Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast

Over the past three years, Hemmings has delved deeply into video and live events. This journey began in 2021 with a comprehensive revamp of their main YouTube channel (@hemmingsmotornews) and was followed by the revival of the Musclepalooza live event series. To say things are going swimmingly would not be an overstatement. In this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast, host Mike Musto chats...

Frequent Hot Rod BBQ guest Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV has recently made a significant purchase: the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition, one of today's most coveted SUVs. This latest Land Cruiser marks a complete overhaul after decades of incremental updates. Interestingly, it now positions itself as a direct contender against the upcoming 2025 Toyota 4Runner, sparking curiosity among en...

Navigating the diverse landscape of pickup trucks can be quite overwhelming. From the various cab configurations to the array of drive options, the choices seem endless. Add to that the distinctions between compact, mid-size, full-size, light-duty, heavy-duty, and medium-duty trucks, with each offering a range of engine options and construction styles, and the decision becomes even more complex. W...

The ultimate beater car is one you don't fret over. It's the city street parker, the lot dweller, and the one that liberates you from the worries of daily driving. Whether it's a salt-scarred winter warrior, a pre-dinged deterrent to thieves, or a worn-out farmhand, the beater is a highly underrated motoring gem that many enthusiasts relish. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast host...

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...

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 yo...

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 aut...

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 ide...

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 fan...

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...

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, d...

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 on...

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 o...

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...

Aside from being a gem a human being, Hemmings Creative Director, Dan Stoner is also a bit of archeologist when it comes to uncovering some of the greatest automotive stories never told. In the upcoming second season Hemmings YouTube series, the Motor Underground, hosted by Mr. Stoner himself, Dan dives into the hidden hot rod culture that flourished in San Francisco's China Town during the 1950,...

On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast, it's time to talk about wheeling in the winter so you can be prepared for all things related to safe and enjoyable winter driving! Today, host Mike Musto sits down with Ryan Douthit from Driving Sports TV, and dives into essential precautions and tips to navigate the challenges of winter roads. As the temperatures drop and snow blankets the stre...

In this edition of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast, host Mike Musto is joined by industry veteran Vinny Russo to explore the future of the automotive industry in 2024. The conversation delves into the repercussions of a major global OEM's decision to withdraw from auto shows for the upcoming year.   The discussion extends to the significance of traditional auto shows in the automotive community a...

Engaging in automotive media is an exhilarating adventure, made even more thrilling when shared among friends. Collaborating with fellow enthusiasts who share your vehicular passion elevates the excitement of exploring the industry's stories, and diverse vehicles. Cultivating professional relationships within this circle brings a distinct synergy, blending work and passion seamlessly. Today's Hot...

Welcome to the final episode of the 2023 Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast! This time, it's a crew show featuring Ryan Douthit from Driving Sports TV (also the show's producer) and myself, Mike Musto. We're recapping 2023, peeking into 2024, and beyond, making predictions about trends—what stays and what goes.   We then delve into the perceived decline of the American muscle car due to the rise of elec...

Mention the Ring Brothers to any enthusiast that cherishes and adores modified, and coach build muscle cars, and odds are the reactions you'll get will be quite good. For almost two decades brothers Mike and Jim Ring have redefined what muscle cars could be in ways few could have imagined. They're first build happened in 2005. It was a 1967 Ford Mustang known as REACTOR and when the public got win...

Why aren't young people as into cars as they once were? Is it the rise of ride-share services, the shift in priorities towards sustainability, or the favoring of eco-friendly transportation. Or perhaps the allure of technology and gadgets has surpassed the appeal of traditional car culture. Then there's the cost of ownership that stretches from purchasing and maintenance, to of course, insurance....

There are few people in this industry more enthusiastic about their job than artist and Senior Design Manager at Stellantis, Dan Zimmermann. For many of us, our love of the automotive hobby came from family, and for Dan it was no different. Now of course, growing up in his grandfather's body shop didn't hurt, but it was more the guidance of both his father and grandfather that really left an impre...

With the 2023 SEMA show finally in the rear-view mirror, host Mike Musto and Hemmings own Terry McGean sit down to reflect on some of their favorite rides, current trends, and how this year's 2023 SEMA show felt with the absence of the big OEMs. They also talk about how the show has changed in the last 20-years, what the future holds for big trade shows like SEMA and PRI (Performance Racing Indust...

When it comes to the car hobby, host Mike Musto has one goal. Own and experience as many vehicles as you can before you die. It's a lofty one we know, but on the surface it kind of makes sense if you do it correctly. If you're of this mindset, then are a few rules you need to follow. First, be financially responsible. Don't go into hock for something you can't afford, regardless of how bad you wan...

We all have our stories about how we got into the car hobby. For some of us it was through friends, others through family, and others still, it was simply forcing their way in because they simply loved the idea of it. Courtney Leonard grew up in the San Francisco Bay area surrounded by everything from flat bottom drag boats and 60's muscle cars to traditional open-bay hot rods. Her Father is a lif...