If you follow the social chat, there is no doubt that the groundbreaking Dodge Charger Daytona is the most controversial car to come down the road in decades. In what might be termed a fan’s love-hate relationship, Dodge’s first all-electric muscle car is poised to redefine the segment with amazing capabilities, but it’s clear some folks don’t want the segment to be redefined. At the same time, many are cheering the innovative Dodge, saying it points musclecars in the right direction.

This week, we dive right into the deep end of that pool, as Host Jack Nerad not only road-tested both soon-to-be-available versions of the battery-electric musclecar but also conducted an exclusive interview with its Chief Engineer, Audrey Moore. We’ll have all that for you in this week’s show.

No matter how you feel about battery-electric performance cars, there is no doubt that the Dodger Charger Daytona is a runner. Combining blistering performance with cutting-edge technology, the sleek two-door is offered in a pair of high-performance trims: the R/T and the Scat Pack. The R/T delivers 496 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack produces a jaw-dropping 670 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. In its highest-performance form, the Scat Pack rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in an estimated 11.5 seconds.

Beyond the numbers, Dodge has designed the Charger Daytona to retain its musclecar soul with its controversial Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust that produces a simulated engine roar. Both trims also offer a PowerShot feature for an instant 40-horsepower boost, multi-mode drive settings, and advanced safety and connectivity options via the Uconnect 5 system. Nerad sampled all of it in Chandler, Arizona.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender continues to uphold its reputation as a rugged yet refined off-roader, offering unmatched capability for adventure seekers. Co-Host Chris Teague tested the Defender in Maine’s challenging winter conditions, where it excelled with its advanced all-wheel-drive system, configurable Terrain Response modes, and impressive ground clearance. The Defender’s iconic design blends heritage with modern sophistication, and Teague will tell how it fared during his weeklong test.

The Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is Toyota’s answer to the overlanding trend, purpose-built for off-road enthusiasts who crave the wilderness. Jack Nerad explored all its capabilities, including the i-Force Max hybrid engine delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Trailhunter boasts a unique suspension co-developed with ARB, featuring 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks and rock rails for extreme terrain. Features like a modular utility bar with MOLLE panels, onboard air compressor, and 33-inch Goodyear tires demonstrate this vehicle has the stuff off-road enthusiasts would put on their own trucks. Nerad will have his review in this week’s show.

On the international front, Europe’s once-dominant automotive industry is facing a crisis, with challenges ranging from tightening emissions regulations to rising competition from Chinese EV manufacturers. The ripple effects could have significant implications for the U.S. market, and we’ll explore what it means for American drivers.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is making history with the introduction of the first-ever battery-electric Popemobile for Pope Francis, combining sustainability and tradition in a vehicle that aligns with the Vatican’s commitment to eco-friendly innovation.

For those planning an electric road trip, fear not! We’ve got essential tips to help you navigate charging stops and optimize your journey. And we’ll see how they match up with Chris Teague’s real-world EV ownership experiences.

FREE STUFF: America on the Road is giving listeners a free copy of Jack R. Nerad’s book The GR Factor: Unleashing the Undeniable Power of the Golden Rule.  Just send an email to editor@drivingtoday.com, and E.M. Landsea Publishers will do the rest. The offer is limited, so get your request in today.

So we have a lot of show for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do we’ll like you forever.

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

Road Tests:

– 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter: Toyota’s flagship overlanding truck designed for adventure. Jack takes a deep dive into its off-road prowess, rugged design, and overlanding capabilities.

– 2025 Land Rover Defender: Chris explores the iconic SUV to see how it performs in the rugged conditions of Maine as winter approaches.

Driving News:

– Dodge Charger Daytona: The all-electric muscle car redefines performance with two high-performance trims, innovative features, and jaw-dropping specs. Jack shares his firsthand experience with the vehicle and his exclusive interview with Chief Engineer Audrey Moore.

– The European Auto Crisis: How Europe’s struggling car industry could impact the United States.

– The First Electric Popemobile: Mercedes-Benz introduces a groundbreaking, sustainable ride for Pope Francis.

– EV Road Trip Tips: Essential advice to make your next electric road trip stress-free and enjoyable.

Interview of the Week:

– Audrey Moore, Chief Engineer, Dodge Charger Daytona

Jack sits down with the mind behind Dodge’s first all-electric muscle car. Hear her insights on the design, innovation, and the future of performance vehicles.

Listener Question:

– “Can I retrofit my older car with modern tech like a backup camera or infotainment system?” Jack and Chris weigh in with practical advice for car owners looking to upgrade.

Free Book Offer:

Jack is giving away free copies of his book The GR Factor: Unleashing the Undeniable Power of the Golden Rule. Email editor@drivingtoday.com to claim your copy—while supplies last!

Brought to you by:

– DrivingToday.com

– Mercury Insurance: Save money on auto and home insurance—find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance.

– EMLandsea.com: Publisher of Jack’s latest book, Dance in the Dark.