Chevy VS Ford VS Ram! The Future Of Trucks For 2027 And Beyond! | Ep. 329

The episode is framed around a “Chevy vs Ford vs Ram” comparison, focusing on what truck makers are likely to do next. It’s also explicitly about the future of trucks heading into 2027 and beyond, so the discussion is forward-looking rather than just about current models.

A recall is when a manufacturer notifies owners that a vehicle has a safety-related (or sometimes compliance-related) problem and offers a fix. Recalls can be costly and can hurt brand trust, which is why the hosts connect them to business impact.

FEMA is the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency. In the context of this episode, it’s mentioned as part of a trip they took, not as a truck-related technical topic.

“G-Wagans” is a nickname for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a boxy luxury off-road SUV known for its rugged styling and off-road hardware. In this segment, it’s used as a cultural reference to how common these trucks/SUVs are in certain Los Angeles areas.

Top speed is the maximum speed a vehicle can reach under specific conditions. It’s often limited by gearing, engine power, aerodynamics, and sometimes electronic speed governors.

A carburetor is a device that mixes fuel and air before it enters the engine. Older engines used carburetors widely, but many modern vehicles switched to fuel injection for more precise control.

“Fuel injected turbocharged” describes an engine that uses fuel injection to deliver fuel precisely and a turbocharger to force more air into the engine for extra power. Together, they typically improve efficiency and performance compared with older naturally aspirated setups.

“Field economy” appears to be a mis-transcription of “fuel economy,” meaning how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel. Fuel economy is usually measured as miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 km, and it can vary a lot with speed, load, and driving conditions.

The Ford Excursion is a very large, full-size SUV known for its big size and truck-like underpinnings. In the podcast, it’s referenced as a comparison point, with someone asking “Like an excursion?” to clarify what vehicle they meant. That makes it a recognizable name when discussing large, old-school SUV proportions.

The Chevrolet Trax is a compact crossover, and the podcast briefly jokes about the pronunciation (“T-Rax”). It’s included because compact crossovers are a common topic when discussing what’s selling, what’s new, or what fits different buyer needs. Even a short mention like this can signal it’s part of the broader lineup conversation.

The Dodge Power Wagon is a heavy-duty, off-road-oriented version of a Ram pickup, built for tougher terrain and work-style use. The podcast mentions possibly having one in a long-term fleet, which suggests it’s being considered for ongoing, real-world use rather than just short drives. That’s why it comes up in a truck-focused show.

“Spy images” are photos taken of vehicles while they’re being tested in the real world—often with camouflage. Enthusiasts and journalists use them to guess what a future model will look like and what changes are coming.

A “prototype” is an early version of a vehicle used for testing before the final production model. Prototypes may look different from the finished truck and can be used to validate engineering, durability, and real-world performance.

“T1” here appears to be an internal platform or program name for the current-generation truck architecture. Automakers often use letter/number codes to refer to specific vehicle platforms, and those platforms can carry over to future model updates.

“T1 trucks” refers to a truck platform or program name being used as a foundation for future truck generations. The hosts are saying the next trucks will largely keep the same cab and wheelbase layout while evolving other major systems.

A “V8” is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, and “powertrain” refers to the full set of components that deliver power to the wheels (engine, transmission, drivetrain, and related systems). The hosts are indicating future trucks will keep V8-based powertrains even as designs evolve.

“Electrify everything” means shifting the lineup toward electric vehicles (EVs) rather than gasoline or diesel powertrains. In this context, the hosts are saying GM initially planned to make trucks electric, then reconsidered when market or business conditions changed.

“V-Aids” appears to be a mis-transcription of “V8s” (the surrounding context repeatedly contrasts electrification with returning to V8 technology). The hosts are implying GM needed to restart building V8-based trucks after the electric-only push.

A “straight-six” is an engine with six cylinders in a single line (an inline configuration). The hosts are saying they like this type of engine, and they’re discussing how manufacturers have used different cylinder layouts in trucks.

“New V8 engines” indicates upcoming development of updated V8 powerplants, likely with modern efficiency and emissions technologies. The hosts are framing it as a certainty that future trucks will still rely on V8s rather than going fully away from them.

The Chevrolet Corvette C8 Grand Sport is a performance trim of the C8-generation Corvette. In this discussion, it’s used as evidence that GM is moving toward a larger-displacement V8 with a specific engine displacement (6.7L) rather than sticking to older numbers.

The Ram TRX (often shortened to “TRX”) is Dodge/Ram’s extreme off-road performance pickup. In this segment it’s mentioned alongside the Raptor as the level GM is trying to surpass with a future truck.

The Ford Raptor is Ford’s high-performance off-road version of the F-150 pickup. It’s used here as a benchmark for what GM wants to match or beat with its next truck.

“GMC homer” is a slang phrase meaning a brand loyalist—someone who roots for GMC. The hosts use it to describe GMC’s “halo” positioning, implying GM is treating GMC as the flagship brand for the most capable trucks.

“Zero to 1500” is shorthand for a 0–1500 performance test or benchmark—how quickly a truck accelerates from a stop and reaches a target speed/load. In truck talk, people often use these kinds of numbers to compare powertrains and gearing across models.

“Bigger tires” improve off-road capability by increasing ground contact and allowing more sidewall for traction and impact absorption. They can also change gearing and acceleration feel, so power and gearing often need to match the tire size.

A “Corvette engine” implies using GM’s high-performance V8 powerplant associated with the Chevrolet Corvette. In this context, it’s a suggestion that dropping that kind of engine into a truck would make it more competitive at the top end.

In truck design, “clearance” usually means how much space there is between the ground and parts of the vehicle (like the underbody, suspension, or tires). More clearance helps with off-road obstacles and reduces the chance of scraping.

“Wide body” setups use fender flares and bodywork to increase track width and fit wider tires. “Vendors” here likely means aftermarket companies that supply the kits to widen the truck’s stance for a more aggressive off-road or performance look.

DSSV Multimatic is a suspension system that uses electronically controlled shock absorbers to change damping behavior. The goal is to keep the ride composed while still allowing the vehicle to react quickly to bumps and changing road conditions.

“Actively adjustable” describes a suspension that changes its damping characteristics using sensors and control logic, rather than relying only on a fixed mechanical setup. In practice, it typically means the shocks can alter resistance to motion as conditions change.

Semi-active suspension can adjust damping (how much the shocks resist movement) but usually doesn’t add power to actively move the suspension. It’s often described as “real-time damping control” using electronically controlled valves.

“Live shocks” refers to a suspension system that continuously updates damping settings based on sensor input. It’s a marketing term for real-time shock control rather than a one-time adjustment.

Fox is a suspension and off-road components brand known for shock absorbers and damping systems. In this context, the hosts are comparing Fox’s real-time shock technology to the suspension system they just discussed.

Electronically controlled valves inside the shock control the flow of fluid through the damper. By changing valve position in real time, the system can alter damping force to match driving conditions.

A four-wheel independent suspension lets each wheel move somewhat independently instead of being tied together by a single axle. That typically improves ride comfort and traction because one wheel hitting a bump doesn’t force the whole axle to react the same way.

“ZR2 plus” is being used as a hypothetical naming idea for a higher-content version of the ZR2 trim. The hosts are debating how manufacturers might extend naming conventions to differentiate suspension/feature packages.

General Motors (GM) is referenced as the company that might adopt the “plus” naming strategy. The speaker is implying GM tends to expand model naming to create multiple tiers.

A naming convention is the structured way a brand labels trims and variants (like “plus” or “pro”). In automotive, these naming systems are used to quickly signal differences in equipment level, suspension, and intended use.

“33-inch tires” refers to the tire diameter size, which affects how tall the truck sits and how it rolls over obstacles. Bigger tires can improve off-road clearance and stance, but they can also change gearing feel, ride quality, and fuel economy.

“35s” is shorthand for 35-inch tires. It’s a common truck/off-road sizing reference, and moving from 33-inch to 35-inch tires typically increases ground clearance and visual size, while potentially impacting fuel economy and steering/ride characteristics.

A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor/battery system to improve efficiency. For trucks, hybrids can reduce fuel use—especially in stop-and-go driving—while still providing the towing/utility people expect.

A hybrid pickup truck is a truck that combines a gas engine with an electric motor and battery to improve efficiency. The segment frames GM as being “quiet” about hybrids, implying a strategic gap versus competitors.

“PowerBoost Hybrid” is Ford’s hybrid powertrain system used in some of its trucks. It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve efficiency and provide additional torque.

An electric motor is an engine that uses electricity to create rotation. In hybrid trucks, it can add extra torque and help with low-speed driving and acceleration.

A drive shaft is the rotating shaft that transfers power from the transmission to the differential/axles. In trucks, drive-shaft problems can cause vibration, noise, or drivetrain drivability issues.

“Powertrain” refers to the components that make the vehicle move—typically the engine, transmission, driveshaft, and drivetrain. Saying “powertrain wise” means the discussion is focused on mechanical drivetrain reliability rather than electronics.

A hypercar is an extremely high-performance, ultra-expensive car—typically beyond what most people would call a supercar. The speaker references a “U.S. hypercar” conversation, implying the topic is about the top tier of performance cars.

A supercar is a very high-performance sports car, typically with advanced engineering and exotic styling. In the segment, the hosts briefly correct/clarify the terminology by saying “hypercar” is “supercar.”

The Aston Martin DB 12S is a performance-focused variant of the DB 12 grand tourer. It’s mentioned here as the specific GT car the speaker was driving when the “Mr. Truck” call happened.

“GT” stands for grand touring—cars designed for comfortable long-distance driving while still offering strong performance. They’re often aimed at highway cruising and road-trip usability rather than track-only driving.

The 405 freeway is a major highway in the Los Angeles area, known for heavy traffic and frequent congestion. Mentioning it sets the scene for the speaker’s drive and the “slinky car” moment.

“Efficient diesel” refers to a diesel engine tuned for better fuel economy. Diesel engines typically use compression ignition and can be efficient, especially under steady loads like highway driving.

A hybrid powertrain uses both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor/battery to move the vehicle. The idea is to improve efficiency and smoothness, and sometimes reduce engine use at low speeds.

Turbo lag is the delay between when you press the accelerator and when a turbocharged engine delivers boost. Hybrids can reduce it because the electric motor can provide immediate torque while the turbo spools up.

The speaker is discussing a rumored return of the GMC Jimmy nameplate. They suggest it would be positioned as a body-on-frame, off-road-capable SUV competing with models like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner.

The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged off-road SUV known for its removable doors and roof and its strong four-wheel-drive heritage. In the segment, it’s used as a benchmark for what a rumored GMC Jimmy could compete against.

The Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame SUV built for off-road capability and durability. The speaker uses it as another reference point for the kind of competitor the rumored GMC Jimmy might be.

“Body-on-frame” describes a vehicle construction where the body is mounted on a separate ladder frame. This layout is common in traditional trucks and off-road SUVs because it can handle rough terrain and heavy-duty use well.

The hosts are discussing trucks powered by electric motors instead of a gasoline or diesel engine. The key point is whether General Motors plans to keep producing them and how long the current electric platform will last.

An electric platform is the shared vehicle architecture designed around electric powertrains, including packaging for the battery, motors, wiring, and related systems. The hosts suggest GM could keep using the current electric platform for trucks for years and for other projects.

Battery chemistry refers to the specific materials used inside a battery cell (for example, different lithium-based formulations). Changing chemistry can improve cost and performance characteristics like energy density and how the battery behaves under load.

The Ford Bronco is referenced as an example of a popular off-road SUV returning to the market. The hosts connect its comeback to broader trends in truck/SUV styling and segment resurgence.

Hyundai is mentioned as a brand entering the segment being discussed, alongside Kia. The hosts use it to illustrate competitive momentum and more models chasing the same audience.

Kia is referenced alongside Hyundai as another brand participating in the segment shift. The hosts use it to show that multiple automakers are responding to consumer demand.

The Ford Bronco is a rugged SUV designed for off-road capability, and the podcast notes that it’s “back,” referring to its return to the lineup. It’s discussed in this context because the Bronco’s comeback has been a big deal for people who want a modern off-road alternative with a classic nameplate. That makes it a natural topic in truck/SUV segments.

The Chevrolet Blazer is a nameplate for a crossover/SUV, and the podcast discusses it being brought back. It’s mentioned because the return of a familiar model name can change what buyers consider when shopping for an SUV. That makes it relevant in a segment about new products and lineup changes.

A unibody crossover uses a single integrated body structure (no separate frame), which typically improves ride comfort and packaging efficiency. The hosts contrast this with body-on-frame to explain what kind of vehicle architecture is being discussed.

An “electric” version means the vehicle uses electric motors instead of a traditional internal-combustion engine. The speaker says they saw an electric version and that it “makes even less sense,” implying the naming/positioning issue is even more confusing with an EV.

Off-road systems are the vehicle technologies and hardware that help it handle rough terrain—things like traction control strategies, differential behavior, underbody protection, and sometimes selectable 4x4 modes. The speaker says these systems are already excellent on current trucks, so adapting them could create a strong competitor.

This describes a modular “swap” approach: using the same underlying chassis/drivetrain and changing the body components (cab and bed) to create a different configuration. The speaker argues that if you keep the proven mechanicals and just change the layout, you can bring a new off-road-focused truck to market quickly.

The Ford F-150 is Ford’s best-selling full-size pickup, and the hosts are discussing its generation cycle and what it implies for upcoming prototypes. They specifically mention the 2015 “all aluminum” truck body and then the newer generation arriving around 2021.

“All aluminum” refers to using aluminum extensively in the truck’s body panels and structure to reduce weight. Less weight can improve fuel economy and handling, but it also changes repair costs and how the body is built and maintained.

A “generation” is a major redesign cycle for a model—new platform, styling, powertrains, and engineering changes. The hosts use the typical timing of F-150 generations to predict when prototypes might appear.

The Ford Raptor is Ford’s high-performance off-road pickup line, known for upgraded suspension and off-road hardware compared with standard F-150 models. The hosts connect the Raptor program to Ford’s broader strategy of using motorsports-style development and then applying that tech to production vehicles.

The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup sold in many markets, and the hosts mention a hybrid version being sold overseas. They’re discussing whether Ford will bring that hybrid Ranger strategy to the U.S. market.

“Exhaust note” is the sound character produced by the exhaust system—tone, volume, and how it changes with throttle. Performance trucks often have exhaust setups tuned to sound more aggressive and to be louder under acceleration.

“Power on reserve” describes how much additional acceleration is still available even after you’ve already used some throttle. It’s a feel-based way to say the engine/motor has headroom, so the truck doesn’t run out of punch quickly.

“Light off-roading” refers to casual trail use—things like dirt roads, mild ruts, and uneven terrain—without the extreme obstacles of rock crawling or deep mud. It’s a way to describe how capable the truck feels for everyday dirt use.

Suspension is the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels and controls how it absorbs bumps and keeps the tires in contact with the road. When a truck has a “blend” of off-road and on-road suspension, it’s tuned to handle rough terrain without feeling overly harsh or unstable on pavement.

EcoBoost is Ford’s branding for turbocharged gasoline engines. In practice, it’s designed to make strong power while improving fuel economy compared with older naturally aspirated setups.

A “skunk works” team is a small, semi-independent group inside a company that works on experimental or high-risk projects. They’re often staffed with engineers brought in from other companies and can move faster than the main organization.

Electrification is the shift toward using electric power in the vehicle—typically through hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or fully electric drivetrains. The speaker suggests the company invested heavily, then adjusted course, but still gained useful engineering lessons.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can be charged from an external power source, usually a home outlet or charging station. The speaker is saying buyers are becoming less focused on whether the truck must be plug-in, because hybrids can still be useful even without charging at home.

The speaker is comparing diesel fuel prices to gasoline. Diesel is a different fuel type used in many trucks and some passenger cars, and its cost can move differently than regular gasoline.

A 36-gallon fuel tank is the truck’s onboard gasoline capacity. Larger tanks increase potential range, especially when combined with efficient driving and/or hybrid assist.

This appears to be a transcription error for an efficiency/range-related feature or estimate. In context, the speaker is describing how gentle driving can stretch the usable range of a truck with a large fuel tank.

Twin-turbo means the engine uses two turbochargers instead of one. This can help reduce turbo lag and improve how power builds across different engine speeds.

A V6 turbo engine is a V6-cylinder gasoline engine that uses a turbocharger to increase air intake and improve power. “Turbo” changes how the engine makes power compared with a non-turbo version, often improving efficiency and responsiveness.

“Duramax” is GM’s brand name for its Duramax diesel engines used in heavy-duty trucks. The “8.3 litre” rumor is referring to a possible future displacement for a Duramax diesel, which would matter for torque and towing capability.

“Power Stroke” is Ford’s diesel engine family used in its heavy-duty trucks. The “8 litre” rumor suggests a potential future engine displacement, which would typically be tied to changes in torque output and how the engine is tuned for towing.

“Common rail” (here transcribed as “commons”) refers to a diesel fuel-injection system that uses a shared high-pressure fuel rail to precisely control injection timing and pressure. The “7.2 litre” rumor is about a possible future displacement for a common-rail diesel used in heavy-duty applications.

Allison is a well-known manufacturer of heavy-duty automatic transmissions, commonly used in trucks for towing and hauling. In this context, the hosts are discussing whether Allison gearboxes will be used (or “coming back”) in future heavy-duty truck setups.

Pre-order refers to placing an order before the vehicle is officially available, often based on announced specs or expected availability. In the episode, it’s used to discuss interest in a future diesel Power Wagon.

“Ram” refers to the Ram pickup truck lineup, which is known for being a major player in the full-size truck segment. In the podcast, it’s brought up in connection with an event or discussion that convinced people they should drive the truck. That kind of mention usually points to how the truck is being marketed and experienced directly.

The i8 (often referred to as the i8) is a plug-in hybrid sports car known for its distinctive design and advanced powertrain layout. The podcast mentions it in the context of having to drive it, which suggests it’s part of a discussion about experiences behind the wheel. That’s why it shows up even in a truck-focused show—driving impressions can be memorable regardless of vehicle type.