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 Pack

In 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 600

While 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 Interview

Host 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 Mount

California 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 Truck

Surpassing 800,000 sales in 2025, Ford celebrates relentless innovation in its iconic pickup lineup.

Chevy Unveils Patriotic Stars & Steel Collection

Limited-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 Collection

Limited-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 Fire

Flush electric handles face backlash and federal probes after reports link power failures in crashes to trapped occupants and fatalities.

📩 Listener Question of the Week

Samuel 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.

🎧 Where to Listen

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.

🎙️ Hosts

Jack Nerad — Award-winning auto journalist and author of Only One Thing Stays the Same
Chris Teague — Longtime auto critic and journalist

📢 Presented by

• DrivingToday.com
• EMLandsea.com
• Mercury Insurance – Switch today and save. Californians save an average of $670.

📺 Watch & Subscribe

Find America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.

📨 Email: editor@drivingtoday.com

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.