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    Review: 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade

    The Toyota Camry became “America’s favorite sedan” a long time ago, much to the chagrin of automotive patriots from North America. The Camry continues to play that role despite the proliferation of SUVs doing their darndest to unseat this perennial. While many Detroit companies seem to have phased out most of their competing sedans, the Camry continues to plug along.

    So how well does the Camry plug along? The ClassicCars.com Journal staff tested a 2023 Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade sedan to observe the state-of-the-art of suburban transportation.

    Overview

    Those days of Camry DX, LE, and SE are long-gone. Today we have thirteen Camry models. They start with the $26,320 Camry LE and then continue with the following:

    • $28,655 LE Hybrid
    • $27,860 SE
    • $28,860 SE Nightshade
    • $30,190 SE Hybrid
    • $31,190 SE Hybrid Nightshade
    • $31,070 XLE
    • $33,545 XLE Hybrid
    • $36,195 XLE V6
    • $31,620 XSE
    • $34,095 XSE Hybrid
    • $36,745 XSE V6
    •  $33,385 TRD

    Exterior

    When the current-generation Camry debuted for 2018, it was somewhat of a revelation because Camrys of the past had been so deliberately milquetoast. Though styling is obviously in the eye of the beholder, the new Camry certainly came off appearing much sportier than it had done in the past. Within the Camry series, different trim levels may feature different styling (especially up front), with some appearing more polarizing than others. In the case of our Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade, it features a “black front grille with sport mesh insert” complemented by black side mirrors, window trim, and badging. Nineteen-inch bronze alloy wheels set it off the Reservoir Blue nicely. Other trim levels feature more of a massive “chin” that the SE, XSE, and TRD manage to avoid. Perhaps the typical Camry target market will not care, but we may have a different opinion: the schnoz can also be polarizing depending on trim level, with some invoking the look that Acura was criticized for a decade ago.

    Drivetrain

    Camry hybrids are powered by a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force DOHC four-cylinder with dual variable valve timing that offers 176 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. With assistance from a 650V hybrid system, combined horsepower becomes 208. Considering today’s Camry serves a purpose no different than a four-door Plymouth Valiant from several generations ago, the performance of the Camry is somewhat of a revelation: 0-60 in the low sevens and quarter-mile ETs in under 16 seconds. To contrast, a Valiant with the Slant Six would get to 60 in almost the same time as the Camry’s ET. The performance available from your average, contemporary four-door sedan (hybrid or otherwise) is quite astounding though, according to the buff books, the Camry hybrid isn’t as hot as other vehicles in its class. Nonetheless, it doesn’t suffer because of it.

    Economy

    Even though this isn’t a Prius, the Camry hybrid may appear to be a more impressive vehicle, all things being equal. The amount of comfort available due to its size belies the fact that it’s federally rated at 44 mpg city/47 highway/46 combined. While that’s about 10 mpg less than the Prius, the Camry is much more car without compromise. We ourselves achieved 45 mpg in mixed driving. And remember that Valiant? It could only achieve half the mpg at best. For those stats alone, we absolutely adore the Camry and the technology that has driven it to this point.

    Interior

    Our SE Hybrid Nightshade was furnished with Sport SofTex-trimmed front seats with fabric inserts. It’s a durable imitation leather that appears across the Toyota spectrum, but it lacks a luxurious look and feel. On the SE Hybrid Nightshade, the driver-side seat is power-operated and includes lumbar support; the passenger makes do with manual controls that is just fine with us. Otherwise, our Camry came with most of the conveniences you’d expect in a modern sedan, such as remote keyless entry system, push-button start, USB-C port, dual-zone climate control and, typical for modern cars, a busy, 4.2-inch multi-function display between the speedometer and tachometer. We do like the knobs used for volume and tuning and, of course, if you prefer buttons, you have the steering wheel to adjust volume and a whole bunch of other things. The infotainment system is straightforward and not too difficult to pair with your phone, especially for those adept at setting the clock on a VCR.

    Drive

    Driving the Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade is a benign experience. It does everything you demand and does it while serving up stellar fuel economy. If the Camry was a rental car, there would be no doubt it would be the best rental car in the world. You can depend on its competency like no other — something we wish we could say about most things in life. You need to make a fast turn? The Camry will do it with aplomb. The experience won’t be like a Supra’s but, as a testament to modern transportation devices, the Camry will handle what you put it up against. It’s an out of sight/out of mind experience, like an extension of your being combined with reliability that has been a Camry trademark since it unseated the Ford Taurus as America’s favorite sedan (though there’s been that pesky Honda Accord on occasion). In some ways, the Camry is the anti-SUV because it offers all the spaciousness and utility most need while offering enough interior and ride comfort so you can enjoy your podcast with a minimum of fuss. Like many modern cars, there are several gimmicky driving modes: Normal, Sport, Eco, and EV. Each setting offers a selection of shift points and electric motor cut-offs that will affect acceleration and economy. Considering the more economy-minded settings can be lazy in hilly country, we can appreciate this feature in opportune moments. However, it would not surprise us that thx x e average Camry drive keeps it on one setting and has forgotten about it.

    Click above to watch our full review on YouTube.

    Conclusion

    The 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade reminds me of how one magazine characterized the Camaro in 1968: it tries to be all things to all people. The Camaro was criticized because, while it aimed to please a large segment of the population, it seemed to excel at nothing because it wasn’t focused. In comparison, the Camry doesn’t suffer from trying too hard. On the contrary, it seems more adept at checking all the boxes and being competent at everything — not quite the teacher’s pet, but one that will always be in the teacher’s good graces if given the occasional apple. For this, we have great respect for the Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade, as we have no bones to pick with its efficiency. However, as folks who aren’t quite the Camry’s target market, we are left wanting more: we would love better styling, sharper handling, a more upscale interior (which can be faked quite easily, as Mazda has proven) and, perhaps, better acceleration to be more competitive with other hybrids in the market (though the seat of our collective pants has no issues). None of these things truly matter at this point considering Toyota is preparing the next-generation Camry for 2024. If the latest offerings from Toyota are any hint, such as the GR Corolla, GR86 coupe, or even the I-hate-to-say-it-but-the-new-Prius-is-almost-stunning Prius, we may even be excited with what Mr. and Mrs. America will be able to drive next.

    Pick of the Day: 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

    One of the most coveted of all fifth-generation Corvettes was the high-performance Z06 model. Here’s a chance at owning one in a stealthy black finish with only 75,000 miles on the odometer.

    The Pick of the Day is a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Spokane, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)

    “You are viewing a very nice Z06 that is an excellent driver,” the listing begins. “The car has 75k well cared-for miles and [I have] owned for the last three years. Runs and drives like new.”

    The fifth-generation Corvette sport car initially came to market for the 1997 model year using all-new exterior styling on the General Motors Y-body platform. In the interest of optimizing strength while minimizing weight, most of the body was assembled from a type of fiberglass called sheet molded composite (SMC).

    A high-performance C5 Corvette was introduced in 2001 and named the Z06. The heart this beast was its LS6 motor, which was essentially a tuned 5.7-liter LS1. Output was initially rated at 385 horsepower and was soon ramped up to 405 horsepower starting in 2002. The only available transmission for the Z06 was a six-speed manual throughout the production run.

    There are a few visual things that make the Z06 stand out from other Corvettes. One is the fixed-roof coupe (FRC) body style which is a contrast to the traditional glass hatchback. Another noteworthy design cue is the brake ducts which are just forward of the rear wheel on either side.

    The interior cockpit of this ‘vette has an eye-catching two-tone red and black leather motif. The seller states that a short shifter has been added but the rest appears factory-original. The digital odometer shows just 75,343 miles on this 20-year-old car, and the listing doesn’t discuss much about maintenance history other than the fact that the Bridgestone Potenza tires are newer.

    The 405-horsepower version of the Z06 achieved zero-to-60 acceleration in 3.9 seconds and it was recorded as completing a quarter-mile drag race in 11.9 seconds. Those are significant numbers for any performance car – and that is precisely why so many Z5 Z06 models were heavily tracked and abused over the years. This black beauty remains unmodified and was clearly enthusiast-owned.

    “A very nice car to drive and enjoy. Lots of performance at an affordable price,” the listing concludes.

    The asking price is $28,500 for this special C5.

    To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

    The Ultimate Sleeper Cars of the ’70s and ’80s (You Won’t Expect These)

    There were few decades in the auto industry that were as instrumental as the 1970s and ’80s. Both decades were periods when the automotive landscape completely changed. Vehicle design transitioned from oversized land yachts to manageable fuel-efficient cars. Japanese automakers also made massive progress in America during this period and continue to dominate today. The amount of technological advancement that car fans witnessed during the 1970s and ’80s paved the way for an automotive revolution.

    Many if not most enthusiasts look down upon this era, yet it was one of the most underrated in history. Some cars were critically panned but still offered great performance. GM also had its share of unique sleeper cars during this era, as did Ford. The turbocharger was becoming a more viable option for offering great amounts of power from small engines. The traditional V8 was no longer the only way that automakers squeezed performance out of a car. During the era, several cars flew under the radar, so we looked at the ultimate sleeper cars of the ’70s and ’80s that you might know about. Check them out right here.

    Photo Credit: Car Domain

    1976 Dodge Aspen R/T

    Who could forget about the ​​1976 Dodge Aspen R/T? Well, at the time, everyone did. But that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t one of the most underrated sleepers of all time. There were under 1000 of these models that made it to production. The Aspen R/T shared a platform with the Plymouth Volare of the same period. The 318 V8 that came under the hood wasn’t a bad engine to start with, and the styling wasn’t bad either (via Hot Cars).

    Photo Credit: Dodge

    The interesting thing about the Aspen R/T was the fact that it was a lightweight car. Most domestic vehicles from the ’70s were still quite large and in charge. Chrysler went the other way with these models in an effort to appeal to value-oriented shoppers. The Aspen R/T is one of the rarest MOPAR models on the road and is a definite sleeper from this era.

    The post The Ultimate Sleeper Cars of the ’70s and ’80s (You Won’t Expect These) appeared first on Motor Junkie.

    Market Crash: These Muscle Cars Just Aren’t Worth Investing In

    Smart drivers know that car collecting is not just a hobby but also a lucrative business. When you’re talking legendary muscle cars, some models can be worth more than a million dollars. This clearly means that investing in and restoring cars like these can be a sound financial decision.

    However, before looking for the next restoration candidate or barn finds, drivers have to know which cars are worth investing in. Even though the car is old and looks cool, that doesn’t mean it will still attract bidders at auction. Some muscle cars were less popular and have very few fans today. So, we’ll save you some time by listing the models that are simply not worth the investment and effort here.

    Photo Credit: Hemmings

    1974 Pontiac GTO

    Pontiac downsized the once-mighty GTO from a separate model to a trim line option only for the 1974 Pontiac Ventura. It was sad to see the once-glorious muscle car downgraded to just a trim level. They slapped some decals on an economy model and added a 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivered only 200 hp (via Net Car Show).

    Pontiac experienced slow sales for the GTO line for a few years. Despite the relative success of the smaller Trans Am/Firebird line, the GTO line wasn’t popular enough to justify investing in a separate model. Most people considered the 1974 GTO a pathetic attempt to recapture the former glory of the GTO. However, the auto market didn’t fall for this cheap trick.

    The post Market Crash: These Muscle Cars Just Aren’t Worth Investing In appeared first on Motor Junkie.

    Insanely Powered Cars From Chrysler (Number Three Will Leave You Speechless)

    The Chrysler Corporation is one of the big three automakers, even if it doesn’t go by that name anymore. The automaker has built some of the fastest cars that ever hit the road. Without these cars from Chrysler, we wouldn’t have cars like the Plymouth Superbird, the Dodge Demon, or the Charger. The company was also responsible for bringing us vehicles like the Roadrunner and even the Dodge Viper. Many cars came out of Chrysler that were insanely powerful and became instant classics.

    MOPAR has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry, and there aren’t a lot of as iconic automakers. Some cars from the Chrysler Corporation broke the mold in terms of power and handling. These were true legends that redefined what a modern sports car was. Then other offerings were less than satisfactory. We looked at the most insanely powered cars that ever came from Chrysler and Dodge, and true car fans will remember them fondly. Let’s get started.

    1967 Plymouth GTX
    Photo Credit: Hot Rod

    Plymouth GTX

    The Plymouth GTX isn’t the first nameplate that comes to mind when you think of horsepower, but it still offered quite a bit. It was a performance car sold during the ’60s. The GTX had a lot to offer and under the hood, it packed a punch. Even though the car only weighed 4000lbs it felt a whole lot sturdier than it was, and the affordable price tag of $3,800.00 made it attainable for the average gearhead. Plymouth was the value-oriented brand in the Chrysler portfolio so a car like the GTX made perfect sense for the brand (via Hagerty).

    1967 Plymouth GTX
    Photo Credit: Hot Rod

    The 383 CU V8 was one of the most powerful engines to come out of Chrysler. The performance of the engine was revered by even the most discerning hot rod enthusiasts of the period. The groundbreaking performance of the car was enough to catapult it to popularity. Again, this is not the first car that comes to mind when you think about performance, but with the bulletproof engineering and stylish exterior, it was a pleasant mix.

    The post Insanely Powered Cars From Chrysler (Number Three Will Leave You Speechless) appeared first on Motor Junkie.

    Custom 1971 Chevy C10

    Nathen McEown’s full custom 1971 Chevy C10 is definitely an eye catcher among the custom trucks sitting around the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Conroe, Texas for the 1st Annual Classic Truck Throwdown. The Classic Truck Throwdown hosted 1998 and older classic trucks, to think ’98 is considered classic, that only reminds me how old we […]

    The post Custom 1971 Chevy C10 appeared first on CarShowz.com.

    Corvette DNA: Sports Cars You Never Knew Were Based On The Vette

    The iconic Chevrolet Corvette turns 70 this year. Over the years, Chevrolet produced eight distinct generations of the Vette, and all eight left big marks on the auto industry. Also, since the Corvette featured engines and components from Chevrolet’s general lineup, it was also often used as the basis for numerous conversions and aftermarket versions. The list of companies that produced special body parts for Corvette is endless. Yet in some cases, those companies went a step further and produced their own creations based on the Corvette platform.

    From the early 1960s until today, the Corvette was used as a platform for creations that went beyond only cosmetic change. Innovative car builders made the Corvette faster, cooler, more interesting, or just different, and today, we pay our respects to those industry mavericks. We found the most prominent sports cars that used the Corvette chassis and engines as a basis, so check out these cars right here.

    Photo Credit: Italdesign

    Italdesign Moray

    In the early 2000s, the famous Italian design house Italdesign presented the Moray. It was a fully-functional Corvette with a unique design and a strange canopy-style opening roof. Inspired by the Mako Shark concepts of the ’60s, Italian designers wanted to make a new Corvette resembling a sea predator (via Italdesign).

    Photo Credit: Italdesign

    Even though there were rumors of the limited production run, only two cars left the factory. The Moray was the C5 model with a 400 hp V8 engine and automatic transmission. Some say that Chevrolet stopped the development of the Moray not to interfere with the presentation of the all-new C6 Corvette a year later.

    The post Corvette DNA: Sports Cars You Never Knew Were Based On The Vette appeared first on Motor Junkie.

    Signature Wheel SV602 Forged Monoblock Attack Series

    Signature Wheel SV602 Forged Monoblock Attack Series in matte black absolutely gave the CarShowz 2020 Shelby GT500 a different look. With an overall savings in weight, 35LBS, the Attack Series wheels with the matte black finish was the choice. Choosing the best wheel and tire combination while ensuring the overall integrity, form, fit and function […]

    The post Signature Wheel SV602 Forged Monoblock Attack Series appeared first on CarShowz.com.

    Unleashing Power: General Motors’ Fastest Trucks of All Time

    Amongst many things, General Motors is known as the company that created the first muscle car back in 1964. It was also a part of the pickup truck market from the very beginning. It was only a matter of time before those two concepts merged and their trucks became super-powered.

    Over the years, GM has produced some fantastic trucks. They managed to keep their products on the list of best sellers in this field. However, GM’s performance-hungry customers demanded more than just top-of-the-market sales numbers. They wanted speed. And overall, GM delivered some of the fastest trucks ever made. Check out the best and fastest GM trucks ever built right here.

    Photo Credit: GM

    GMC Hummer EV SUT

    The Tesla Cybertruck might be the first fully-operational prototype electric truck of the future. But GMC’s Hummer EV is newer, bigger, meaner-looking, and filled with several features. Before attempting to reserve one, you have to know that the top-of-the-line version cost around $100,000 (via Car and Driver).

    Photo Credit: Car And Driver

    That may be worth it, as the features of the GMC Hummer EV are insane. The base version will have a 625 hp engine and the next in line will have an 800 hp engine. The top-tier model will have an astonishing 1000 hp at its disposal. As with all electric vehicles, the torque figure is equally impressive. Its predicted range is 350 miles. But what really excites drivers is the combination of the drive train and suspension. It allows the new-age Hummer to climb even the steepest obstacles and go diagonally, bringing a new dimension to off-road driving. With an EV powertrain, the Hummer EV is blisteringly quick in a straight line. It can do 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, an insane fact.

    The post Unleashing Power: General Motors’ Fastest Trucks of All Time appeared first on Motor Junkie.