KeriBlog

Cars, Security & a Peek into my Life

A 1956 Porsche Whatever

Starting in 1948 this was Porsche’s first production automobile, and 1956 was the last year it was made.

It was replaced by the 911.

Of the 76,000 originally produced, about one half survived, making this one 1 / 38,000 in the world. Even less if you do the math based on model year (1 / 9,000-ish.)

Being so into cars, it’s assumed I’d be really into this, but I’m not, because…

I don’t like old cars.

I take a lot of heat for saying that, but it’s true.

Anything before circa 1995-ish doesn’t much interest me.

Why?

– because they break,
– are unreliable,
– and uncomfortable.

I barely fit into the backseat, and I fit into everywhere.

I’d be skeptical of any stories of 4 adults taking a road trip in one of these.

Even on this day, the car broke. Doesn’t matter if it’s meticulously maintained, which this one is, that’s just the nature of an old car: to break and be unreliable.

And since I will choose function over fashion every time, I don’t like them.

1965 Porsche 356

A 2.0 L outputting 95 hp and… okay I’m done, can’t care enough, here’s the link to the Wiki.

 

 

My 1st Toyota – 2015 Camry XSE V6

First ever, really! Bit spoiled though, since this is the top of the line, as-good-as-it-gets Camry – the all-new XSE V6 sport trim.

2015 Toyota Camry
Starting at $23,850
This one $33,650

3.5 L 6-cyl atuomatic transmission engine
268 hp and 248 lb.ft. of torque

To be honest, I never much paid attention to the Camry because it was rather bland. Now it’s opposite.

If I show you only the bumpers, bet you’d be surprised it’s a Camry. Pretty sporty eh, with some Lexus front-end influence:

My 2 favourite things about this car

2nd favourite is the steering – it was weighted so well, precise, effortless and well-balanced, making it very enjoyable to drive.

1st favourite thing was the centre stack…

… with its hard buttons and large knobs.

Why? So ergonomic, and early into the test week I could operate the entire thing without looking, which is as it should be. Which is rarer than you may realize, especially with all touch-controls being so en vogue, eye roll.

Good finishings and materials, sporty contrast stitching, the arrow is pointing to a semi-hidden compartment #security

I’d like to test the base model of this, see if the steering is as awesome.

But I get it now, why the Camry is one of North America’s best-selling vehicles, for years.

 

 

Try my Trick to Better Handle Bad Traffic

Here’s some horror stories about worse traffic jams that one you may be stuck in.

The 100 km long traffic jam.

Read it online at Autonet.

If that fails, try my trick – last paragraph.

Favourite line:

The reason for many traffic jams is an accident.  So imagine how the injured person you’re inching toward, would give anything to trade places with you and instead be the one… stuck in traffic.

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Back to ‘Keri on Driving’ – Index

 

 

Ford Finally Fixes its Sync Software

Ford’s SYNC2 infotainment system was a disaster. So when I went to Detroit and tested the SYNC3 prototype, I figured there was only one way for this thing to go.

Gone is Microsoft, and the operating system is now Blackberry’s QNX OS, the user interface is minimal and intuitive, the system is WiFi capable, and Ford is first to bring Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to mass market. Short review: hugely improved, and now quite slick.

Read it online at Autonet.

 

Favourite line:

SYNC will have WiFi capabilities, allowing the driver to turn their car into a Hotspot (use WPA2 WiFi security – never connect your car to a public network, and remember you’re legally responsible for Hotspot users.)

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Remember – YOU are legally responsible for those using your Hotspot, here.

More about the trip to Michigan here.

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