An update for the Polestar 3 electric SUV means owners can now use their iPhone or Apple Watch instead of a car key.
The over-the-air (OTA) software upgrade will allow Polestar 3 drivers to add their digital key to an Apple Wallet.
This means they can then unlock, lock and even start the Polestar 3 while the connected iPhone remains in their pocket. Alternatively, simply wearing an Apple Watch will be sufficient to open and drive the Polestar 3.
A Power Reserve function means the digital key will remain usable even if the iPhone or Apple Watch runs out of battery charge.
Sharing your keys digitally
Adding the Polestar 3’s digital key to an Apple Wallet also allows it to be shared with up to five different drivers.
Owners will be able to send a digital key to an individual’s own Apple Wallet via apps such as Messages, WhatsApp, AirDrop and even email.
Separate settings can be used for each digital keyholder, to determine whether they can simply open the Polestar 3, or be able to start and drive it.
Other recent Polestar OTA updates allow digital keys to be shared between Apple smartphones, plus with those using selected Samsung and Google Android devices as well.
Listening to customer demand
Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said: “At Polestar, we are committed to delivering a premium experience, and that includes our personal relationship with our customers – they asked for car keys in Apple Wallet, and so we delivered. The convenience of using your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock and start your car, and easily share access to the vehicle with others, shouldn’t be underestimated.
“This update is part of an intensive program of over-the-air software updates for our cars that we embarked on since we delivered our first Polestar 2 to customers in 2020. The outstanding Polestar 3 continues to get even better, and we will continue to add value for our customers like this with future OTA updates.”
Later this year, existing Polestar 3 owners will also be offered a free hardware upgrade to a more powerful Nvidia infotainment processor, also due for use in the 2026 model-year car.
The number of supercars in the UK has hit a new record high of more than 23,300 vehicles. That’s according to research from accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.
In the year ended June 2024, there were 23,320 supercars registered in the UK, up four percent compared to the previous year.
Ferrari led the way as the most popular brand by a huge margin, with 14,714 supercars on British roads.
However, Lamborghini was the fastest-growing supercar brand, with numbers up eight percent to 5,421 cars.
Could supercar sales suffer?
The new supercar record comes amid fears that high-net-worth individuals could be pushed out of the country by a raft of tax rises.
This could ‘depress the number of supercars owned in the UK,’ says UHY Hacker Young. Data from Henley and Partners shows that more than 9,500 millionaires already left the UK last year.
Further forthcoming tax increases include an increase in higher rate capital gains tax, and an increase in stamp duty for additional property purchases.
Given how many supercars are bought using debt finance, there were also fears higher interest rates could impact supercar sales.
However, UHY Hacker Young partner Brian Carey said rich buyers have so far defied the odds: “Supercars are now seen as an alternative asset class amongst the ultra-high-net-worths.
“The expectation is that their rarity value with push their prices up as opposed to suffering rapid depreciation like a normal luxury car.”
The figures show that McLaren numbers in the UK are broadly stable at 3,045, while Bugatti has risen slightly to 136 cars. However, the number of Koenigseggs registered has fallen by 14 percent, to just seven cars.
This provides more opportunities to commemorate a Constructors’ World Championship – such as with McLaren’s new MCL38 Celebration Edition 750S and Artura models.
On cloud nine
Only eighteen people around the world will be able to join the MCL38 Celebration Edition club, as McLaren will build nine examples each of the 750S and Artura.
Nine represents the number of Formula One Constructors’ World Championships the McLaren team has won. The number is displayed prominently behind each car’s front wheelarch.
McLaren Special Operations has created a bespoke Papaya Orange and Anthracite exterior colour scheme: an obvious nod to the MCL38 Formula One car’s livery.
The Artura has exposed carbon fibre sills signed by McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. On the 750S, this also includes a line drawing of the MCL38 racer.
Genuine F1 carbon included
Inside, the level of motorsport commemoration moves up a notch, starting with a champions’ laurel stitched into the headrests.
There is also a separate plaque found beneath the bonnet, which details the pole positions, race wins and fastest laps recorded by the MCL38 F1 car during the 2024 season.
The McLaren 750S MCL38 Celebration Edition benefits from a steering wheel with exposed carbon fibre trim, featuring a 12 o’clock centre marker in Papaya orange.
‘The pursuit of excellence’
Beneath the celebratory adornments, the limited edition Artura and 750S remain mechanically identical to regular production cars.
This means a hybrid-enhanced twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 producing a total of 700hp for the Artura. The 750S is endowed with a 750hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8: good for a top speed of 206mph.
Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, said: “The relentless pursuit of excellence is intrinsic to the McLaren mindset and in 2024 we demonstrated this with incredible success on both the track and the road.
“The achievements of Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and the entire McLaren Racing team in winning the Formula One Constructors’ Championship are beyond inspirational – and what better way to mark this than with an ultra-exclusive Celebration Edition of our award-winning Artura and 750S.”
Electric vehicle sales will overtake those of petrol cars by 2028 and account for 38 percent of new car registrations. However, this will still leave them shy of ZEV Mandate targets.
That’s according to industry intelligence provider Cox Automotive, which forecasts petrol car sales will be down to 30 percent market share by 2028. The figure equates to 1.4 million fewer petrol cars being sold.
Diesel will fare even worse, predicts Cox Automotive. By 2028, it will have a share of just six percent, a hefty fall of 76 percent since 2020. This equates to two million fewer diesel cars sold.
By contrast, the rise of EVs has been “remarkable,” says Cox, with registrations up by 560 percent since 2020.
In just four years, nearly a million electric vehicles have entered the UK market, taking just shy of a 20 percent market share in 2024.
Two million milestone
The experts are forecasting just over two million new car registrations in 2025. That’s a modest 1.5 percent increase on 2024.
And there will be many more new car brands chasing those two million new car buyers, too. Due to the introduction of new entrant brands from China and beyond, there are now more than 60 cars brands available in the UK.
Notably, new brands are often more affordable than established ones. This can make them tempting in the switch to electric, as nearly seven in 10 car buyers say they’re not willing to pay more for an EV than a petrol or diesel alternative.
On average, EVs currently cost 12 percent more than a petrol or diesel car, according to Cox Automotive. But new entrants are already helping drive down this gap.
Interestingly, Cox also discovered that more than 85 percent of consumers now want stronger government incentives to boost EV sales. Without them, the ZEV Mandate target of 80 percent of new vehicles being EVs by 2030 may be in jeopardy.
When conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, wind or fog make driving difficult, the Met Office may issue severe weather warnings. These advise drivers to stay at home unless travel is strictly necessary.
Weather warnings are graded yellow, amber and red. A red alert from the Met Office may suggest imminent loss of life is possible.
While going out in these conditions is something to avoid, we’ve spotted posts on social media that suggest ignoring the warnings could invalidate your car insurance.
“Social media claims that motor insurance will be invalid if people drive during a red warning are not true,” said Malcolm Tarling from the Association of British Insurers.
“Motor insurance will cover you in the usual way, provided you are driving within the law.”
He added that drivers should heed warnings, and all drivers should pay close attention to advice from local authorities and the emergency services in areas affected by extreme weather.
‘Don’t take undue risks’
“Your insurance cover should remain valid whatever the weather, but don’t take that as a green flag to drive without giving heed [to a] red alert for snow,” said Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, when speaking to the Scottish Sun.
“Simply knowing you’re going to get a pay-out shouldn’t mean you take undue risks. If your insurance company can prove contributory negligence on your part, your claim might be questioned, and any pay-out reduced,” Pratt continued.
“For example, if you drove into a swollen ford where there was a warning in place and your car stalled and was ruined by water, your claim might not be paid.
“You might not even be entitled to recovery by your roadside rescue policy because you had recklessly got yourself into trouble. The same would apply if you went down a road in contravention of official road closure signs and were subsequently involved in a car accident.”
A spokesperson from AXA insurance agreed. “If you have breakdown cover, bear in mind that this may not cover you if your car is partly or completely buried in snow, so check your cover before heading off.”
The fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny achieved icon status from the very start, generating the level of interest and enthusiasm typically reserved for new supercars.
In fact, not long after being launched, the Jimny boasted residual values comparable with the most desirable sports cars.
Boosting the Jimny’s appeal are a wealth of aftermarket tuning options. These offer the chance to turn your diminutive Suzuki into a replica of a Land Rover Defender, or even a Ford Bronco.
However, the forthcoming Historics Auctioneers Symphony of Spring sale, to be held at Ascot Racecourse, offers the chance to own a truly unique Suzuki Jimny.
Real six appeal
When the fourth-generation Jimny was first revealed, digital renders of six-wheeled variants appeared online. The owner of this particular Suzuki liked the idea so much, he commissioned his very own triple-axle Jimny.
Imported to the UK from Japan as a regular Jimny with an automatic transmission, the compact off-roader was handed over to Mocho Fabrications in Worcestershire.
Specialising in bespoke 4×4 conversions, Mocho extended the chassis rails, adapted the Jimny’s bodywork into a pickup truck, then installed a third axle using original Suzuki parts.
It is worth noting that the third axle is not driven, leaving this as a 6×4 Jimny, instead of a complete 6×6. The 102hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was also untouched, although a turbocharger kit could easily add more performance if desired.
A unique proposition
Given the level of work involved, the Jimny was treated to a complete exterior respray in the distinctive shade of Audi Nardo Grey. On the inside, black and grey diamond-stitched leather covers the seats, plus there is a new Kenwood audio system with Apple CarPlay compatibility.
New tyres have been fitted, and the Jimny has an MOT certificate valid until February 2026, meaning it is ready to hit the road.
Being a one-off creation, gauging the value of something like the Jimny 6×4 is not an easy task.
However, Historics Auctioneers has suggested a pre-auction estimate of between £40,000 and £50,000. The Suzuki will cross the block on 1 March 2025.
Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new, performance-focused Black Badge version of its electric Spectre coupe.
The Black Badge arrives in response to unprecedented customer demand, as the British company prepares to invest £300 million in its Goodwood headquarters.
Chris Brownridge, chief executive at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Black Badge Spectre is one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made. It has been created in the image of our boldest and most audacious clients, with meticulous attention to detail”.
Inspired by club culture
Rolls-Royce’s first electric Black Badge model has been treated to a stealthy, slightly sinister makeover. All the exterior brightwork has a darkened finish, instead of being polished chrome, while the new 23-inch five-spoke alloy wheels can optionally be painted black.
The Spectre’s dramatic illuminated ‘Pantheon’ grille can be backlit in a variety of colours. Your chosen shade can then be matched with the illuminated sill tread plates.
Rolls-Royce has developed a distinctive new paint colour specifically for the Spectre Black Badge. Vapour Violet was inspired by the ‘neon ambience of 1980s and 1990s club culture’ – a favoured reference point for Black Badge customers, apparently.
For those who prefer something more subtle, there is a virtually unlimited paint palette. Buyers can choose from 44,000 ‘standard’ colours, or they can commission a bespoke, one-off shade.
Inside the Spectre Black Badge
The dark-and-moody theme continues inside the Spectre Black Badge, including on the hand-crafted fascia panel.
This incorporates an infinity symbol (associated with historical water-speed records), along with some 5,500 separate illuminated ‘stars’.
A ‘Technical Fibre’ trim finish also features on the Spectre Black Badge, using carbon and metal thread on a Black Bolivar wood base. Sandwiched between layers of carbon fibre, six layers of lacquer are used to provide a deep, three-dimensional effect.
The Spectre’s digital instrument panel offers a choice of five different colour themes. The infinity symbol is also stitched into the leather-trimmed ‘waterfall’ that separates the rear seats.
Engage Infinity Mode
Look closely, and the sportiest Spectre has an infinity symbol on its steering wheel, too. When this button is pressed, it switches the car into Infinity mode, summoning the full 659 horsepower from two electric motors.
With over 100hp more than a regular Spectre, it makes this Black Badge the most powerful road-going Rolls-Royce ever created.
Want to make a quick getaway? A Spirited mode, engaged by pressing the brake and throttle pedals when the car is stationary, acts as a form of launch control. It permits the e-motors to deploy a thumping 793lb ft of torque in one hit.
Launched off the line in a ‘Spirited’ fashion, the Spectre Black Badge can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds.
Speed in near-silence
This ability to provide extreme performance in short bursts was informed by studying data from how existing Black Badge owners drive their cars.
Rolls-Royce has also made upgrades to the Spectre’s steering and suspension, ensuring the hefty Black Badge has road manners to match its performance.
A select few Rolls-Royce owners were chosen to test a small fleet of secret Spectre Black Badge prototypes, giving them the earliest access to the new car.
Available to order now, the Black Badge is likely to boost demand for the Spectre, which was the best-selling Rolls-Royce in Europe during 2024.
For those who cannot wait to celebrate Kia EV Day, the South Korean manufacturer has shared some digital images of its new EV4.
Initially revealed as a concept at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, the EV4 is the latest addition to Kia’s growing range of electric cars.
Despite more than 18 months passing since the Concept EV4 was first shown, the car’s futuristic styling has remained virtually unchanged.
Just like the related Kia EV3 SUV, there is no doubt the production EV4 will make a visual statement on UK roads.
A fresh take on the saloon
Helping the EV4 stand out is Kia’s decision to offer both hatchback and saloon body styles. Four-door EVs are relatively thin on the ground in the modern car market, so the EV4 will buck the trend.
Karim Habib, head of Kia design, explains: “The Kia EV4 is a clear reflection of our commitment to rethink mobility, and expand the boundaries of what design can achieve. By offering both saloon and hatchback variants, we are bringing to our customers, the unique experience of modernity and practicality that defines the Kia EV family, in a way that suits their varied lifestyles and needs.
“Offering a fresh take on the saloon, the EV4 saloon features a sleek, low nose and long-tail silhouette. The EV4 hatchback is a nimble, versatile all-rounder. Distinctive and clean, it is built to excel in any situation.”
The saloon version unashamedly squares up to the big-selling Tesla Model 3. However, the Kia is a more eye-catching car than the anodyne American.
Counting down to Kia EV Day
Sharing a platform with the Kia EV3 SUV means the new EV4 will likely offer a choice of 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery packs.
With saloon designs typically boasting slipperier aerodynamics, the EV4 could potentially offer a range of up to 400 miles.
Kia has confirmed there will be a sportier GT-Line version of the EV4, too. However, the company is keeping quiet on power and performance figures for now.
Full details of the EV4 will be revealed at the Kia EV Day, to be held in Tarragona, Spain on 27 February 2025. Kia is also expected to use the event to unveil the EV2, its smallest electric car to date.
Do you remember a time when hatchbacks were the default choice for families in search of a practical, spacious, economical and stylish car? Today, many families prefer high-riding SUVs, but that’s not to say that the hatchback has had its day.
On the contrary, buyers have never had it so good. Buy a new family hatchback in 2026 and you’ll be treated to the latest safety and connectivity technology, very affordable running costs and a car that’s likely to be nicer to drive than an SUV.
We’ve pulled together a list of the best family hatchbacks to buy this year, with our choices presented in alphabetical order.
Audi A3 Sportback
With distinctive styling and the right badge, the Audi A3 is brimming with showroom appeal. Its technology-packed interior is very appealing, too – despite lacking the flawless quality that distinguished Audis of old. A Virtual Cockpit digital driver display sits alongside a 10.1-inch touchscreen with super-sharp graphics. Satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio come as standard, but many features are extra-cost options.
An engine range including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and the 400hp RS3 hot hatchback means there is an A3 to suit most tastes. Audi’s trademark Quattro four-wheel-drive system is available on some models, too. In general, the driving experience offers a good balance between comfort and dynamic poise. Just beware the firmer ride on sportier S line versions.
We said: ‘Despite the dramatic styling of the A3’s interior, it is still practical. Some of the plastics can feel a little cheap, though. A large 10.1-inch touchscreen controls multimedia functions, but Audi has (thankfully) retained some physical buttons.’
Predictably, BMW purists grumbled about the switch from rear-wheel drive to front- or four-wheel drive for the current 1 Series. However, it’s arguably the best resolved ‘baby BMW’ yet, with more space for rear-seat passengers and a larger boot. Many rivals are still more spacious in the back, though.
Overall quality is good enough to rival the more expensive BMW 3 Series, while the petrol and diesel engines offer a terrific blend of performance and economy. The level of standard equipment is excellent, with the entry-level Sport model featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED rear lights, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and parking assist.
There are now three trim levels to choose from: Sport, M Sport and M135, although the latter is a model in its own right. Indeed, with the demise of the 128ti hot hatch, the 300hp M135 xDrive is your best option if you’re after a performance hatchback with a BMW badge. Pictured is a 120 Sport in optional Thundernight metallic paint. It’s not a hue for shrinking violets…
Honda Civic e:HEV
Honda calls the Civic e:HEV the ‘driver’s hybrid’, pointing to its ‘heart-warming efficiency’ and ‘adrenaline-pumping power’. A bold claim, but we liked it enough to award it the maximum five stars, praising its efficient hybrid engine, family-friendly interior and side-order of driving fun. Prices start from around £35,000 and there are three trim levels to choose from: Elegance, Sport and Advance. In Elegance guise, you could see fuel economy of 60.1mpg.
Standard kit includes keyless entry and start, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and four USB ports.
We said: ‘Finding a weakness in the Civic e:HEV’s repertoire is tough. Tyre noise is a little louder than might be expected, while the infotainment screen graphics look old-fashioned. Its hybrid drivetrain is smooth and efficient, and it delivers lively performance. This is matched by a chassis that blends comfort with a hint of sportiness, living up to that “driver’s hybrid” claim.’
There’s more to the Ceed than Kia’s famed seven-year warranty. Look beyond the fact that it’s covered until 2032 and you’ll find a car that’s inoffensively styled, packed with equipment and pretty good to drive. It doesn’t really excel in any particular area, but all-round competency is perhaps the Ceed’s biggest strength.
Every model comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, while the flagship GT-Line S model adds an impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This high-spec model also features a panoramic sunroof and an eight-speaker JBL audio system.
We said: ‘There is no shortage of choice in this class. If you want something more stylish, maybe consider the Mazda 3. If you’d like a sharper drive, the Ford Focus is hard to ignore. And if your tastes are more upmarket, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a classy contender. However, the Ceed earns its place on our best family hatchbacks list by being a capable and likeable all-rounder.’
In a family hatchback beauty contest, the svelte Mazda 3 would drive away with first prize. The fact that it’s also engaging to drive and perfectly built might seal the deal for you anyway. Despite its mainstream Mazda badge, the 3 – available as a hatchback or equally stylish saloon – feels genuinely premium.
What’s not to like? Well, there’s no diesel option, which is less of a problem than it was. But the lack of a hybrid will be an issue for some. Hefty C-pillars also make the rear seats feel slightly claustrophobic and the 351-litre boot is smaller than most cars here. We could overlook these foibles in such a desirable overall package, though.
We said: ‘You could buy the Mazda 3 on the strength of its styling alone. Available as a five-door hatchback or four-door saloon, it’s the most head-turning car in its class – but there’s more to the 3 than just sleek looks.’ Prices start from £24,500 for the Prime-Line trim, with the flagship Takumi model costing just shy of £30,000.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is one of the most popular premium hatchbacks in Britain. Buyers are happy to pay a little extra per month in exchange for a desirable badge, impressive interior and the latest technology. All models get a pair of 10.25-inch widescreen displays, which join in the middle to create an almost entirely digital dashboard for the driver.
Although the Sport Edition and Sport Executive models pack a generous level of equipment, many buyers choose to upgrade to one of the stylish AMG Line trims. The Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatchback is one of the fastest point-to-point cars you can buy, while the A250e plug-in hybrid offers around 50 miles of electric range.
Reviewing the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, we said: ‘The A45 S is closer in spirit to heroes of yesteryear like the Subaru Impreza Turbo and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. It’s a giant-killer, a car that makes fast work of, well, everything. Above all, it’s a riot to drive. If you want the ultimate hot hatchback, look no further.’
Fancy a Volkswagen Golf but would like to save money? The Seat Leon is for you. It shares the same platform and running gear, yet the Spaniard is arguably prettier than the German, and still packs the very latest technology. It’s also quite spacious, although the boot is a little small for this class of car.
Prices start from around £25,000, so the cheapest Leon undercuts the most affordable Golf by around £2,500. You can buy a mid-range Leon FR for the same price as an entry-level Golf. Even the entry-level SE model rides on 16-inch alloys and has a 10.4-inch touchscreen display, alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
As well as a choice of 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines, the Seat Leon is also available as a plug-in hybrid. Known as the Leon e-Hybrid, it offers up to 82 miles of range from a full battery, which can be recharged in 2.5 hours using a wallbox or five hours with a domestic plug. Prices range from £36,500 to £38,500, depending on the trim.
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia has collected plenty of awards, so it’s just as well it has a cavernous boot to carry all that silverware. Indeed, its massive 600 litres of luggage space is enough to rival cars from the segment above. You may find that you don’t need the spacious Octavia Estate.
Like the Seat Leon, the new Octavia is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf, but the Skoda majors on interior room and value for money. The entry-level SE Technology costs around £26,500 and features the likes of 16-inch alloy wheels, a 13-inch touchscreen with navigation, LED headlights, cruise control and rear parking sensors. And yes, it even has an umbrella hidden inside the door!
Just like the Seat Leon, the Skoda Octavia is available with a choice of 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines, but there’s also a 265hp hot hatchback in the form of the Octavia vRS. In all cases, it’s hard to think of a more practical family hatchback; with the rear seats folded down, the boot offers 1,555 litres of space – enough to rival some estate cars.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla costs more than some of its key rivals, but it pays to look beyond the purchase price. In addition to a plenty of standard equipment, the Corolla is also powered by a choice of efficient petrol-electric hybrid engines that offer the economy of a diesel. Both the 1.8- and 2.0-litre versions could return up to 64.1mpg, so there’s no penalty for choosing the more powerful unit.
The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which answers one of our criticisms of the car when it was launched. Priced from around £30,500 to £34,500, the Corolla is backed by a five-year warranty.
It’s not the newest family hatchback on our list, but an update in 2023 saw improvements to the interior and the infotainment system, and the car has developed a reputation for reliability and dependability. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.5-inch touchscreen display with navigation, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an impressive suite of safety and driver assistance systems.
Volkswagen Golf
The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf looks so familiar, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s an evolution of the old model. The swoopy LED headlights and new corporate badge are the biggest clues to the Golf 8’s identity. You can hardly blame Volkswagen for playing it safe; the Golf is the default choice for millions of motorists.
The inside is less conventional. Volkswagen calls it a ‘digitalised workplace’, which is marketing speak for a digital dashboard and a range of touch-sensitive controls. You can use gesture control for some functions, while saying “Hello Volkswagen” triggers the voice control. The Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia make more financial sense, but many people will opt for the upmarket Golf. The latest Mk8 VW Golf GTI is a return to form, too.
We said: ‘Prise those redesigned roundels off the Golf and it could easily be an Audi A3. Its interior has the requisite wow-factor and the technology sets new standards for a mainstream hatchback. Although much has changed, the Volkswagen Golf still feels like the benchmark. It’s easy to see why it’s the go-to family hatchback.’
The final unregistered example of the limited edition 2024 Porsche 911 S/T will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s to raise money for good causes.
Built to celebrate 60 years of the Porsche 911, the S/T made its public debut at the Rennsport Reunion event in 2023.
As with any special Porsche 911, the 992.1-generation S/T attracted a huge amount of attention. Demand far outstripped the production run of 1,963 cars, despite a list price of £231,600 in the UK.
This week’s online auction will offer a rare chance to own the highly collectable 911, while also raising money for the American Red Cross to fund wildfire relief in California.
An iconic specification
As the only 911 S/T not assigned to a customer, the car up for auction has just 932 miles on the odometer, having been run-in specially by Porsche’s preparation team in Stuttgart.
This means the 525hp 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, shared with the 911 GT3 RS, is ready for a new owner to enjoy. A short-ratio manual gearbox was the only transmission offered for the S/T, along with a lightweight clutch and carbon ceramic brakes.
Carbon fibre panels and thinner glass made the S/T the lightest 911 of its 992.1 generation. This helped towards a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds.
The North American-spec car up for auction has been painted in Shore Blue Metallic, and comes with the optional Heritage Design Package. This means magnesium alloy wheels painted in Ceramica, racing roundels on the doors and retro-style exterior badges.
On the inside, the 911 S/T comes features carbon fibre bucket seats finished in Cognac leather, gold 911 badges and an owner’s manual pouch signed by Andreas Preuninger, director of the GT model line at Porsche.
Time to help good causes
Accompanying the 911 S/T at auction will be the special Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 911 S/T timepiece. The watch was only made available to those lucky enough to purchase an S/T in the first place.
The auction of the Porsche 911 S/T follows the sale of the first 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 at a Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale, Arizona. A winning bid of $3.7 million (£2.97 million) secured the flagship hypercar, with all proceeds donated to the American Red Cross for natural disaster relief.
With the RM Sotheby’s auction for the 911 S/T running from Tuesday 18 February until Thursday 20 February 2025, we won’t have long to wait to see what price it achieves.
