In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Can they build a Ram Hellcat?
- What’s with the Honda HR-V and Toyota CH-R names?
- Hyundai Elantra Sport is better than other FWD cars?
This first question comes from a fan who wants to know if FCA could shove a Hellcat engine inside a Ram.
Q: TFL,
I am a huge Dodge/Ram fan.
I was wanting to know if the Hellcat engine that is in the Challenger would or will fit in the Ram 1500 Truck?
Please let me know.
Thanks,
Herman
A: Hi Herman!
Absolutely yes, the folks at FCA stuffed one in the Ram Rebel TRX Concept Truck (pictured). It debuted at the 2016 Texas State Fair and you can read more about it (Ram Rebel TRX Concept ).The harder answer to come up with is whether or not they intend to build something like the Hellcat-powered TRX.
The current Ram platform is old and is expected to be either significantly updated or replaced altogether. This means that the R&D and the time to make a production version of the TRX with a Hellcat engine would be difficult. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
I sure hope they build something like this one day. Remember, way back, Dodge/Ram built one of the most insane V10 sport trucks out there – the Dodge Ram SRT10. They are not afraid of horsepower.
Be on the lookout for many new Ram/FCA trucks that are slated to appear in the next few years!
N
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This next question come from a viewer who is frustrated with Toyota and Honda having similar names for their baby crossovers.
Q: Nathan what’s wrong with Toyota?
They went and named their Toyota C-HR just to confuse buyers who are looking at the competing Honda HR-V! C-HR, HR-V what the hell! Are they telling me that they can’t find something unique to name their car? Toyota, the biggest, richest car maker out there can’t find something less confusing?
Makes me sick!
I hope the Toyota C-HR drives better than the Honda HR-V. I like Toyota despite their unimaginative marketing people.
Moses
A: Hi Moses.
I am confused too.
N
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The last question comes from a fan who loves powerful FWD cars and is itching to get his hands on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport.
Q: Nathan and the FLC guys, what do you think of the Hyundai Elantra Sport vs. other quick front-wheel-drive cars?
Come on, 201 horsepower is way better than the new Honda Civic turbo. It’s better than the Mazda3 and anything from Toyota. The Ford Focus ST is more powerful, but the Hyundai Elantra Sport is much less expensive.
I think it’s a great value, what do you think?
Ty
A: Hi Ty!
Yes, I totally agree with you. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport is an excellent deal for a bang-for-your-buck vehicle. I am especially impressed with the mix of power and cornering ability. Although my video mentions hunkering down through a corner (as I’m driving straight), the sound syncing was off. It truly does hunker down.
Anyone who is into the driving experience, rather than simply getting from one point to another, would dig a ride like this.
Can’t wait to drive one in the Rocky Mountains!
N
Here’s the next video episode of “Ask Nathan!”
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
