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.