Lounge News: 5–11 November 2026

G'day and welcome to Lounge News. It's been a fairly quiet week for big reveals, but there's still plenty worth a chat: Porsche's boss has taken a swipe at Tesla, Audi Australia is cooking up something special, and an electric hypercar has just gone faster than anything with a numberplate. Plus a lovely one-off M3. Grab a coffee and let's get into it.

1. Porsche's CEO: "overwhelming" response to the Mission S, and no stunts

The Porsche Mission S concept previews a mid-engined super sports car to sit above the 911. Image: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Speaking in Berlin on 11 November, Porsche CEO Michael Leiters said customer response to the Mission S concept has been "overwhelming". He also took a jab at Tesla, whose new Roadster was launched off a ramp and flipped in the air at its 15 October reveal. That was the same day Porsche showed the Mission S. Leiters said Porsche wants to stay well clear of "effects and shows". The Mission S previews a mid-engined, combustion-powered super sports car sitting above the 911. Porsche says it plans its first permanently available super sports car, not a limited run like the 918 Spyder. There's no production timing, pricing or Australian confirmation yet.

As someone who's lived with GT cars, I'm with Leiters. The magic is in how it drives, not how it lands. A permanent mid-engined Porsche that takes the fight to Ferrari is the most exciting thing Zuffenhausen has said in years.

Source: Electrek – Porsche CEO takes a shot at Tesla's 'flying' Roadster stunt show (citing Bloomberg) · CarExpert – 2027 Porsche Mission S concept · Porsche Newsroom – Porsche Mission S

2. Audi Australia eyes local special editions for the new RS5

The new RS5 Sedan in Bedford Green. Image: Audi AG

At the Australian media launch of the new RS5 in Tasmania, Audi Australia's head of product, Matthew Dale, told CarExpert the brand is working on special editions based on the RS5 and other models. He said they would draw on Audi's history and motorsport links, and hinted at "some pretty special cars" with individual names for VIP customers. Overseas, the RS5 has already worn one-off liveries inspired by Audi's R26 F1 car. Audi has done this here before, with 10 R8 Neuberg editions for Australian buyers. The RS5 is in dealers now from $179,900 (sedan) and $182,900 (Avant) before on-roads, with a plug-in hybrid 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 making 470kW and 825Nm.

Aussie-only specials are great for collectors. If Audi does it properly, with a small run, unique paint and real local history behind it, these could be the RS5s people hunt for in 10 years.

Source: CarExpert – Audi RS5 could get F1-inspired special editions in Australia

3. 503km/h: BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme sets a production-car speed record

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme in Abu Dhabi, where it hit 503.17km/h. Image: BYD / Yangwang

The fastest production car in the world is now an electric car from China. On 1 November, German racer Marc Basseng drove the Yangwang U9 Xtreme to 503.17km/h in a single-direction run on a closed 10km stretch of road in Abu Dhabi. The FIA recognised the run, and Guinness World Records lists it as the highest speed for a production car. It beats the U9 Xtreme's own 496.22km/h from 2025. It has four electric motors making a combined 2220kW, and only 30 will be built. It isn't sold here, but there's an Aussie link: Eagers Automotive director Nick Politis ordered one, with delivery expected in early 2027.

Whatever you think of EVs, 503km/h is a staggering number. I'd still rather have a car I can feel through the seat at 150km/h, but I'd love to see that one in Australia.

Source: CarExpert – Yangwang U9 Xtreme breaks production-car record with 503km/h top speed

4. A one-off M3 tribute to Alex Zanardi

The one-off M3 Tribute to Alex Zanardi, designed with BorromeoDeSilva. Image: BMW Group

BMW Italia has built a one-off M3 called "Tribute to Alex Zanardi" with Italian design studio BorromeoDeSilva, and showed it at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. It marks what would have been Zanardi's 60th birthday and the M3's 40th anniversary. The changes are cosmetic, not mechanical. There's a modern take on BMW M's blue, purple and red colours, with Zanardi's lucky pineapple worked into the design. Inside, it gets Alcantara seats with an iridescent backing that shifts from blue to red, and colours that nod to the E30 M3 Sport Evolution. It's a show car only, so it isn't for sale and isn't coming here.

Forty years of M3 deserves a moment, and Zanardi is about as worthy a name as you'll find. I'd love to see BMW Australia do something for the anniversary that we can actually buy.

Source: Motor1 – BMW M3 tribute to Alex Zanardi revealed at EICMA 2026

That's your Lounge News for the week. If you're after something to watch with your next coffee, check out the latest video review at performancecarlounge.com.au/reviews, and never miss one by subscribing at performancecarlounge.com.au/subscribe. See you in the Lounge.

Celica’s Back, McLaren’s New Name and a Stealthy Sedan N

G'day and welcome to Lounge News. It's been a quieter week for big reveals, but there's plenty here for us: a legendary Toyota nameplate is back in the forests, McLaren has given its next supercar a name, and there's a limited-run Hyundai N built for Aussie buyers. Plus a recall Lotus owners need to know about. Grab a coffee and let's get into it.

1. The Celica is back, in the WRC for now

Toyota has confirmed the Celica name will return in the 2027 World Rally Championship as the GR Celica Rally1. It'll be run by a new Toyota Racing team, with the GR Yaris Rally1 continuing under the Gazoo Racing banner. Both cars are built to the WRC's new 2027 rules. Toyota hasn't confirmed a road-going Celica, but this adds weight to reports of a production sports car, possibly mid-engined, built around Toyota's new 2.0-litre turbo four. Toyota has suggested that engine could make 300–340kW in performance applications. There's no word on Australian plans yet, but GR Yaris and GR Corolla sales here show there's real appetite.

Anyone who grew up with the GT-Four on rally posters will feel this one. If the road car shows up with that rally DNA and a sensible price, it could be the most exciting Toyota in years.

Source: CarExpert – New Toyota Celica rally car confirmed · DirtFish – Toyota unveils two teams for WRC 2027 · Motor1 – New Toyota Celica confirmed for WRC

2. McLaren names its next supercar: the McL 820

The McL 820 name was revealed on a kiwi sculpture in London’s Covent Garden. Image: McLaren Automotive

McLaren has revealed that its next series-production supercar will be called the McL 820. It arrives in 2027 and kicks off a new naming structure that links the road cars to the McLaren F1 and endurance racers. In true McLaren fashion, the name appeared on a kiwi-shaped sculpture in London. McLaren says the number reflects the car's 820PS output, about 603kW. It's widely expected to effectively replace the 750S. McLaren also says it's now designing and developing its own engines in-house for the first time. Australian timing and pricing are still to come.

A big jump in power is nice, but what I want to know is whether McLaren keeps the steering feel and ride that make its cars so special. The in-house engine is the story to watch.

Source: McLaren – McL 820 announcement · Auto Express – New McLaren McL 820 · Motor1 – McLaren’s next supercar officially has a name

3. Hyundai i30 Sedan N Monochrome priced: 200 cars for Australia

The i30 Sedan N Monochrome in Abyss Black and Performance Blue. Image: Hyundai Motor Company Australia

Hyundai Australia has priced its stealthy i30 Sedan N Monochrome from $60,500 before on-roads, the same for the six-speed manual and eight-speed DCT. That's $5000 more than the Sedan N Premium it's based on. Only 200 are coming, and about 30 will be manuals. There's no extra grunt (it's still 206kW and 392Nm from the 2.0-litre turbo), but you get black forged 19-inch wheels, black calipers, darker exterior trim, a carbon spoiler and mirror caps, and Alcantara on the wheel and shifter. It's effectively a run-out for the current Sedan N, and it lands in showrooms this month.

Thirty manuals for the whole country is tiny. If you want a three-pedal Sedan N to keep, I'd be talking to a dealer this week.

Source: CarExpert – 2027 Hyundai i30 Sedan N Monochrome pricing · CarSauce – i30 Sedan N Monochrome price and specs

4. Report: GM scraps Corvette electric SUV and sedan

The current C8 Corvette range, with the Z06 front and centre. Illustration only. Image: General Motors Specialty Vehicles

According to a GM Authority report, General Motors has dropped plans for a Corvette sub-brand that would have added an electric SUV and a four-door electric sedan aimed at the Porsche Taycan. The plans date back to 2022, and slowing EV sales are the likely reason. GM's US EV sales fell 62.1 per cent year on year in the third quarter. GM hasn't confirmed or denied it. For Australia, it means GMSV's Corvette range stays a two-door sports car story. CarExpert notes GMSV is yet to confirm the new 6.7-litre V8 and Grand Sport models for local showrooms.

I'm relieved. The Corvette name means a low, loud two-door, and I'd rather GM put its effort into getting the Grand Sport here in right-hand drive.

Source: CarExpert – Chevrolet Corvette SUV, sedan plans scrapped (report)

5. In case you missed it: 114 Lotus Elises recalled in Australia

This one landed just before our window, but owners should hear about it. Lotus has recalled 114 Elise sports cars built between 2014 and 2021. A manufacturing defect may deform the impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump, so it rubs against the casing and stops working. That can stall the engine and cause a sudden loss of drive, which raises the risk of a crash. A Lotus dealer will contact affected owners to book a free repair. The recall number is REC-006751, and you can check it on vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

An Elise is a car you want to trust on a fast back road. If yours was built from 2014 on, don't wait for the letter. Ring your dealer and check the VIN.

Source: Australian Government Vehicle Recalls – REC-006751 · CarExpert – Lotus Elise recalled

That's your Lounge News for the week. If you're after something to watch with your next coffee, check out the latest video review at performancecarlounge.com.au/reviews, and never miss one by subscribing at performancecarlounge.com.au/subscribe. See you in the Lounge.

Centre-Lock Woes, a Bathurst Mini and a Green M3

G'day and welcome to the Lounge Briefing. It's been a week where the most important news for a lot of us isn't a shiny reveal, it's a recall notice, so grab a coffee and check your VIN. There's also a properly Aussie limited edition with real Mount Panorama history behind it, a catch-up on BMW's green Nürburgring M3, and some news out of Europe that could matter a lot for the petrol-powered cars we love.

1. Porsche recalls 77 Aussie 911s and 718 RS models over centre-lock wheel nuts, and says stop driving them

Porsche 911 GT3, pictured for illustration. Image: Porsche AG

If you own a 2024-built GT car, read this one. Porsche Cars Australia has recalled 77 vehicles over a manufacturing defect that means the centre-lock wheel nuts may fracture, which could let a wheel come loose while driving. The list reads like a Lounge wish list: 992 Carrera GTS, GT3, GT3 RS, S/T, Turbo and Turbo S, plus the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and Spyder RS. Importantly, Porsche is urgently asking Australian owners to stop using their cars until they've been checked. The fix is free at an authorised Porsche Centre, Porsche will contact owners directly, and you can check your VIN against the official list for recall REC-006756 on vehiclerecalls.gov.au or call Porsche Customer Service on 1800 711 911.

Having lived with GT3 RS and GT2 RS ownership, I know these cars get driven hard, and centre-locks are exactly the bit you want to be bulletproof. If yours is on the list, park it and ring your Porsche Centre today. Don't wait for the letter.

Source: Australian Government Vehicle Recalls – REC-006756 · CarExpert – Porsche 911 and 718 recalled

2. In case you missed it: BMW's Nürburgring M3 is confirmed for Australia

The 100 Jahre Nürburgring edition line-up on the Nürburgring grid. Image: BMW Group

This one landed back in September, but it's worth a catch-up because it's coming here. To mark 100 years of the Nürburgring, BMW M has created "100 Jahre Nürburgring" editions of the M2, M3 Sedan, M3 Touring, M4 Coupé, M5 Sedan and M5 Touring, and all six are confirmed for Australia. The M3s come in Nürburgring Green (or Black Sapphire with green accents), with Nordschleife graphics, a green kidney grille surround and 826 M wheels with green detailing. The Sedan gets a carbon roof, and the Touring's graphics run onto the tailgate. There's no power bump, and Australian pricing, allocation and timing are still to be confirmed.

A green M3 Touring wearing the Nordschleife on its flanks is about as on-brand as BMW M gets. With no extra grunt, though, its value will come down to how rare it ends up being locally, so I'll be watching for allocation numbers.

Source: CarExpert – BMW M reveals six Nürburgring 100th anniversary editions for Australia · BMWBlog – 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition · BMW M – 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition

3. Mini JCW Lucky 13 Edition: 26 cars honouring the 1966 Bathurst win

The standard Mini John Cooper Works the Lucky 13 is based on, pictured for illustration. Image: BMW Group

Here's a special edition with genuine Aussie motorsport heritage. Mini Australia has announced the John Cooper Works Lucky 13 Edition, celebrating the 1966 Bathurst 500, won by Rauno Aaltonen and Bob Holden in a Morris Cooper S. Only 26 will be built, all for Australia, priced from $71,990 before on-roads, roughly $11,000 more than a regular petrol JCW. Underneath it's the standard JCW three-door: 170kW and 380Nm from a 2.0-litre turbo four, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch. It wears British Racing Green IV paint with a white roof, bonnet stripes and "13" roundels (Holden's lucky number, which he drew from a hat). Deliveries are due in the first quarter of 2027.

There's no extra performance here, so you're paying for the story and the rarity. With only 26 cars and a real Bathurst tale behind them, though, it could be one of the more collectable modern Minis.

Source: CarExpert – Mini Lucky 13 Edition · The Beep – Lucky 13 details

4. Europe edges closer to softening its 2035 petrol car ban

This one isn't Australian, but it could shape the next decade of performance cars that reach us. According to a document reported by Bloomberg, voting blocs holding 55 per cent of the European Parliament have agreed to back an 87.5 per cent cut in new-car CO2 by 2035, with a further 7.5 per cent offset through "green steel". That's well short of the current 100 per cent target, which would effectively rule out new petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars. The European Commission had already proposed 90 per cent last December. Nothing's final yet: the Parliament, Commission and Council still have to agree, and then member states must legislate.

Europe sets the rules our Porsches, BMW Ms and AMGs are engineered around, so any breathing room for combustion engines is good news down here too. It's not a done deal yet, but it's a big shift in direction.

Source: CarExpert – Europe inches closer to watering down its 2035 ban

That's your Lounge Briefing for the week. If you're after something to watch with your next coffee, check out the latest video review at performancecarlounge.com.au/reviews, and make sure you never miss one by subscribing at performancecarlounge.com.au/subscribe. See you in the Lounge.