In JDK-8170284, the hotspot build logic was better integrated with the top make level. However, the calls to make there was not provided with MAKE_ARGS. Bug: https://bugs.openjdk.java.net/browse/JDK-8170863 WebRev: http://cr.openjdk.java.net/~ihse/JDK-8170863-always-pass-MAKE_ARGS/webrev.01 /Magnus