Is the 2027 Dodge Charger Scat Pack the Most Sophisticated Musclecar Ever?
About this episode
The discussion centers around the 2027 Dodge Charger Scat Pack, touted as a sophisticated muscle car with a powerful inline-six twin-turbo engine producing 550 horsepower. Co-hosts Jack Neerad and Matt DeLorenzo explore its performance, technology, and the potential return of the V8 engine. The episode also covers automotive news, including Tesla's regulatory challenges, Waymo's robo-taxi issues, and Ford's continued dominance in the truck market. Notable guests and insights into the future of electric vehicles and consumer preferences add depth to the conversation.
This week’s America on the Road is a special episode for several reasons. Not only is it the 300th episode since AOTR was rejuvenated as a radio series and podcast, but it also features one of the most innovative musclecars Detroit has ever developed — the 2027 Dodge Charger Scat Pack equipped with the 550-hp SixPack turbocharged in-line six. For this special episode, host Jack Nerad welcomes guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo for a milestone edition packed with road tests, breaking news, and a deep-dive review of the biggest automotive stories of 2025.
🚙 Matt DeLorenzo Test-Drives the 2027 Dodge Charger Scat PackIn our weekly road test segment, Matt explores the 550-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six (SIXPACK H.O.) Charger Scat Pack, which leverages its 531 lb-ft of torque and unique electronics to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds and top speed of 177 mph. It features standard all-wheel drive with switchable rear-drive mode, Launch Control, Line Lock, dual-mode active exhaust, and Brembo brakes for burnouts and drifting. The interior boasts premium leather-and-suede seats, a 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen, and race-inspired accents. Starting around $57,000, it offers thrilling performance in a versatile sedan body as an integral part of Dodge’s multi-energy lineup.
🚗 Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2025 Lexus LX 600While Matt was contemplating smoky burnouts, Jack had a more sedate assignment. Fresh from driving the Dodge Charger himself, he put the flagship Lexus SUV through its paces during his middle daughter’s wedding week. The happy occasion highlighted the SUV’s refined 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic and standard full-time four-wheel drive. TVery capable off-road as well, the LX 600 features advanced tools like Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and Adaptive Variable Suspension, while delivering a serene cabin with premium semi-aniline leather, dual-screen infotainment, and optional 25-speaker Mark Levinson audio. Priced from over $100,000 (starting around $106,850 for the Premium trim), the LX 600 blends luxury, legendary Toyota-based reliability, and genuine adventure readiness like few rivals.
🎙️ Special Guest InterviewHost Jack Nerad sits down with veteran automotive journalist and author Matt DeLorenzo, a frequent AOTR co-host with decades of experience from Road & Track to Kelley Blue Book. They discuss Matt’s brand-new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance and his insights on the ever-changing auto industry.
📰 This Week’s Headlines Autonomous Driving Challenges MountCalifornia issues Tesla a 90-day ultimatum to correct misleading Autopilot and Full Self-Driving marketing, while Waymo robotaxis stall during a San Francisco power outage, prompting software updates and regulatory review.
Ford F-Series Claims 49th Straight Year as Top TruckSurpassing 800,000 sales in 2025, Ford celebrates relentless innovation in its iconic pickup lineup.
Chevy Unveils Patriotic Stars & Steel CollectionLimited-edition 2026 models across Corvette, Silverado, and Colorado honor America’s 250th anniversary with flag-inspired graphics, premium upgrades, and donations to veteran causes.
Chevy Unveils Patriotic Stars & Steel CollectionLimited-edition 2026 models across Corvette, Silverado, and Colorado honor America’s 250th anniversary with flag-inspired graphics, premium upgrades, and donations to veteran causes.
Tesla Door Handles Under FireFlush electric handles face backlash and federal probes after reports link power failures in crashes to trapped occupants and fatalities.
📩 Listener Question of the WeekSamuel from Omaha, NE asks: “I’m amazed at the size of the screens in some of the new cars I’ve been looking at. Are touchscreens like that making cars less safe?”
Jack and Matt discuss the safety implications of massive infotainment screens based on their extensive experience.
Catch America on the Road on this station every week, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Rumble. You’ll also find road test videos, interviews, and shorts on our YouTube channel.
Special thanks to Mercury Insurance for sponsoring the show and to our Sports Byline Network affiliates nationwide.
🎙️ HostsJack Nerad — Award-winning auto journalist and author of Only One Thing Stays the Same
Chris Teague — Longtime auto critic and journalist
• DrivingToday.com
• EMLandsea.com
• Mercury Insurance – Switch today and save. Californians save an average of $670.
Find America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.
📨 Email: [email protected]
Check Out Matt DeLorenzo’s Book:Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance
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.
Tesla
"California has hit Tesla with a 90-day ultimatum to fix misleading self-driving claims."
Tesla is a car company that makes electric cars. They are famous for their technology, including cars that can drive themselves.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and self-driving capabilities. The company has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution and is recognized for its high-performance models like the Model S and Model 3.
Waymo
"Waymo vows to reprogram robotaxies after they ground to a halt in San Francisco after a power outage."
Waymo is a company that is working on self-driving cars. They have cars that can drive themselves without a person behind the wheel.
Waymo is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (Google's parent company) focused on developing self-driving car technology. They operate a fleet of autonomous vehicles, known as robotaxis, which are designed to transport passengers without human intervention.
Colorado
"...with the stars and steel collection of patriotic limited editions across Corvette Silverado and Colorado models."
The Colorado is a smaller pickup truck made by Chevrolet. It's easier to drive than bigger trucks but still strong enough for many tasks.
The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck that offers a balance of capability and comfort. It is designed for both work and leisure, providing good fuel efficiency and a variety of features for drivers.
Chevrolet Corvette
"... collection of patriotic limited editions across Corvette Silverado and Colorado models. Interesting graph..."
Chevrolet Silverado
"...ion of patriotic limited editions across Corvette Silverado and Colorado models. Interesting graphics."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that people use for work and everyday driving. It's popular because it can carry heavy loads and has lots of different options to choose from.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, performance, and versatility. It has been a significant player in the truck market since its introduction in 1998, often praised for its towing capacity and range of configurations.
autonomous driving
"It's interesting because they're doing a lot of untested technology, really. The autonomous driving, they call it full automated driving, and the thing with the door locks, it is a little bit troubling."
Autonomous driving means that a car can drive itself without needing a person to control it. Tesla has a system that they call 'full automated driving', but it's still being tested.
Autonomous driving refers to the technology that allows a vehicle to drive itself without human intervention. Tesla markets its version as 'full automated driving', which is still under development and testing.
Dodge Charger
"I have the opportunity to drive the Dodge Charger 6-Pack, which is the internal combustion engine version of the Charger."
The Dodge Charger 6-Pack is a powerful version of the Charger, a car known for its sporty look and strong engine. It's designed for those who enjoy fast driving and performance.
The Dodge Charger 6-Pack refers to a specific performance variant of the Charger, known for its powerful engine options and sporty design. It is part of Dodge's lineup of muscle cars, which emphasize performance and style.
Lexus Lx600
"...ve it too. My test vehicle this week is the 2025 Lexus LX600. So we'll tell you all about that."
The Lexus LX 600 is a fancy SUV that is great for both driving on smooth roads and off-road adventures. It's known for being very comfortable and high-tech inside.
The Lexus LX 600 is a luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with premium features and comfort. As the latest iteration of the LX series, it represents Lexus's commitment to blending luxury with utility.
autopilot
"...the judge says that the terms autopilot and full self-driving mislead consumers into believing the systems allow hands off independent operation."
Autopilot is a feature in some Tesla cars that helps with driving. It can steer, change lanes, and adjust speed, but the driver still needs to be alert and ready to take over if needed.
Autopilot refers to a suite of advanced driver-assistance features offered by Tesla that can control the vehicle's speed, steering, and lane changes under certain conditions. However, it does not make the car fully autonomous, and drivers are still required to pay attention and be ready to take control at any time.
full self-driving
"...the terms autopilot and full self-driving mislead consumers into believing the systems allow hands off independent operation."
Full self-driving is a feature in Tesla cars that aims to let the car drive itself without any help from the driver. However, the driver still needs to watch and be ready to take control if necessary.
Full self-driving (FSD) is Tesla's term for its advanced autonomous driving capabilities that aim to enable the vehicle to drive itself without human intervention. However, as of now, it still requires driver supervision and is not fully autonomous.
Ford F150
"Let's talk about the Ford F-150. I mean, maybe this is the least newsworthy news story of the year. 49th consecutive year as America's best-selling truck sales over 800,000 units."
The Ford F-150 is a popular large truck that many people in the U.S. buy for work and personal use. It's known for being strong and having a lot of different options to choose from.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been America's best-selling truck for 49 consecutive years, with sales exceeding 800,000 units annually. It is known for its versatility, capability, and range of configurations.
Ford F150 Lightning
"...one example of that is the F-150 Lightning. I mean, it's kind of interesting that by listening to customers, they decided,..."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a fully electric truck that builds on the well-known F-150 model. It's part of Ford's effort to make more electric vehicles available to customers.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of Ford's popular F-150 pickup truck. It represents Ford's commitment to electrifying their vehicle lineup and responding to consumer demand for electric options.
range extended EV
"And now they're talking about bringing it back as a range extended EV with an electric or with a gas engine on board act as a generator, which will take care of some of the range issues."
A range extended EV is a car that mainly runs on electricity but has a gas engine that helps recharge the battery when needed. This means you can drive further without worrying about running out of battery.
A range extended EV (electric vehicle) is a type of hybrid vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine to generate electricity for the electric motor, extending the driving range beyond what the battery alone can provide. This setup allows for longer trips without the need for frequent charging.
internal combustion engine
"And, you know, you use that internal combustion engine and you'll be"
An internal combustion engine is a common type of engine that works by burning fuel to create power. This is how most traditional cars operate, using gasoline or diesel to run.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, inside the engine's cylinders. This process creates combustion, which drives the pistons and ultimately powers the vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
"I mean, for instance, there's a Chevrolet Silverado EV that's getting some cool stuff and probably a very low price right now..."
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is a new electric truck from Chevrolet. It's designed to be environmentally friendly while still providing the utility of a traditional pickup.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an electric version of Chevrolet's popular Silverado pickup truck, offering modern features and technology aimed at the growing electric vehicle market.
6.2 liter V8
"...a 6.2 liter V8 in the Silverado light duty RST. But, you know, I don't know the longevity of these vehicles."
A 6.2 liter V8 is a type of engine that has eight cylinders and a total volume of 6.2 liters. It's known for being powerful and is often used in trucks for heavy-duty tasks.
The 6.2 liter V8 is a powerful engine option commonly found in full-size trucks, providing strong performance and towing capabilities.
Jeep Wrangler
"...somebody who's had a little bit of success like this has been Jeep with a Wrangler."
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-road vehicle that can handle tough terrains. It's known for its boxy shape and removable doors and roof.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and capability, often associated with outdoor adventures.
Willys Jeeps
"...nd, you know, make them look like Jeep, military jeeps and that kind of thing. No, Willie is 41, I thin..."
The Willys Jeep is a tough little vehicle that was used by the military during World War II. It's famous for being able to drive anywhere and has inspired many modern off-road cars.
The Willys Jeep is an iconic military vehicle that played a crucial role during World War II, known for its ruggedness and off-road capability. Its design and functionality have influenced many modern SUVs and off-road vehicles.
inline six twin turbo engine
"of an inline six twin turbo engine. So it's gone back, you know, they have an electric one and then they have a gas one."
This type of engine has six cylinders in a row and uses two turbochargers to make it more powerful and efficient.
An inline six twin turbo engine features six cylinders arranged in a straight line and is equipped with two turbochargers to increase power and efficiency.
horsepower
"it makes an amazing 550 horsepower and 530 pound feet of torque. So this thing really, you know, puts the muscle in muscle car."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower, the faster the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, indicating how quickly work can be done. In cars, it reflects the engine's ability to perform.
torque
"it makes an amazing 550 horsepower and 530 pound feet of torque. So this thing really, you know, puts the muscle in muscle car."
Torque tells us how much twisting force an engine can produce. It helps the car accelerate quickly.
Torque measures the rotational force produced by an engine, which is crucial for acceleration and towing capacity.
quarter mile
"Factory says that it can get to 60 miles an hour and 3.9 seconds can do the quarter mile and 12.2 seconds."
The quarter mile is a distance used in racing to see how fast a car can go. It's a standard way to test speed.
The quarter mile is a common drag racing distance used to measure a car's acceleration and speed performance.
0-60 time
"Factory says that it can get to 60 miles an hour and 3.9 seconds can do the quarter mile and 12.2 seconds."
0-60 time shows how fast a car can go from a stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to measure how quick the car is.
0-60 time is a measure of how quickly a car can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour, indicating its performance capabilities.
rear wheel drive
"it offers all wheel drive, but there's a switch in there that allow you to turn it into a rear wheel drive muscle car."
Rear wheel drive means that the back wheels of the car get power from the engine. This can make the car handle better and is often preferred in sports cars.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) is a drivetrain layout where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels, often providing better handling and performance in sports cars.
all wheel drive
"it offers all wheel drive, but there's a switch in there that allow you to turn it into a rear wheel drive muscle car."
All wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
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 conditions.
six cylinder engine
"...how the muscle car aficionado is going to warm up to a six cylinder engine. I mean, you and I, and you both know one of the coolest six cylinder engines you're ever going to see..."
A six cylinder engine has six small chambers where fuel and air mix and burn to create power. Muscle car fans usually prefer V8 engines because they are bigger and often more powerful.
A six cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders, which can provide a good balance of power and efficiency. In the context of muscle cars, it may be seen as less desirable compared to traditional V8 engines, which are often associated with higher performance.
V8 Hemi
"...Chrysler has invested a lot in the V8 Hemi Mystique, if you will."
The V8 Hemi is a powerful engine with eight cylinders arranged in a 'V' shape. It's famous for being strong and fast, making it popular in muscle cars.
The V8 Hemi is a type of V8 engine produced by Chrysler, known for its hemispherical combustion chambers that allow for better airflow and more power. It's a significant part of American muscle car culture and is often associated with high performance.
eight speed automatic transmission
"...with an eight speed automatic transmission, the all wheel drive system, it really is a well put together performance car..."
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a system in a car that helps it change gears automatically. This makes driving easier and can help the car use less fuel.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that automatically changes gears for the driver, providing smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency by optimizing engine performance across a wider range of speeds.
lift back
"...but it's got a lift back, which adds quite a bit of utility to the entire package..."
A lift back is a style of car where the back door lifts up to let you access the trunk. It's a mix between a regular car and a hatchback, making it easier to carry things.
A lift back is a type of car design where the rear hatch opens upwards, providing access to the trunk area. This design combines features of both sedans and hatchbacks, offering more utility and cargo space.
average transaction price
"...with the average transaction price of a vehicle around 50,000 bucks, I think you get this kind of crazy high performance vehicle for $52,000..."
Average transaction price is what most people end up paying for a car after all the deals and negotiations. It shows how much cars are really selling for these days.
The average transaction price is the typical amount paid for a vehicle after negotiations and discounts. It reflects current market trends and consumer spending habits in the automotive industry.
Oldsmobile 442
"...I had a 65, 442 back in the day. It kind of reminds me of that vehicle in a lot of ways."
The Oldsmobile 442 is a classic car that was known for being fast and powerful. It was popular in the 1960s and 70s, and many people still love it today for its performance.
The Oldsmobile 442 is a classic American muscle car that was produced by Oldsmobile from the 1960s to the early 1990s. It is known for its powerful V8 engine and performance-oriented design, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
16-inch center display
"...It has a huge 16-inch center display, which dominates the dash. And other really kind of cool features..."
A 16-inch center display is a big screen in the middle of the dashboard that shows information and controls things like music and navigation. It's like a tablet for your car.
A 16-inch center display refers to a large touchscreen interface in a vehicle's dashboard that controls various functions, such as navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Larger displays are becoming common in modern cars for enhanced usability.
3.4-liter twin turbocharged V6
"talking about a V6-powered Lexus II, a six-cylinder-powered vehicle, 3.4-liter twin turbocharged V6..."
This is a type of engine that has six cylinders and uses two turbochargers to make it more powerful, which helps the car go faster and pull heavier loads.
The 3.4-liter twin turbocharged V6 engine is a powerful six-cylinder engine that uses two turbochargers to increase its performance, providing more horsepower and torque.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...They're competing with things like the Navigator, Range Rover, things like that, and hence the price tag. So, ..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can drive on rough roads and still feel comfortable inside. People talk about it because it's expensive and has a reputation for being very luxurious.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with high-end comfort and technology. It's often discussed for its status symbol appeal and competitive pricing against other luxury SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator.
Porsche 917
"...les an hour. But at Le Mans, Vic Alfred's Porsche 917 raged down the Mulson straight at 248 miles per ..."
The Porsche 917 is a famous race car known for being super fast and winning big races. It's talked about a lot because it helped make Porsche a top name in racing.
The Porsche 917 is a legendary race car that gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly for its success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is significant in automotive history for its engineering and performance, often regarded as one of the greatest race cars ever.
Ferrari 512
"...our. The racing pit of the Porsche 917 versus the Ferrari 512. The fastest road racing ever. And Rodentrack se..."
The Ferrari 512 M is a super-fast race car from the 1970s that is famous for its powerful engine. It's often talked about because of its impressive racing history.
The Ferrari 512 M is a race car that competed in the 1970s, known for its powerful V12 engine and success in endurance racing. It is significant in automotive history for its performance and design, often celebrated among car enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz Aclass
"ICE technology. And they're working on the next generation of the GT. And then they have two inversions of a whole host of standard Mercedes products from the G-Wagon down through the A-Class. Yeah. Is there one story from the book that really stands out to you that you think is,"
The A-Class is a small, luxury car from Mercedes that is stylish and packed with technology. It's a good option for those looking for a smaller car with a premium feel.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury hatchback or sedan that serves as an entry point into the Mercedes lineup. It is known for its stylish design, advanced technology, and a blend of performance and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"Well, the really cool story is how they got on the map in 1971. They took a full-size, which was the S-Class at the time, car to put a big V8 engine. It went to Spa in 1971 and finished second overall first-in-class. And the car was called the Red Pig because it was so big"
The S-Class is a top-of-the-line car from Mercedes that is very comfortable and packed with the latest technology. It's often seen as the best of the best in luxury cars.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It has a long history of setting standards in the luxury car segment, making it a frequent topic of discussion among automotive enthusiasts.
Lancia Delta
"...ere weren't a lot of really affordable EVs or the Delta between comparable gas version of, say, a Camry ..."
The Lancia Delta is a small car that was really popular in racing and known for its cool design. It's often mentioned because of its success in competitions.
The Lancia Delta is a compact car that gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly for its success in rally racing. It is significant for its innovative design and performance in motorsport.
Toyota Camry
"... Delta between comparable gas version of, say, a Camry and an all-electric sedan, it just didn't wash w..."
The Camry is a popular car that many people buy because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. It's a good choice for everyday driving.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that has been a best-seller in the United States for decades, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It's often discussed in comparisons with other vehicles for its value and features.
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