Electric Cars

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.

Originally featured in a September 1983 publication, this review highlights the iconic 1983 Porsche 928S, celebrating its enhanced driving experience with the debut of a four-speed automatic gearbox. Renowned for its exceptional prowess at high speeds, this model offers a blend of power and refinement. Despite its formidable presence, the 928S maintains a surprising level of fuel efficiency. This article delves into the intricate details of its engineering, from the robust V-8 engine to its sophisticated suspension, offering a comprehensive look at what made this vehicle a benchmark in automotive design.

A Deep Dive into the 1983 Porsche 928S Automatic: Performance and Innovation

In the realm of high-performance automobiles, the 1983 Porsche 928S stands out as a true masterpiece, a machine meticulously crafted for the enthusiast. While it thrives at exhilarating speeds exceeding 90 mph, a domain where few vehicles and even fewer drivers feel truly at ease, the 928S excels, transforming competent drivers into seasoned professionals and experienced racers into legends. However, its demeanor changes in the urban landscape, where its considerable size and assertive nature make it feel somewhat less agile. This is not a vehicle for the casual driver; it demands and rewards a quarter of one's full attention to the driving experience.

A significant innovation for this model year is the introduction of a four-speed automatic transmission, a robust partner to Porsche's celebrated V-8 engine. This new offering directly replaces the previous three-speed automatic, improving upon its flexibility and low-rev cruising capabilities, which were notable limitations in the earlier version. This Mercedes-Benz-engineered transmission, encased in an aluminum housing crafted by Porsche, features a direct-in-fourth gear design. Unlike some American counterparts, it foregoes a lockup torque converter and an overdrive top gear, opting instead for a 2.20:1 final-drive ratio. One surprising omission, however, is the lack of lever-activated first gear selection, a feature often found in Mercedes' own V-8 models with their famously precise, snaking shift gates that allow for active, manual gear engagement. Despite this, the immense power and torque generated by the 928S's engine mean that a manual kickdown is seldom crucial, with most first gear engagements handled by the throttle.

Porsche equipped the 928S with an exceptionally rigid chassis, a wonderfully responsive and refined engine, and an advanced independent suspension system complemented by four-wheel disc brakes. The harmonious interplay of these components sets a new benchmark for road vehicles, fundamentally altering a driver's perception of motoring. The unparalleled stability at high speeds, combined with an excellent driving position and comfortable seating (thanks to an adjustable steering wheel and instrument cluster), allows the 928S to confidently outperform other vehicles in its elite class. The 928S boasts a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 7.0 seconds and a remarkable top speed of 142 mph. Curiously, a switch from Pirelli P7 tires to Goodyear NCTs resulted in a slight reduction in traction limits, with skidpad cornering dropping from 0.81 to 0.76 g, and 70-0 mph braking distance increasing from 180 to 197 feet. Yet, the NCTs offer improved ride comfort. Visually, the car's B-pillars and low rear roofline somewhat obscure outward visibility, presenting a minor drawback. Impressively, despite its formidable performance, the 928S achieves a respectable 17 mpg in both EPA and real-world testing, a commendable figure considering the extraordinary capabilities it offers.

Comparing the 928S to its contemporaries, particularly the Corvette, reveals a stark truth: the additional investment in the Porsche delivers a significantly elevated level of satisfaction and engineering excellence.

The Porsche 928S: A Timeless Testament to Automotive Excellence

Reflecting on the 1983 Porsche 928S, it's clear that this vehicle was more than just a car; it was a statement. The introduction of the four-speed automatic transmission didn't dilute its driver-centric philosophy but rather broadened its appeal, making its formidable performance more accessible without compromising its essence. This blend of raw power and refined engineering serves as a powerful reminder that true innovation lies not just in breaking boundaries, but also in enhancing the user experience. The 928S challenges us to reconsider what a high-performance vehicle can be: not just a speed machine, but a meticulously crafted extension of the driver's will, offering a profound sense of connection and control that few cars, then or now, can truly match.