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This week on America on the Road, host Jack Nerad welcomes back co-host Chris Teague, and they have some intriguing road tests. Chris puts the gas-powered 2027 Dodge Charger R/T through its paces while Jack evaluates the 2026 Nissan Murano during a road trip to Chicago. In the news, they cover American automakers’ push to permanently shut Chinese vehicles out of the U.S. market, Dodge’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series, and a proposed exterior lighting system for automated vehicles. In addition, they reveal Toyota’s plan to sell engines and hybrid technology to rivals and discuss the mixed results among luxury brands. Special guest Chau Nguyen, founder of Vintage Modern, talk about his dream of building modern vehicles with classic Ford Bronco-inspired design. Jack also reviews the Vueroid S1 QHD Infinite dashcam.
🚗 Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2027 Dodge Charger RT
Chris spent the week in the gas-powered 2027 Dodge Charger R/T Plus trim). It uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six producing 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, paired with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. The tested car does 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. As-tested price was just over $67,000. The four-door model is large and heavy but handles well with solid ride quality. The interior features distinctive three-dimensional textured surfaces, black leather and suede, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 16-inch digital gauge cluster, 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of driver-assistance systems. Exhaust note is distinctive—honkish at low speeds, screaming under load. Chris notes it delivers much of the performance of prior V8 Chargers at a lower price, though dealer incentives suggest sales challenges as buyers await a potential Hemi return.
⚡ Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Nissan Murano
Jack drove the 2026 Nissan Murano Platinum in Chicago and came away impressed. The thoroughly revised model (updated for 2025) positions itself as a personal-luxury, on-road-oriented two-row SUV with no off-road pretensions. Power comes from a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo four-cylinder making 241 hp and 260 lb-ft, mated to a nine-speed automatic and intelligent all-wheel drive. Combined fuel economy is 23 mpg. Styling is upscale inside and out; the Platinum trim includes 21-inch alloys, leather seating, dual 12.3-inch displays, Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and strong driver-assistance features. Zero Gravity seats are particularly comfortable. The window sticker was $57,000. Jack describes it as luxury-adjacent—comfortable, quiet, and refined—with predictable (if not sporting) handling. The nine-speed transmission is a major improvement over prior CVTs.
🚫 Push to Permanently Ban Chinese Vehicles
American automakers and unions are urging Congress to permanently block Chinese vehicles from the U.S. market, citing national security and economic risks. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation and others fear Chinese brands could quickly capture significant market share through low pricing. The issue has bipartisan elements; a lame-duck Congress will determine next steps.
🏁 Dodge Returns to NASCAR Cup Series
After more than 14 years away, Dodge is rejoining the NASCAR Cup Series, with plans to race in 2027. The announcement came at the SEMA show under Tim Kuniskis’s leadership. The brand previously re-entered the truck series and sees racing as a way to revitalize the brand and “win on Sunday, sell on Monday,” especially with a future Hemi-powered Charger expected.
💡 NHTSA Proposes Lights for Driverless Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing optional (initially) greenish-blue exterior lighting to identify vehicles operating with automated driving systems. The goal is to help other motorists, pedestrians, and law enforcement recognize driverless vehicles. Jack and Chris both support the idea and would like it to become mandatory over time.
🔧 Toyota Eyes Selling Engines and Hybrids
Toyota sees a potential $1.7 billion annual opportunity in selling its gasoline engines and hybrid systems to competing automakers. Both hosts praise Toyota’s refined hybrid technology (nearly three decades of development) and note that other brands already benefit from it (Mazda, Subaru). They speculate GM could be a logical future customer as it expands its hybrid lineup.
📉 Mixed Results for Luxury Brands
BMW has lowered its 2026 profitability forecast amid restructuring costs, weaker Chinese demand, and rising Chinese competition in Europe. Volvo’s global sales fell 16 percent in the recent period on soft demand in China and the U.S.; its EX electric models have underwhelmed. Ferrari, by contrast, continues to thrive by selling fewer but far more expensive, high-margin vehicles and carefully managing customer relationships.
🎙️ Special Guest: Chau Nguyen, Founder of Vintage Modern
Guest Chau Nguyen explains how his company creates modern vehicles with classic Ford Bronco-inspired design. Starting from a personal frustration with unreliable classic cars, Vintage Modern builds on a contemporary chassis and drivetrain (Ford 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with Roush performance package, approximately 330 hp and 400 lb-ft) while delivering classic looks, modern safety, technology, and daily drivability. Each vehicle requires about 900 hours of handcrafting in Atlanta. Nearly 500 have been delivered. Customers can configure vehicles at vintagemodern.com; the brand has built a large following on social media by documenting the build process daily. A new model is planned for public unveiling in the coming months.
📹 Product Review: Vueroid S1 QHD Infinite Dashcam
Jack reviews the Vueroid S1 QHD Infinite three-camera dashcam system (front, rear, and interior). It uses Sony StarVIS 2 sensors, records at high resolution with 160-degree fields of view, offers AI-assisted license-plate enhancement, excellent parking surveillance with motion/impact detection and low-power standby, GPS, Wi-Fi, and a polarizing filter. Priced around $310, it delivers strong daytime performance and comprehensive coverage without the cost of a full 4K system. Jack calls it a solid value and potential Christmas gift.
💻 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.
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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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