Executive Style

Motors

From race to road

McLaren to build high-performing sports cars

Jenson Button.

Formula One car maker McLaren unveiled plans on Thursday to build a range of commercial sports cars, using race technology to take on other high-end European manufacturers such as Ferrari and Porsche on the highways.

Luxury phone

Porsche powers up new mobile phone

Porsche office in Stuttgart, Germany.t

As if a Porsche isn't enough of a status symbol, the German luxury sports car company is marketing a mobile phone that's exclusive to Porsche owners.

Driving tips

On the road with car racing pros

MP4-12C McLaren road car.

HANNAH ELLIOTT, FORBES.COM What separates the speedy from the streetwise?

Local launch

Toyota unveils local hybrid

Toyota Camry Luxury.

ANDREW HEASLEY Toyota might be reeling from the recall of almost 8 million cars internationally, but yesterday in Port Melbourne, the car maker launched Australia's first locally built, petrol-electric car - the Hybrid Camry.

Official pictures

The Mini Countryman

mini-cross-thumb

JEZ SPINKS It's the biggest Mini yet with five engine choices and a $40,000-plus price tag.

Green trend

The new definition of a luxury car

The Fisher Karma electric vehicle.

JERRY FLINT, FORBES.COM In coming years a high-priced, prestige car may not mean big and roomy. It's just as likely to be small and green.

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Driven

First local drive of the BMW X6 M

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BARRY PARK BMW's famed performance division has finally got its hands on a 4WD. Barry Park gauges the results at the daunting Phillip Island racetrack.

Complete package

Driven by plate expectations

Dave Mann.

DAN KAUFMAN Personalised number plates send strong - and subtle - messages to other drivers.

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Aussie invader

Fastest car in the world

Aussie Invader 5R

BEN CUBBY The fastest car ever built is slowly taking shape in Rosco McGlashan's Perth garage.

Rare finds

Car collector ready to get shot of 'old gun' at auction

Jaguar D-Type recreation up for auction.

SARAH MCINERNEY It's like Christmas for car collectors. Treasures in the Bonhams and Goodman motor vehicle auction include a car owned by Kerry Packer and two stunning re-creations of famous racing cars, writes Sarah McInerney.

Classic car

Russian billionaire splashes the cash on Hitler's Mercedes: report

A Mercedes car.

An unnamed Russian billionaire has spent several million euro on a Mercedes used by Adolf Hitler, a German newspaper has reported.

Mixed bag

2030: The cars of the future

The Car Hero by General Motors.

DANIEL DASEY A competition intended to show the cars of tomorrow has come up with designs both sleek and hideous.

Hand-built

BMW M3 gets meaner

BMW M3.

BARRY PARK A track version of BMW's smallest M-badged sedan is a potential starter for Australia, writes Barry Park.

Unique piece

Collectors will covet this crack-covered Ferrari

Ferrari 599

STEPHEN HUTCHEON China's growing band of status-conscious multimillionaires will get a chance to show off the extent of their wealth when a unique Ferrari comes up for auction in Beijing next week.

Eco challenge

Solar cars power up for outback race

An entrant in the Green Global Challenge.

With a fleet of vehicles resembling huge insects and spaceships, motoring enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Darwin for a car race with a difference.

Tokyo Motor Show

Daihatsu puts your office on wheels

The Daihatsu Deca Deca.

RICHARD BLACKBURN IN TOKYO Japanese concept car is an office on four wheels, complete with retractable desks and huge hi-resolution monitors.

Icon re-launched

Porsche launches its fastest 911 yet

Porsche turbo.

JEZ SPINKS The new Porsche turbo is faster and friendlier to the environment.

Cars online

Must-read car blogs

Eric Bana.

HANNAH ELLIOTT, FORBES.COM There's a motoring web site out there for everyone, no matter how far from mainstream your tastes may run.

Road block

No backing for electric sports car

Bolwell's electric sports coupe.

BARRY PARK A boutique car maker has hit out at the Federal Government's lack of support for small business after it was refused help to develop Australia's first all-electric production sports coupe.

Image boost

FT-86: Toyota's sports car revealed

Toyota FT-86 concept.

JEZ SPINKS Toyota's plan to inject more excitement into its brand starts with this - a new rear-wheel-drive coupe concept that's based on the Subaru Impreza.

In Pictures

Editor's Pick

Green trend

The new definition of a luxury car

In coming years a high-priced, prestige car may not mean big and roomy. It's just as likely to be small and green.

Star backing

The power of celebrity endorsement

Do celebrity alliances, such as Jennifer Hawkins for Myer and Megan Gale for David Jones, always work?

On the radar

Budgies versus boardies: the verdict

Budgie smugglers are out, in favour of boardies and short shorts, writes Rachel Wells.