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This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad is joined by guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo for road tests of the 2026 Genesis G70 3.3T Prestige and the fascinating new 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport, the raciest RAV4 ever. They also examine Ford and GM’s growing disagreement over trade policy, Acura’s dramatic NEXERA Vision concept, the 1,070-horsepower Lucid Gravity GT-S, and a massive Stellantis rearview-camera recall. Additional topics include the technologically transformed Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on car shopping. Matt DeLorenzo joins the show as this week’s special guest for a discussion about Monterey Car Week and the 2027 North American Car of the Year competition.
🚗 Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Genesis G70 3.3T Prestige
The 2026 Genesis G70 3.3T Prestige is becoming something of an endangered species: a traditional rear-wheel-drive luxury sport sedan powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6. Jack’s rear-drive test car packed 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, an eight-speed automatic, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, and a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds. Inside are Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, Lexicon premium audio, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen. At $58,295 as tested, the G70 combines strong performance and upscale equipment with impressive warranty coverage, though rear-seat space, trunk capacity, and fuel economy are compromises. Jack asks whether this old-school sport sedan might actually be more appealing because it refuses to follow the SUV crowd.
⚡ Matt DeLorenzo’s Road Test: 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 enters the new model year with an all-hybrid lineup, including the GR Sport Plug-in hybrid variant that Matt DeLorenzo tested. It featured GR-tuned suspension and steering, functional aerodynamics, all-wheel-drive and sport seating. The PHEV system boosts total output to 324 net combined system horsepower while offering fuel economy of an estimated 40 mpg combined. The five-passenger compact SUV offers 37.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and as much as 70.4 cubic feet with them folded. Every RAV4 gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0. Matt and Jack give us their somewhat different impressions of the latest version of one of America’s most important vehicles.
📊 Ford and GM Clash Over Trade Policies
Ford and General Motors agree that North American auto production needs protection, but they don’t necessarily agree on how to do it. Ford is advocating higher tariffs on South Korean vehicles while seeking relief on imported aluminum, an especially important issue for its F-150 production. GM, meanwhile, has criticized Ford’s battery relationship with China’s CATL and is promoting its own battery development. Both companies warn that proposed changes to USMCA content requirements could add billions of dollars in annual costs. GM expects $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion in gross tariff-related expenses this year, while Ford projects a net impact of about $1 billion.
🚘 Acura NEXERA Vision Debuts
Acura used Monterey Car Week to unveil the NEXERA Vision, a dramatic concept designed to preview the company’s next generation of vehicles. Created at Acura’s Los Angeles studio, the concept features dual-hinge butterfly doors, active aerodynamics, 22-inch centerlock wheels, carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, and a new lighting signature based on the Acura “A.” Inside, fixed floor-mounted seats, adjustable pedals and steering wheel, recycled aluminum, Alcantara, CircuLeather, and forged carbon create a futuristic driver-focused cabin. Elements of the design will begin reaching production with next-generation Acuras.
⚡ 1,070-HP Lucid Gravity GT-S Arrives
Lucid has turned its seven-passenger Gravity electric SUV into something approaching a supercar. The new Gravity GT-S delivers 1,070 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds while retaining seating for up to seven adults. Standard equipment includes rear-wheel steering and an adaptive three-chamber air suspension, while distinctive blue exterior and interior accents identify the high-performance model. Pricing starts at $125,900 before taxes, fees, and options, and the GT-S will be offered exclusively in the United States.
🚨 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram Recall
FCA US is recalling an estimated 850,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles because faulty radio software can prevent the rearview-camera image from appearing on the media screen. The recall covers a long list of 2026 and 2027 models, including Pacifica and Voyager minivans, Dodge Chargers, numerous Jeep SUVs and trucks, and several Ram models. Customers will receive an over-the-air software update, and recall notices are scheduled to begin arriving in September. The company says it is unaware of related accidents or injuries.
🤖 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Gets Major Tech Upgrade
Mercedes-Benz calls the latest C-Class update the most comprehensive technological upgrade in the model’s history. Due in U.S. dealerships during the first half of 2027, the sedan gets refreshed styling, the latest MB.OS operating system, fourth-generation MBUX, an AI-powered Virtual Assistant capable of multi-turn conversations, and over-the-air updates. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine uses mild-hybrid assistance to produce 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while an electric auxiliary compressor is intended to improve response. Advanced driver-assistance features including MB.DRIVE and 360-degree parking assistance are standard.
💻 Car Buyers Embrace AI Faster Than Dealers
A Cox Automotive survey finds 82 percent of dealers already use artificial intelligence, but consumers may be changing their shopping habits faster than dealerships can respond. Sixty-three percent of shoppers say they definitely or probably will use AI for their next vehicle purchase, while 24 percent say AI already makes them feel better prepared when entering a dealership. Dealers most commonly use the technology to automate tasks, coordinate customer follow-up, and generate content. Although 69 percent expect AI to help increase sales and revenue, only 22 percent of current users say they have seen that growth so far.
🎙️ Special Guest
Veteran automotive journalist, North American Car of the Year juror, and author Matt DeLorenzo joins Jack Nerad as guest co-host and special guest.
📩 Listener Question of the Week
Manny from Chino, California asks: “I want to trade in my car on a new one, but I think it’s worth less than I owe on the loan. Do you have any tips for me? What should I do?” Jack and Matt discuss what drivers should consider when they find themselves upside down on a vehicle loan.
💻 Investigate Jack’s New Substack
📚 Jack Nerad’s Latest Book
Jack’s crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon — currently at a sale price.
🎧 Where to Listen
Catch America on the Road on your local Sports Byline Radio Network station each week and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Follow for new car reviews, guest interviews, auto news, and road tests.
Sponsored by Mercury Insurance and DrivingToday.com
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📨 Email: editor@drivingtoday.com
📚 Look for Matt DeLorenzo’s Book on AMG
Look for guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance
📚 Check Out Gary Witzenburg’s New Book
Pick up a copy of auto journalist Gary Witzenburg’s engaging new book Legends in Motion.
📚 Special Price for Jack’s Newest Crime Novel
Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a 67%-off price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.
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