Porsche 911 News

Porsche has unveiled the 911 GT3 S/C, the first-ever fully-automatic convertible version of its highly-focused, naturally-aspirated GT3 model.Powered by the same 4.0-litre (375kW/450Nm), horizontally-opposed, six-cylinder engine as its lightweight hardtop 911 GT3 S/T sibling, the new car boasts a 9000rpm rev ceiling with power going to the rear wheel only via a short-ratio, six-speed manual gearbox.A pure-two-seater, the GT3 S/C’s bonnet, wings and doors are carbon-fibre and the 911 S/T’s carbon anti-roll bars and shear plate are carried over.Other weight-saving measures include the ‘Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake’ (PCCB) package (claimed to be 20kg lighter than cast iron brakes), centrelock magnesium rims (20-inch fr / 21-inch rr) saving nine kilograms of unsprung mass, magnesium ribs and lightweight actuators in the automatic roof and a compact 40Ah lithium-ion battery, the latter saving a further 4.0kg.The less is more approach continues inside with lightweight door panels incorporating carbon-fibre pull handles, carbon shell seats and even lightweight carpeting.That said, the interior is full-leather including the sun visors and A-pillar trim. The seat centre panels are finished in perforated hide as is the steering wheel.Resulting kerb weight is a relatively trim 1497kg which Porsche said is “only about 30kg more than the 991-generation 911 Speedster."Relative to the previous gen GT3 the S/C’s ‘boxer’ engine features more aggressive cams from the 911 GT3 RS, flow-optimised individual throttle bodies and specific oil coolers.Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is 3.9 seconds with maximum velocity pegged at 313km/h.Under the heading of interesting details, the soft top can be opened or closed in 12 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h, the digital tachometer display can be rotated so its 9000rpm limit is positioned at 12 o'clock and an optional ‘Street Style Package’ adds a distinctive colour, materials and graphics treatment.Street Style exterior highlights include ‘PORSCHE’ lettering on the car’s sides in ‘Pyro Red’, wheels finished in slate grey ‘Neo’, brake calipers in ‘Victory Gold’ and tinted HD-matrix headlights.Cabin upgrades include ‘Adaptive Sports Seats Plus’ with centre panels upholstered with four-tone braided leather, while the steering column, seat console, air vents (including the slats!), inner sill trim and fuse box cover are also trimmed in leather.Introducing the 911 GT3 S/C, Porsche Head of GT Cars Andreas Preuninger said, "We have already learned with the 911 Speedster and the 718 Spyder RS just how well our high-revving naturally aspirated engine, a particularly dynamic chassis set-up and thorough lightweight construction combine to create a true driver's car without a roof."For the first time, the 911 GT3 S/C uses the double wishbone front axle on an open-top 911. Combined with the particularly high-grip sports tyres and low weight, the car offers driving pleasure on winding roads that was previously virtually unheard of in an open-top car," he said. The 911 GT3 S/C is a permanent addition to the German brand’s local line-up (rather than a limited edition, as per the GT3 S/T) with pricing set at $588,500, before on-road costs. The Street Style package adds $58,670.2026 Porsche 911 pricing 

Sales of petrol-powered cars are declining in the Australian new vehicle market and the popularity of electric propulsion is on a fuel price-driven tear, but there are some significant models bucking the EV transition trend.According to data from industry statistician VFacts and the Electric Vehicle Council, year-on-year sales of pure-electric vehicles were up 92.1 per cent at the end of the first quarter (34,382 vs 17,901 units) with EV uptake rising by 88.9 per cent in March compared to the same month last year (15,839 vs 8385 units).At the same time, sales of petrol-powered vehicles have decreased by 17.8 per cent YTD (101,147 vs 123,132) and 20.1 per cent for the month of March (34,694 vs 43,784).And it’s worth noting hybrid sales are in line with 2025 so far this year (46,952 vs 47,014), which may be explained by a supply shortage in the first quarter for Toyota’s top-selling RAV4. Plug-in hybrids are up 40.2 per cent (13,715 vs 19,230).But despite oil supply shortages caused by the current conflict in Iran sending the price of petrol through the roof, several conventionally-powered models have seen sales grow strongly so far this year.  Kia’s compact K4 has clearly built a strong following with the sedan arriving here early in 2025 and the hatch version joining it late in the year.From a modest launch base year-on-year sales are up no less than 240.8 per cent (2771 vs 813 units), the sleek 1.6- and 2.0-litre five-seater now standing as the Korean brand’s third-best seller so far in 2026.And Kia’s Seltos small SUV hit a purple patch in March with sales up 13.8 per cent compared to the same month in 2025 (849 vs 746).Mazda’s evergreen CX-5 medium SUV is up 12 per cent YTD (6247 vs 5538), likely winning over Toyota RAV4 prospects unwilling to wait the three to six months it currently takes to put the previous category-leader on your driveway.The CX-5 (6247 units) is now in a mid-size SUV cage fight with the Mitsubishi Outlander (6363 units) for category leadership.On the subject of Mazda, the long-serving fourth-generation version of the Japanese maker’s iconic MX-5 sports car has jumped 34.2 per cent so far this year (196 vs 146) with 90 sold in the month of March compared to just 34 last year (+164.7 per cent). And thumbing your nose at EVs via a roofless petrol-powered car must be a theme because the Mini Convertible is up 202 per cent YTD (103 vs 34 units).Then, despite Porsche taking a hit in sales overall so far in 2026, the latest iteration of its celebrated 911 is up a healthy 182.8 per cent (345 vs 122) YTD. What fuel price increase?

Porsche Cars Australia has topped its multi-model 911 line-up with the heavy-hitting Turbo S flagship, boasting monstrous hybrid power, stunning dynamic performance and even more sophisticated all-wheel drive technology.Powered by a 3.6-litre, twin-turbo ‘flat’ six-cylinder engine, it produces no less than 523kW (711hp) and 800Nm; enough to propel the Coupe version from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds (Cabriolet 2.6sec) and on to a maximum velocity of 322km/h.The all-alloy engine features direct fuel-injection, variable valve timing and integrated dry-sump lubrication, while the electric part of the hybrid equation consists of the twin electric ‘eTurbo’ units (which eliminate turbo lag and serve double duty as generators) and a permanent-magnet synchronous motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.This ‘T-Hybrid’ system is underpinned by a 1.9kWh 400V lithium-ion battery with drive going to all four wheels via a map-controlled multi-plate clutch and the latest iteration of the ‘Porsche Traction Management’ system.Rear-axle steering, ‘Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control’ (active roll stabilisation and enhanced vehicle dynamics), ‘Porsche Stability Management’, ‘Porsche Active Suspension Management’ (electronically variable active damping) and ‘Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus’ (variable electronically controlled rear differential lock with variable torque distribution) also feature.Forged alloy rims are 20-inch front, 21-inch rear, shod with Pirelli P Zero rubber (255/35 fr - 325/30 rr) and brakes are ventilated and perforated carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic composite discs (420mm x 40mm fr - 410mm x 32mm rr) with 10-piston fixed calipers at the front and four-piston fixed units at the rear.2026 Porsche 911 pricing2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S engine/powertrain and efficiencyPower comes from a 3.6-litre, twin-turbo ‘flat’ six-cylinder engine producing 523kW and 800Nm. Drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and multi-plate driveline clutch pack. Combined-cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency is 11.8L/100km (Coupe) and 12.0L/100km (Cabriolet). The fuel tank holds 63 litres.2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights are:20-/21-inch ‘Turbo S’ alloy wheelsKeyless entry and startPorsche Connect (includes online navigation with 3D map display)Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlayBose Surround Sound System (with Dolby Atmos)Digital radio12.6-inch curved instrument display‘Sport Chrono’ stopwatch instrument dial and digital tachometer dialAdaptive Cruise controlAdaptive sports seats Plus (electrical 18-way adjust with memory package)Seat heating (front, with three-stage control)Dual-zone climate controlHD-Matrix LED main headlights2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S optional featuresAvailable options include:Burmester Surround Sound System‘Porsche InnoDrive’ (including adaptive cruise control)Sun visors in leatherPedals in aluminiumDoor sill guards in brushed aluminium (black illuminated)Personalised vehicle keys painted with casePersonalised floor matsTwo-tone leather interiorWheels painted in Black (high-gloss)Seat ventilation (front)Electric slide/tilt glass sunroofLifting system front axle‘Exclusive Design’ tail-lightsGear selector in aluminium 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S coloursExterior colour options include: ‘Jet Black Metallic’, ‘Vanadium Grey Metallic’, ‘GT Silver Metallic’, ‘Ice Grey Metallic’, ‘Guards Red’, ‘Carmine Red’, ‘Catagena Yellow Metallic’, ‘Provence’, ‘Lugano Blue’ and ‘Gentian Blue Metallic’Interior colour:Leather interior Black with interior package in ‘Turbonite’Interior package including dashboard, door panel and centre console trim strips in matt Carbon and decorative inlays in ‘Neodyme’ accent colourAccent package including on door opener and panels, gear console and lever, centre console, steering wheel and knurled buttons in TurboniteRoof lining, A- and B-pillar panel upholstered with perforated ‘Race-Tex’ in Black with backing in Turbonite2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S safetyThe Porsche 911 has not been assessed by ANCAP but standard safety features include:‘ParkAssist’ (front and rear) including reversing camera3D Surround View with Active Parking Support (Self-steering Park Assist)Warning and Brake Assist incl. Pedestrian protectionDriver Awareness DetectionLane Change Assist - Blind-spot monitoring and Rear AssistLane Keeping AssistTraffic sign recognitionAirbags for driver and front passenger, front side (thorax) airbags and side curtain airbagsAuto-deploying roll-over protection system2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Three years / unlimited km (including paint)12-year rust warranty2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S dimensionsLength - 4551mmWidth - 1900mmHeight - 1305mm (Coupe) / 1304mm (Cabriolet)Wheelbase - 2450mm

Road rage is such an ugly part of driving, but the type of car you own could be a magnet for bullies. Having driven thousands of cars over 15 years of testing, here are three of the best cars I think will help you avoid the wrath of other drivers and three that might attract more hate when on the road.Your guess is as good as mine as to why whenever I drive a D-Max ute I get treated with so much respect despite probably doing things that’d get me honked at in other cars. Honestly, all utes command respect, patience and better treatment from other motorists, but maybe it’s the less glitzy and more down to earth rural appeal of the D-Max that makes it one of the best cars to drive if you want others to cut you a bit more slack.On the flip side its ute drivers I find to be the most aggressive out there — this is all anecdotal of course, but I’m sure there are many out there who will back me up. So perhaps a wariness of utes drivers and not a respect for hardworking tradies is why they’re treated better.Perhaps it's because police forces all over Australia use the Kia Sorento to chase baddies or it could be that this large SUV just looks tough. Whatever the reason, if you want other drivers to let you merge into their lane this is your car.The Sorento is large and pretty menacing looking from the front and back. But then so too are lots of SUVs, but what I think what wins over other drivers is the Kia badge. It's a brand that’s established itself at a grass roots level in Australian sport and community. It’s more aspirational than Toyota, but still not pretentious.I should point out that Toyota Klugers also command respect, so too do other large SUVs, like the Mazda CX-90 and the Ford Everest.  The Volkswagen Multivan looks like a toaster, only five metres long and two metres tall. And while the sheer size of it makes other road users think twice about cutting one off in traffic, it's more than that. I think it's actually connected to the iconic Kombi van and the good feelings that van conjures. You know we grow up excited to see Kombis as kids, which still hits us with a sense of “awww” even now as adults when we see a van with a VW badge. The good treatment isn’t restricted to Volkswagen Multivans, all vans are treated incredibly well despite many of them carrying out manoeuvres that defy logic, like double parking, spontaneous U-turns and driving slow while searching for an address. And that’s because we know most vans are delivery trucks on a mission and the bad driving is not down to incompetence … most of the time.I’ve picked the Porsche 911 mainly because it’s one of the cars I’ve received the worst treatment in continually but I’ve found this goes for any high-end sports car.Perhaps it’s the sight of an expensive sports car that brings out some jealousy in other drivers but I’ve never been tailgated more by other drivers than when in an expensive sports car. As for being let into traffic — that’s also a problem.This behaviour, like all road rage, is dangerous and does nothing more than reduce safety and cause stress, unnecessarily.The Suzuki Swift is great in many ways — just not how some people treat you when you’re driving it. This seems to be a problem with most small cars and I can’t help but think that there are some drivers who assume the person in the Swift is young and inexperienced. Yep there is definitely some kind of automotive pecking order out there on the road and I can be in a ute I’m testing and then move into a small car and suddenly be honked for not moving the instant a traffic light turns green.If other motorists are ‘punching down’ on young drivers then this is a huge concern that could put the inexperienced under too much pressure and lead to a life-threatening mistake.Car reviewers joke that the answer to, “what car should I buy?”, is always “Toyota Camry’ because the value for money, reliability and comfort equation is almost impossible to match. But when behind the wheel of a Camry I’ve found I’m treated in much the same way as a small car, with other drivers seemingly becoming impatient and wanting to overtake rather than sit behind me.I can only speculate as to the reason but perhaps other drivers might think Camry drivers are older and in less of a hurry, or maybe that the person behind the wheel is a rideshare driver that could stop suddenly to let a fare out.Whatever the reason, road ragers should beware that  Australia’s police forces use unmarked Camrys and so the next one you bully, could land you a ticket.   

If you’re even a sliver interested in cars, you’ll know the name Nurburgring. It’s a 20.8km circuit cut into a forest in Germany, and it’s considered by many to be motoring Mecca.

There’s good news for fans of Porsche’s iconic two-door sports cars.

Porsche’s move into hybrid technology for its most iconic model is paying dividends, according to a key executive.

Porsche adds even more power to the 911 Turbo.

Porsche is adding some filling to its 911 line-up.

The Kia Tasman ute hasn’t even arrived yet, but the outcry over its looks has been huge, with people saying it’s not just the ugliest car they have ever seen but the ugliest thing they’ve seen ever, like in their entire lives.