune into our podcast where our panel of insiders reveals secrets that the car companies don't want you to know just yet. At GTChannel we provide exclusive SCOOPs on all your favorite cars!

Our sources uncover Toyota's secret Yaris GR, based on the company's award-winning WRC car. A high-powered Toyota Supra is in the works with more than 400 hp. Will it be a Japanese-version of the BMW M4? Infiniti may be planning a 400-hp Lexus GS F-killer based on the Q Inspiration Concept. How true are the rumors that Nissan has already started development on the next Z. We discuss the possibilities. We take a look at the VW MEB electric buggy and a driving evaluation of the Toyota 86 TRD.

We speculate a new Toyota MR2 in the works. We speak Toyota Supra, GT-R by Italdesign, 350Z, Nissan ex-CEO Gohsn's future, Acura NSX and we review the Lexus LS.  Hosted by Sam Mitani, James McKeone and Taro Koki. 

Hosts Sam Mitani and Taro Koki sit down with guest James McKeone to discuss spy photos and rumors of the Lexus LC, Subaru STI and others. 

Alex Palou is the hottest driver in the IndyCar series now. He finished 2nd at the 2021 Indy 500 just behind Helio Castroneves and is coming off his second victory of the season at Road America just this past weekend. We talk about his 2 years in Japan, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda and his favorite food fried chicken!

Ken Gushi became a professional drift driver at the age of 16 and has become one of the OG veterans of Formula Drift competing in every event since the inaugural event in 2004. In 2021 he campaigns the Toyota GR Supra as his competition machine and runs his own team. We talked with Ken about his upbringing in Southern California and influences from his father who he competed together with at the Pikespeak International Hill Climb.Sam reports on Honda's potential movement to go sporty EVs with rumors of a Honda e Type R from the Ninja Otakus.James reviews the all new Toyota Venza and Taro reports on a Mugen RR covered on GTChannel.com.

Jon Sibal is an automotive artist & comic book artist for DC ,Marvel and Image Comics. Jon started his career as an inker at Imagine Comics and later got into automotive renderings by accident because he wanted to show the auto shop his idea for his own car. Friends started asking him for drawings and that lead to working with multiple aftermarket car brands. You can check out Jon's work on Instagram at @jonsibal. Sam continues with his list of his top 50 Japanese performance cars from No.45 to 50. He also reports on the LF Z full electric car. James reviews the 2021 Toyota Landcruiser and the start of the new F1 season. You can watch the video version on https://www.gtchannel.com

No racecar driver racing is definitely a new concept for us OG race fans. How does it even work? The Podspeed cast catch up with Roborace's Chief Champion Officer, Chip Pankow. Chip explains to us what exactly is Roborace and how each team competes with their AI software. Chip used to run Formula BMW, the Jim Russell program at Infineon Raceway and co-founded the Redbull Global Rallycross which became the fastest growing motorsport in N America. Visit http://www.gtchannel.com for more content!

Tanner Foust truly needs no introduction as we all know him from his various TV appearances including Top Gear USA, Hot Wheel stunts and on the podium at various drifting and rallycross events around the world. Sam reports on rumors of a new Subaru WRX STI and the newly announced Lexus IS 500 F Sport. James drove the 4Runner Trail Version around Hollywood and Taro Koki promotes a crowd-funding project for the famous Ebisu drift circuit in Fukushima Japan which was heavily damaged by the 7+ magnitude earthquake just last week on February 25th. Visit http://www.gtchannel.com for car videos!

Jen Horsey was the first female motorsports color commentator for ESPN when she moved up into the booth for the Redbull Global Rallycross series. She is a former rally driver and still co-drives every once in a while between her motorsports communication gig with Papadakis Racing for Formula Drift. She also recently started hosting a podcast for RACER Magazine. Sam reports on his Ninja Otakus scoop on rumors of a new Toyota Celica in the works. Subaru has also announced an all electric SUV called the Solterra. James reviews the 250hp, 2.5L turbo, Mazda3. Taro reveals that Mitsubishi just announced the resurrection of the Ralliart brand although details are still yet to come.

Jarod DeAnda claims he has seen every single battle in Formula Drift history. These days he sees more than just drift from the Hot Wheels Legends Tour to promotional clips from Snap On Tools, the guy is everywhere. We ask how he ended up being the go-to-guy for drifting and many other action motorsports. Sam reports on a rumors of a Toyota Corolla GR and his Top 50 Japanese Performance Cars list. James reviews the Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition.

Dino Dalle Carbonare Editor-in-Chief of Speedhunters.com is our guest today. Dino talks about how he ended up in Japan, how Speedhunters started and the Japanese tuner brands like RWB, Rocketbunny and Liberty Walk when they were still unknown. We also had Dino stick around to give us his take on the newly announced Nissan GT-R NISMO.

Many of our listeners may know Justin Bell these day for his TV hosting and announcing than his racing career but our guest today is big time. From the FIA GT2 Championship, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans GT2 class in 1998 and second-place finishes in Le Mans and Daytona, and a pair of SCCA Trans-Am wins. Justin also raced for the factory GM Corvette Racing team, finishing second in the Daytona 24 Hours, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Petit Le Mans. Of course he is the son of the legendary race car driver Derek Bell but, Justin has definitely made a name for himself on and off the track and we are honored to have him on this episode of Podspeed. Sam reports on rumors of a new Mitsubishi Evo. The Toyota Landcruiser GR Sport is about the hit the streets in Japan. James reviews the new Toyota GR Supra 2.0.