AI Auto Podcast S7E2: Tim Kuniskis on RAM’s V8 Revival and the 2026 NACTOY Awards at the Detroit Auto Show
About this episode
Tim Kuniskis discusses the revival of the RAM Hemi V8 and its impact on sales, emphasizing customer demand for choice in engine options. He highlights the success of RAM trucks, including the inline-six Hurricane engine, and the importance of all-wheel drive in modern muscle cars like the Charger. The episode also touches on RAM's return to NASCAR, featuring Tony Stewart, and the excitement surrounding upcoming models. The conversation concludes with the announcement of the 2026 NACTOY Awards, recognizing standout vehicles in the automotive industry.
Recorded at the Detroit Auto Show, this episode features Tim Kuniskis, CEO of RAM Trucks, discussing his return to the brand and the strategic decision to revive the iconic V8 HEMI. We also cover RAM’s strong momentum heading into 2026, including the RAM 1500’s finalist run for NACTOY Truck of the Year, and break down the 2026 NACTOY winners announced at the show.
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Hemi
"...we can reason away the Hemi all day long. And we can talk about the T6 and the efficiency and the power and the torque. And it's a great engine."
Hemi is short for hemispherical, which describes the shape of the engine's combustion chamber. This design helps the engine run more efficiently and produce more power.
Hemi refers to a type of engine design characterized by a hemispherical combustion chamber, which allows for more efficient airflow and combustion. This design is commonly associated with Chrysler's Hemi engines, known for their power and performance.
torque
"...And we can talk about the T6 and the efficiency and the power and the torque. And it's a great engine."
Torque is like the engine's strength; it tells you how much force the engine can use to turn the wheels. More torque usually means better acceleration and the ability to pull heavier loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine, indicating how much power is available to turn the wheels. It's a crucial factor in determining a vehicle's acceleration and towing capacity.
T6
"...And we can talk about the T6 and the efficiency and the power and the torque. And it's a great engine."
T6 is a type of engine that Ford uses, known for being powerful and efficient. It uses technology that helps it save fuel while still providing good performance.
The T6 refers to a specific engine variant, often associated with Ford's EcoBoost technology, which combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection to enhance performance and efficiency. It is commonly found in various Ford models.
inline six
"the same truck with the six inline hurricane. That's a great engine, too."
An inline six is a type of engine that has six cylinders lined up in a row. This setup helps the engine run smoothly and is often powerful.
An inline six engine is a type of engine configuration where six cylinders are arranged in a straight line. This design is known for its smooth operation and balance, often providing good power and torque.
Hurricane
"the same truck with the six inline hurricane. That's a great engine, too."
The Hurricane is a type of engine made by Stellantis that has six cylinders in a row. It's designed to be powerful and efficient, making it good for trucks.
The Hurricane is a specific engine model produced by Stellantis, featuring an inline six configuration. It is designed to offer a balance of power and efficiency, often used in larger vehicles like trucks.
Ram 1500 TRX
"...if you're looking for a truck, I said, we just launched a T-Rex. I love T-Rex."
The Ram 1500 TRX is a powerful truck made for off-roading, featuring a supercharged engine that makes it very fast and capable on rough terrain.
The Ram 1500 TRX is a high-performance variant of the Ram 1500 pickup truck, designed for off-road capabilities and equipped with a supercharged V8 engine.
T-Rex
"I love demons. I love all that stuff. Love it. I said, but if you're looking for a truck..."
The T-Rex is a powerful truck made by Ram that can handle tough off-road conditions. It's known for its strong engine and great performance.
The T-Rex refers to the Ram 1500 TRX, a high-performance off-road truck powered by a supercharged Hemi V8 engine. It is designed for extreme performance and off-road capability.
RHO
"...if you're looking for a truck and you're looking for a daily driver, the RHO is the better truck than a T-Rex."
RHO is a type of electric truck made by Rivian. It's designed to be a good daily driver and can handle off-road adventures.
RHO refers to the Rivian R1T, an all-electric pickup truck known for its innovative features and off-road capabilities. It is designed to compete with traditional trucks while offering electric performance.
T-6 engine
"But, the RHO is a great truck. That T-6 engine is fantastic."
The T-6 engine is a type of engine that is known for being powerful and efficient, often used in trucks to help them perform well.
The T-6 engine is a designation that could refer to various engine types, but in this context, it likely refers to a turbocharged engine that provides strong performance and efficiency. It's important in the truck segment for its reliability and power.
natural run rate
"I think the Hemi, at a natural run rate, be 35% versus 40% versus."
Natural run rate is a way to predict how well a car or engine will perform based on past performance and current trends.
Natural run rate refers to the expected performance or production level of a vehicle or engine over time, based on current trends and historical data. It's often used in discussions about sales or production forecasts.
Dodge Charger
"And as an example, in the car category, the charger one, I mean, it's within the family, the Dodge br..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's popular because it combines the comfort of a regular car with the excitement of a race car.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful performance and muscular styling. It has a rich history dating back to the 1960s and has evolved into a modern muscle car that appeals to enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
all-wheel drive
"I think it's starting to catch on is the all-wheel drive. Oh, of course, yeah."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, improving traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
lift gate
"the functionality of having the lift gate"
A lift gate is the back door of an SUV or hatchback that opens up, making it easier to load and unload things from the trunk.
A lift gate is a rear door on a vehicle that opens upwards, providing access to the cargo area, commonly found on SUVs and hatchbacks.
muscle cars
"Because if you look at muscle cars, we did very well with muscle cars. Of course."
Muscle cars are a type of car that is very powerful and fast, usually made in America. They became popular in the 1960s and are known for their strong engines and sporty look.
Muscle cars are high-performance vehicles, typically American-made, known for their powerful engines and aggressive styling. They gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, emphasizing speed and straight-line performance, often with rear-wheel drive configurations.
Hellcat
"...people were buying scat bags and Hellcats and things like that, but then putting them away in the winter..."
The Hellcat is a powerful version of certain Dodge cars, like the Challenger and Charger. It has a really strong engine that makes it super fast and exciting to drive.
The Hellcat is a high-performance variant of the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger, known for its supercharged V8 engine that delivers extreme horsepower and acceleration. It's popular among muscle car enthusiasts for its power and performance capabilities.
Pentastar
"...and the penistar."
The Pentastar is a type of engine made by Chrysler. It's a V6 engine, which means it has six cylinders, and it's designed to be both powerful and fuel-efficient.
The Pentastar is a V6 engine developed by Chrysler, known for its balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It is used in various models across the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands, making it a versatile engine choice for many vehicles.
V8 engine
"...in the 70s, a V8 engine"
A V8 engine is a type of car engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for being powerful and is often used in sports cars and trucks.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This type of engine is known for delivering high power and torque, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
horsepower
"[353.2s] was producing what, 175 horsepower or something like that. [356.6s] So people have to come up with the deal."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger it can make a car go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to express the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can do over time, with higher numbers generally signifying better performance.
Dodge Challenger
"[368.2s] for the Challenger, our highest horsepower offer, [372.0s] highest that we had was 425 horsepower."
The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car that came back in 2008. It has a cool, classic look and is designed to be fun to drive and go fast.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car that was reintroduced in 2008. It combines retro styling with modern performance, offering powerful engine options and a focus on driving excitement.
Ram TRX
"...TRX is obviously a huge one. The diesel power wagon, that was almost a no brainer..."
The Ram TRX is a special version of a Ram truck that is built for driving off-road and has a very powerful engine. It's designed to be tough and fast.
The Ram TRX is a high-performance variant of the Ram pickup truck, designed for off-road capabilities and featuring a supercharged V8 engine. It is known for its aggressive styling and powerful performance.
Dodge Power Wagon
"TRX is obviously a huge one. The diesel power wagon, that was almost a no brainer, that we have that ..."
The Dodge Power Wagon is a tough truck designed for heavy work and off-roading. It's built to handle rough terrain and is great for people who need a strong vehicle for tough jobs or adventures.
The Dodge Power Wagon is a heavy-duty pickup truck that has been a symbol of ruggedness and off-road capability since its introduction in the 1940s. It is particularly known for its robust construction and advanced four-wheel-drive system, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
Ram Power Wagon
"...The diesel power wagon, that was almost a no brainer, that we have that back now."
The Ram Power Wagon is a strong truck made for driving on rough terrain. It has special features that help it handle tough conditions.
The Ram Power Wagon is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its off-road capabilities and rugged features. It often includes a powerful engine, advanced four-wheel drive, and specialized off-road equipment.
evolution in performance
"And as we say, it's not about revolution, it's about evolution and truly redefining what performance stands for."
Evolution in performance means making a car better over time by improving what it already has instead of completely changing it. It's about making small, smart upgrades to keep up with what drivers want.
The concept of evolution in performance refers to the gradual improvements and refinements made to a vehicle's capabilities over time, rather than drastic changes. This approach focuses on enhancing existing features to meet modern standards and consumer expectations.
Ford Maverick
"...ear winner. All right, and the winner is the Ford Maverick Lobo. And that is going to be received by"
Ford Lobo
"...the winner is the Ford Maverick Lobo. And that is going to be received by..."
The Ford Maverick Lobo is a type of small pickup truck made by Ford. It's popular because it's affordable and can be used for many different purposes, like carrying things or driving around town.
The Ford Maverick Lobo is a variant of the Ford Maverick, which is a compact pickup truck known for its affordability and versatility. It has gained popularity for its efficient use of space and fuel economy.
Truck of the Year
"...Ford earning the truck of the year for six years in a row is truly a testament to Ford's commitment to truck excellence."
'Truck of the Year' is an award that recognizes the best pickup truck. It looks at things like how well the truck performs and how good it looks. Ford has won this award many times in a row.
The 'Truck of the Year' award is given to the best pickup truck based on various criteria such as performance, design, and innovation. Winning this award multiple times highlights a manufacturer's excellence in the truck segment.
Hyundai Palisade
"The winner is the Hyundai Palisade. Accepting for Hyundai, Ola B.C. Boyle..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of space and features to keep everyone comfortable.
The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and modern technology, making it a popular choice among families.
ICE and HEV
"a vehicle that has ICE and HEV and has flexibility for all our customers"
ICE means the regular engines that run on gasoline, while HEV refers to cars that use both a gas engine and an electric motor to save fuel and be better for the environment.
ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, which refers to traditional gasoline or diesel engines. HEV stands for Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Mazda Cx50
"This season, everyone deserves a little more and Mazda delivers with the extended driving range of the CX-50 Hybrid so you can spend more time together."
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a type of SUV that uses both gasoline and electric power to drive, which helps it go further on a tank of gas. It's designed for families and has a lot of space inside.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a compact SUV that offers an extended driving range, making it suitable for families and long trips. It features a hybrid powertrain that combines gasoline and electric power for improved fuel efficiency.
Mazda Cx5
"Standard all-wheel drive in every Mazda CUV, including the CX-5, and room to bring everyone with three-row seating in the CX-90."
The Mazda CX-5 is a smaller SUV that is fun to drive and has a nice design. It’s a good choice for families because it has plenty of space and features.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV known for its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and practicality. It offers a comfortable ride and a variety of features for families.
Mazda Cx90
"...and room to bring everyone with three-row seating in the CX-90. Find more reasons to celebrate the CX-50."
The Mazda CX-90 is a big SUV that can fit more people inside, making it great for families. It has three rows of seats, so everyone can ride together comfortably.
The Mazda CX-90 is a larger SUV that offers three-row seating, making it ideal for larger families or those needing extra passenger space. It combines comfort with practicality and advanced features.
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