Fueled: Skylinn Johnson Doesn’t Care About Going Fast

But she cares a lot about her cars looking good.

A neon green Porsche Cayman that's been heavily modified is parked in a garage, profile view

Skylinn Johnson

The Short Version: Skylinn Johnson is a serious stance fan, self-avowed car girl, influencer, and champion for getting young women into the car world. She’s a huge Porsche enthusiast and has heavily modified her 987 Cayman S with a widebody kit, massive wing, and bright green paint.

Skylinn Johnson is a car girl in the truest sense. Some people might use that term derogatorily, but with Skylinn, it’s a self-applied point of pride. She loves the community, and she loves her car. She’s a huge Porsche fan and she’s an influencer trying to create positivity and access for other young women who want to get involved in the car scene. We talked to her to get a better idea of what makes her tick and where her love for cars came from.

What are you best known for?

In the automotive sector, I would say I’m best known for just being bubbly and a stance car enthusiast! I’m always socializing and making sure people are having a great time at any car event. However, the fact that I’m easily recognizable probably also helps that I’m “known” in my part of the community.

How did you get into cars?

I got into cars through my family and the Fast and the Furious movies. I saw all the girls in F&F and decided that’s what I wanted to do. My stepdad and older brother were also into cars and included me in what they were doing with cars, which was huge. My dad also really supported me by teaching me how to drive initially and how to work a camera. Since then, it’s flourished into what I do today.

A dark haired woman sits on the hood of a green Porsche Cayman.

Skylinn Johnson

What about cars excites you the most now?

Right now, what excites me the most is seeing how detailed people can be with their builds and how far they’re willing to go to take them to the next level. Seeing beautifully done cars at special car shows really inspires me for my builds and makes me appreciate everyone’s unique style.

What are your current projects?

Currently, I am working on my 987 Porsche Cayman S. The Pandem/Rocketbunny widebody kit, wing, wheels, and paint are done, so now it’s onto the details as well as upgrading the interior.

What are your car plans for the future?

Well I can’t get too specific, but I do want to have a new build as soon as possible. Other than that, I want to continue to attend awesome car events and expand my automotive horizons.

What’s your worst project car-related horror story?

I think my worst project car-related thing to ever happen was when I got my B8 Audi S4. I was learning about that platform and had people influencing me to join the “go fast” side of the community. Unfortunately, as I did, I ended up getting a few tickets, which wasn’t great.

I also once managed to blow my car up while I was around 2 hours away from home without having told my parents where I was going. That one takes the cake!

Where can people find you online?

You can find me online on YouTube at Dark Speed Co or on Instagram and TikTok as skylinn.ds!

What advice would you give someone just getting into cars or just starting to work on cars?

Don’t be afraid to mess things up. Cars are such a pain sometimes, but they can also teach valuable lessons (car-related and life-related). You are going to get frustrated, but don’t give up! You got this!

A bright green widebody Porsche Cayman is parked in front of a dark building. Side profile view.

Skylinn Johnson

I’ve been writing about cars professionally since 2014 and as a journalist since 2017. I’ve worked at CNET’s Roadshow and Jalopnik, and as a freelancer, I’ve contributed to Robb Report, Ars Technica, The Drive, Autoblog, and Car and Driver. I own and regularly wrench on a 2003 Porsche Carrera and a 2001 BMW X5, both with manual transmissions.