Electric Cars

Subaru enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats following cryptic teaser videos from Subaru Japan, strongly suggesting the imminent return of the legendary STI. This high-performance variant has been conspicuously absent from the North American market for half a decade, leaving a void for rally-inspired driving. However, the excitement is tempered by a dose of realism, as the announcement at the Tokyo Auto Salon might unveil a model specifically for the Japanese domestic market, potentially echoing the WRX tS already available in the United States.

Subaru's Next Performance Icon: A Global or Local Return?

The Subaru WRX STI, a name synonymous with exhilarating rally performance, vanished from the market with the transition to the latest WRX generation. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four engine, maintaining around 300 horsepower since its U.S. debut in 2004, had become somewhat outdated compared to newer performance compacts. Despite this, the STI was cherished for its raw driving pleasure. Following its discontinuation, fans held onto hope for a modernized iteration to reclaim its glory.

Now, new teaser campaigns from Subaru indicate a significant reveal slated for January 9 at the Tokyo Auto Salon. This has reignited speculation about a true next-generation STI. Last year's Tokyo show featured the Performance-B STI concept, a hatchback adorned with a massive wing and widebody kit, hinting at a potential future. Yet, the latest teasers point towards a sedan model, and enthusiasts are urged to manage their expectations.

Subaru's current sales success, largely driven by popular models like the Crosstrek, means the brand isn't entirely reliant on a halo car like the STI for market presence. Furthermore, the Tokyo Auto Salon often showcases products tailored for the Japanese market. A crucial distinction lies in transmission preferences: while the manual gearbox in the U.S. WRX boasts an impressive 80 percent take rate, its Japanese counterpart offers no manual option. The teaser videos, however, seem to imply a three-pedal setup, which strongly suggests that the upcoming model might be a six-speed WRX for Japan, akin to the WRX tS available stateside, rather than a completely redesigned, global STI.

This scenario presents a unique paradox where the U.S.-market WRX could be considered more desirable than its Japanese counterpart. While fans continue to yearn for a full-throttle STI comeback, the automotive world awaits the Tokyo Auto Salon with bated breath to see if Subaru will indeed unleash the ultimate rally warrior, or if this will be a more localized offering.

The potential return of a high-performance Subaru, even if initially aimed at a specific market, underscores the enduring appeal of driver-focused vehicles. It highlights the delicate balance automakers must strike between global market demands and regional preferences. This situation also serves as a reminder to enthusiasts to maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook when interpreting pre-release teasers, especially in a dynamic and diverse global automotive landscape. Regardless of the specific model unveiled, Subaru's continued engagement with its performance heritage is a positive sign for the brand and its dedicated fanbase.

In a surprising turn of events that has captivated his extensive online following, renowned YouTube mechanic Scotty Kilmer, aged 72, has departed from his long-standing advice of avoiding new car purchases, acquiring his first-ever brand-new vehicle. This decision marks a significant moment for the automotive personality who has consistently championed the benefits of used cars. His choice, a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid, underscores a practical approach driven by factors such as vehicle longevity, fuel efficiency, and established engineering, rather than a fundamental shift in his core automotive philosophy.

For over a decade, Scotty Kilmer has cultivated a substantial platform by delivering straightforward, often outspoken, guidance to car buyers. His central message has consistently warned against the rapid depreciation, excessive technology, and financial drain associated with purchasing new automobiles. Instead, Kilmer has ardently promoted the economic and practical advantages of meticulously maintained pre-owned vehicles, positioning them as a more astute long-term investment. This firm stance has earned him a loyal audience, making his recent acquisition all the more unexpected and newsworthy.

Kilmer's decision to purchase a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE for approximately $31,000 stands out, especially when considering its price point well below the current average for new car transactions. The vehicle is equipped with Toyota's well-regarded 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, integrated with an electric motor, collectively producing 225 horsepower. Kilmer highlighted the hybrid powertrain's immediate electric torque, which lends the sedan a sensation of greater agility than its specifications might suggest. Furthermore, he commended its impressive fuel economy, achieving around 50 miles per gallon in urban settings and high 40s on highways. This optimal balance of performance, efficiency, and straightforward design was a key determinant in his selection.

A critical factor influencing Kilmer's choice was Toyota's established expertise in hybrid technology. He noted that Camry Hybrids have been available for nearly two decades, with the underlying Prius technology boasting over 25 years of development. Kilmer specifically lauded the non-plug-in hybrid configuration, arguing that it mitigates the long-term complexities and potential exposure issues often associated with larger battery packs typically situated beneath the vehicle. The practical attributes of the Camry further solidified his decision, including its ample trunk space, fold-down rear seats, the inclusion of a spare tire, user-friendly controls, and an interior prioritizing robustness over superficial aesthetics. According to Kilmer, this vehicle embodies a contemporary design while still adhering to time-honored principles of common sense, precisely the kind of vehicle he has advocated for over many years.

Far from undermining his authority, Kilmer's latest purchase arguably reinforces the credibility of his long-held views. His selection was not swayed by luxury features, all-wheel drive, or top-tier trim levels. He intentionally sidestepped the popular SUV segment and dismissed more expensive alternatives as offering poor value. In essence, he applied the very same discerning logic he has consistently preached for years, albeit this time to a new car rather than a used one. As he has frequently iterated in previous discussions, factors such as reliability, mechanical simplicity, and the overall cost of ownership over time hold greater significance than fleeting trends or impressive specification sheets. It is noteworthy that the Toyota Camry is perhaps the sole new vehicle that Kilmer has previously endorsed.

Scotty Kilmer is unequivocal that this purchase does not signify a universal endorsement of buying new cars. Instead, he characterizes it as a rare exception, influenced by factors such as equitable pricing, proven technological advancements, and his personal circumstances. If anything, this moment serves to humanize a figure often perceived as unyielding in his automotive opinions. After decades of advising millions on what not to acquire, Scotty Kilmer has ultimately discovered a new vehicle that he can genuinely embrace, one that offers comfort, economic sensibility, and peace of mind.