This week we discuss what we discovered when Host Jack Nerad was among the first journalists to drive the seventh-generation Ford Mustang. While the “all-new” 2024 Mustang offers buyers the choice of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a naturally aspirated V8, it’s hard not to view the V8 version as “the real Mustang.” The turbofour does offer a reasonable dose of horsepower — 315 to be exact — but the 5.0-liter V8 in the 2024 Mustang GT delivers 480 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Certainly more power = more fun.

The added ommph isn’t the only reason to prefer the Mustang GT over the Mustang EcoBoost either. In terms of overtall drivability and response, the V-8-engined GT just feels better than the four-cylinder version. Steering, braking, and even throttle tip-in are smoother and better sorted-out. Of course, the GT’s standard six-speed manual transmission also moves the needle in the V8’s direction. With automatic rev-matching, the manual trans gives the driver another satisfying way to interact with the new car. We’ll tell you about others in this week’s road test segment.

As Nerad tested the Mustang GT, Co-Host Chris Teague got to put the 2023 Jeep Compass through its paces. Over the past three seasons, the Compass has got what amounts to nearly a full makeover. First, Jeep revamped the compact SUV’s interior; then, they gave it a new, much more satisfying turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Teague will tell us how he likes the changes in this episode.

In the news segment, we’ll take a long look at the limited-edition Mopar Dodge Challenger and Charger models that were just announced. Dodge won’t make many of them, but they could be an excellent bargain for the 200 or so carbuyers who snap them before the showrooms are bare.

Also in the news, we’ll have the details on the heatwave battering many sections of the country this summer. Not only is the heat causing unprecedented levels of sweating, deodorant purchase, and news media whining, but it is also playing havoc with the range of electric cars. Turns out EVs like extremely hot weather even less than you and I do. We’ll give you the details of a comprehensive study documenting that.

In this week’s True Crime Files – Automotive Edition, a Stellantis engineer has pleaded guilty in a diesel emissions case here in the United States. You won’t believe the sentence he’s getting. We wouldn’t mind taking his place, and we’ll tell you why.

Do you wonder whether you should buy a synthetic or a conventional motor oil? Want to know what the differences are? We’re here to help. Our special guest this week is Sean Nguyen, Lubricant Science and Technology Specialist at Pennzoil. He has the answers to all the questions you have about motor oil, plus he introduces us to the most advanced formulation in the Pennzoil portfolio of products yet: Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, now available at your local Advance Auto Parts or AdvanceAutoParts.com.

America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, YourTestDriver.com, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com