DRIVING DEBT: Car Loans Are Out of Control!

Let's break down some eye-opening figures for 2024. According to Fortune.com, the average price of a new car stands at $47,338.00. Pair that with the average new car payment of $738.00 or the slightly lower average new car lease payment of $606.00, as reported by LendingTree.com. Meanwhile, the average payment on a used vehicle comes in at $538.00.   These numbers hit hard because they underscore the financial strain many Americans face. To afford these payments, you'd ideally be earning around $60,000 annually, which incidentally is just about what the average American makes at $59,384 per year. And remember, that's before factoring in essentials like housing costs, student loans, insurance, utilities, and the ever-present expenses of raising a family.   It's a stark reality: auto loans trail only home mortgages as the largest category of debt in the country. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod Podcast, Mike Musto and Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV dissect this phenomenon and try to uncover its roots.

Dan Stoner, Hemmings Creative Director, is no stranger to project cars. From his Stoner-T with its blown HEMI, to a killer little T-bucket, a flat bottom drag boat, and of all things, an Edsel, some would say that Mr. Stoner is indeed, and automotive masochist. Case in point, a 1952 Henry J that once belonged to his dad, and that Dan has now taken under his wing for a restoration and rebirth if you will - but here’s the thing, the car hasn’t been on the road since 1967. Originally purchased by his father back in the late 1950s, it was used as a daily driver for some time. It then went to a family member, until after years of use the little Henry J was put out to pasture in the family barn until Dan rescued it and shipped it to California. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ, Dan Stoner sits down with host Mike Musto to tell us what’s in store for the Henry J that’s been in his family for almost 70 years.

On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast, host Mike Musto and Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV are diving into the highly anticipated 2025 Toyota 4Runner, and more importantly, what sets it apart from the outgoing generation. They then delve into the world of limited and or special edition automobiles and uncover if they’re worth it to buy and own.   It's then onto Hemmings' latest automotive extravaganza: Musclepalooza! The inaugural event at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, PA this past weekend was an adrenaline-fueled blast, featuring high-octane drag races, a killer car show, heart-pounding dyno tests, and of course, a burnout contest. With three more shows in the pipeline, Musclepalooza 2024 is revving up to be a premier automotive series in the U.S. so make sure to visit hemmings.com/musclepalooza for the details on upcoming shows.   So, kick back, pour yourself a yummy beverage, and join us for a brand-new episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ!

Over the last two decades, the idea of what a pro-touring or resto-mod car is has been drastically redefined. In the beginning we were treated to mild suspension and drivetrain modifications, but now, with advancements in technology and manufacturing, these cars have been sent to heights that have redefined what’s possible. Wisconsin based Speedkore is one such coach builder that is taking the idea of what a custom car can be and flipping it on its head and their latest creation, a 1970 Dodge Charger simply known as “GHOST” is a prime example of that. With a body that’s constructed entirely from carbon fiber, a bespoke chassis, and an interior that should be the topic of design studio discussions, Speedkore is reimagining what classic vehicles can be. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast host Mike Musto sits down with Senior Business Development Manager, Tom Porter and Lyle Brummer, Speedkore’s Director of Design to learn a little bit more about how Speedkore creates some of the most brilliant coach-built vehicles on the road today.

In the vast world of motorsports, enthusiasts have an abundance of disciplines to choose from. Whether it's the rush of circle track racing, the finesse of drifting, the precision of road course events, or the rugged excitement of off-roading, there's something for every speed enthusiast. Yet, among these options, drag racing stands out for its remarkable accessibility to both participants and fans.   On the latest episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast, host Mike Musto talks with Bill Bader, President of Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, to explore the significance of drag racing in the United States and they delve into why there's a need to reignite interest in what may be the most accessible form of motorsport.

There’s no question that today’s SUVs and crossovers are far more advanced than their predecessors from just a decade ago. From their complex suspension and off-road systems to their different drive modes and transmissions, to their now, hybrid, electric and turbocharged powertrains, these everyday family haulers are more intricate than ever. But is all this technology necessary and even wanted by the consumer, and ultimately, does it make these machines better? Oh, and don’t even get us started on the cost.   To help us answer these questions and more we’re joined today by Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV. Ryan’s specialty is reviewing the latest and greatest in the off-road and SUV segment, and he even has his own test facility to do it. So, if you’re in the market for a new crossover, off-roader, or SUV, this is an episode you’ll not want to miss!

Explore the world of high-end automotive auctions or car shows, and you're likely to encounter a selection of custom and coach-built vehicles. When executed with precision, these automobiles are mechanical masterpieces fetching staggering sums both at their initial purchase, and when sold on the used market. Yet, what distinguishes them from the finest garage-built customs? And more importantly, does the extensive craftsmanship and investment translate into a significantly enhanced driving experience?   In this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast, host Mike Musto sits down with Douglas Glad, Hemmings' Head of Content, to delve into precisely these questions. Together, they explore the nuances between American and European builds, dissect current market trends, and ponder the allure of certain build categories over others.

Last week Dodge took the wraps off the brand new and beautifully designed 2024 Dodge Charger and to say the automotive populous went nuts would be an understatement. First, there’s a lot to digest here as the new Charger will be offered in both two and four door variants and with a choice of either EV or ICE powerplants (ICE comes in 2025). But more so, the enthusiast crowd seems to be torn for one simple fact – it doesn’t come with a HEMI. Now if you’ve been following automotive news, you’ll know that the HEMI v8 is at the end of its lifecycle and can no longer be produced, thus the inclusion of the new twin-turbo Hurricane inline-6. However, even though Dodge is giving us both an EV and ICE version, AND the choice of both two and four doors, people still seem tweaked. That’s why on this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast we’ve brought in Hemmings own Evan Perkins and Bryan McTaggart (both diehard muscle car guys) to give their take on the new 2024 Dodge Charger.

Hemmings Creative Director, Dan Stoner is a bona fide hot-rodder if there ever was one. From his insane HEMI powered Stoner-T to his direct-drive drag boat, to the fact that the man tools around the city of San Francisco in a 1974 Ford F250 with a gallons-to-the-mile 460 big block under the hood. Dan is the guy we turn to when it comes to traditional hot rods and hot rod culture. That’s why when one of the most famous hot rods in history recently made an appearance at the 2024 Grand National Roadster show in Southern California, Dan got excited.   Not only is this a car that influenced him in a host of different ways, but he also has an odd connection to it that he’s going to divulge right now on this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast!

Earlier this year host Mike Musto made a post about how he wanted to put 10,000-miles on his 1968 Charger in 2024. There were comments and questions, but not so much about the miles, but more so about the engine and drivetrain combination. The specs on the engine are mild. A 440 cubic inch big block with iron 906 heads that were bored .30 over, a 470 lift cam, with an 800 double-pumper on top. The transmission is a 727 with a reverse valve body mated to a gear vendor through an 8 3/4 rear with a 3.55 gear – as for power though, Musto really had no idea what the old lump made.   Enter Hemmings own Evan Perkins, our resident engine guru. He suggested that Musto throw it on the dynamometer at Westech in Southern, California, a mere 450-miles from Musto’s home. Not only would that tell him the power output, but as Perkins explains, using a dynamometer is one the best ways to tune your vehicle and possibly even get some extra power.