Acura Drops Model, Dodge EV Impresses, Big Ram Changes for 2026

Brendan Appel of The Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Brendan and Tom opened the show by complaining about the extreme heat lingering over the Chicago area. Tom then noted that Jill was correct last week when she suggested that Toyota had a 20-percent stake in Subaru. Tom had suggested a lower figure.  Still in the first segment, Brendan and Tom acknowledged the passing of the TLX, Acura’s excellent midsize sedan which has struggled in the marketplace for several year. The sporty 4-door will be discontinued after the 2025 model year.  Brendan shared details of a video just posted at We Are Motor Drive (host site to the Sons of Speed). Brendan and “Sons” partner Paul Herrold spent time with the all-new, electric, Dodge Charger Daytona sedan. Brendan and Paul were generally delighted with the new Dodge EV, but have some thoughts on how Dodge can make the vehicle more generally appealing.  In the second segment, Brendan and Tom welcome Ram Executive Vice President of Retail and Commercial Demand, Nate Buelow to the show. Nate updated the hosts on a number of important changes to the Ram line, including a new drivetrain warranty, more-affordable trim levels, and the return of the Hemi V8 engine. Nate also discussed Ram’s return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for 2026.  In the last segment, Brendan is subjected to Tom’s “Dodge!” quiz, and someone mentioned the Chrysler Cordoba.