OWN THE ROAD WITH AUTOTRADER, EPISODE 89: RAM BRINGS BACK THE V8: ARE WE GOING BACKWARDS?

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In this episode of AutoTrader's 'Own the Road,' hosts Dan and Jodi delve into the controversial decision by Ram to bring back the Hemi V8 for the 2025 model year, reversing their earlier plan to replace it with the Hurricane inline-six. The hosts express strong disapproval of Ram's decision and the language used in their press release, viewing it as a capitulation to a vocal minority and a step backward in the pursuit of more sustainable transportation. They highlight that the Hurricane engine was superior in terms of power, efficiency, and smoothness, yet Ram's backtrack, framed as 'listening to customers,' is seen as a panicked, reactionary move driven by plummeting sales rather than genuine customer advocacy. The discussion broadens to touch upon greenwashing by automakers, the complexities of geopolitical resource sourcing for EVs, and the politicization of climate change, ultimately concluding that resurrecting the V8 is not the way forward for the industry.