Alarming data reveals a massive discrepancy in driving behaviour across Australia.

The state with the highest likelihood of being involved in a car accident left drivers with a one-in-five chance of involvement in a motor vehicle accident.

Conducted by insurance comparison site Compare the Market, the survey analysed responses from 1019 participants aged over 18, and discovered that 20 per cent of respondents from within Victoria (below, Melbourne) said they had been involved in a car accident within the last 12 months.

At the opposite end of the scale, Western Australia reported the lowest car accident risk, with just 7 per cent of participants reporting that they had been involved in a car accident within the last year.

New South Wales ranked second-worst at 16 per cent, Queensland reported a 13 per cent rate, and 12 per cent of South Australian residents said they had been affected.

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The data did not provide state-by-state analysis for the ACT, NT or Tasmania. Responses for those regions were included in the national average, with 14.9 per cent of Australians reporting being involved in a car accident in the last year.

The data also revealed a close split between those who filed an insurance claim and those who elected to pay for repairs themselves.

Of the 14.9 per cent of respondents who had been involved in an accident, 6.4 per cent filed a claim with their insurer, but 5.9 per cent either paid for their own repairs or lacked coverage. The remaining 2.6 per cent chose not to repair damage sustained.

The data also reinforces traditional and more comprehensive crash data, suggesting that younger and less experienced drivers face a higher crash risk. Rather than breaking this information down by age group, Compare the Data segmented by a less informative split by generation.

Based on this information, 24 per cent of Gen Z drivers, or those aged 18 to 29, reported being involved in an accident; Millennial drivers, typically aged 30 to 45, reported an accident rate of 20 per cent. 11 per cent of Gen X, which typically covers 46 to 61-year-olds, reported an accident in the last year, while Baby Boomers, aged 62 to 80, reported only a 6 per cent rate.

The updated 2026 Nissan Z Coupe range is set to arrive in Australia from September this year, with a range of improvements and upgrades first seen in international markets.

The biggest change to the line-up is the addition of a manual transmission option for the flagship Z Nismo. While the Z’s 370Z Nismo predecessor offered a manual option, the six-speed manual makes its first appearance in the turbocharged Z Nismo.

Other changes to the Z Nismo see it equipped with new two-piece cross-drilled brake rotors derived from the Nissan GT-R, claimed to reduce unsprung mass by 9kg. The new braking package also includes Akebono-supplied calipers.

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The revised Nissan Z line-up now grows to four variants with the addition of the Z manual, with a choice of nine-speed automatic or six-speed manual offered on the regular Z Coupe and Z Nismo.

Pricing has risen slightly with the Z Coupe priced from $76,800 (up $640) with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the Z Nismo starts from $95,000 (up $395), with manual and automatic variants priced the same.

Power outputs for the Z Coupe remain unchanged at 298kW and 475Nm, or 309kW/520Nm for the Z Nismo, both based on the 3.0-litre VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, first seen in Australia in cars like the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 range.

As with the Z Nismo automatic, the Nismo manual will offer a Sport+ driving mode in addition to the Standard and Sport modes of the Z Coupe. Manual models also offer automated rev matching.

Visual upgrades for the 2026 Z Coupe include a redesigned front bumper featuring a wider lower intake and body-coloured centre bar, in place of the controversial rectangular design on the pre-update Z. The Z Nismo continues with its existing specific bumpers and lower body styling kit.

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New 19-inch wheels have also been fitted, and Unryu Green joins the range of available exterior shades as a new hero colour, along with the return of Boulder Gray two-tone with a black roof.

Interior revisions include a new wireless charger with faster Qi 2 compatibility, device cooling, and fastening via magnetic alignment, a frameless interior rear view mirror, a new start-up animation that shows previous generations of Z car on the digital instrument cluster, and a no-cost tan interior option for the Z Coupe.

The Z Nismo carries over red and black Recaro front seats with Alcantara and leather trim and manual adjustment instead of the Z Coupe’s electric adjustment.

Order books are now open for the 2026 Nissan Z range with customer deliveries expected to commence in September.

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2026 Nissan Z pricing (excluding on-road costs)

Aston Martin has unveiled the limited edition Vanquish 25 to commemorate the grand touring model’s 25th anniversary.

First introduced in 2001 as the V12 Vanquish, the second- and third-generation models dropped the V12 reference from their name, but retained 12-cylinder firepower under the bonnet.

To celebrate the quarter-century milestone, Aston Martin’s in-house Q division will equip 25 examples of the Vanquish coupe and 25 Vanquish Volante convertibles with a range of silver anniversary appearance and equipment options.

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Interior treatments for the Vanquish 25 include laser-etched Aston Martin trim inlays on the door cards, ‘25’ logo embroidery for the headrests, a red engine starter button, specially-designed trim perforations on the seat bolsters, and a choice of interior trims including Onyx Black, Oxford Tan, or Phantom Grey.

From the outside, the Vanquish 25 editions can be identified by Q Skye silver paint, metal foil detailing on the grille and side vent vanes, ‘Vanquish 25’ badging, foil-stamped Aston Martin badging and a unique finisher panel for the rear finisher, and Q Commission design exhaust tip finishers.

Aston Martin’s 21-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels have also been reconfigured with a two-tone finish that highlights the V design within the spokes.

Vittorio Gabba, Head of Q at Aston Martin, said in a statement, “25 years on from the unveiling of the very first Vanquish it is only right that we mark this nameplate’s contribution to our heritage. 

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“Vanquish 25 builds on the extraordinary achievements of the modern, third-generation Vanquish with a carefully curated package of exterior and interior features that subtly celebrate this important milestone in our history.”

Mechanical details remain the same as the regular Vanquish, with a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine producing 614kW and 1000Nm, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Vanquish coupe models can hit 100km/h in 3.3 seconds, followed by the Vanquish Volante at 3.4 seconds.

Transport NSW has proposed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline the operation of seatbelt and mobile phone cameras within the state.

Under the state’s current system, images captured by the automated system are already processed by AI, with those that meet the criteria for mobile phone use, or incorrect use or lack of a seatbelt, then passed on for human verification before a fine is issued.

In instances where AI does not identify an issue, photos are deleted, and no further action takes place.

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Changes to the processing would see the human visual verification stage scrapped, resulting in a fully automated process, from the capturing of images, to the AI processing of the collected images, and any resulting penalty notices.

Seven News reports that seat belt and mobile phone cameras alone have generated more than $400 million in revenue over the last five years, with phone cameras in use since December 2019 and seatbelt detection cameras introduced in July 2024.

Critics of the proposal have called out the risk of misidentification of infringements, suggesting that without some level of human processing, the AI-identified fines could result in a repeat of the Federal Government’s ‘Robodebt’ scheme, which was later deemed unlawful by the Federal Court of Australia.

Data published last year revealed that over 15 per cent of seatbelt infringements flagged by AI detection were rejected in the human review stage.

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Earlier this year, the WA Government, which uses a similar AI-identified detection system, withdrew over 2000 incorrectly issued fines from over 53,000 infringements issued since the system was introduced.

The latest proposal forms part of the NSW Government’s 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, which includes agenda items including evaluation of new and enhanced camera programs, and trials of new technologies to support automated enforcement for what the state identifies as ‘high-risk’ behaviours.

The proposal is yet to be put before the NSW Government for discussion.

A new four-door luxury sedan from BYD’s luxury Denza arm could be about to threaten EVs from established prestige carmakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

In China, the new four-door will be sold under BYD’s Fangchengbao name, but outside of China, as with other Fangchengbao models, the Formula S is likely to form part of Denza’s line-up.

The Formula S liftback sedan (main and below) and Formula S GT fastback wagon (bottom) are pitched as alternatives to cars like the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan. The first specification details have been revealed by CarNewsChina ahead of their official reveal.

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The Formula S sedan will offer a 76.7-kilowatt-hour battery in its most basic guise, with a 720km claimed CLTC driving range (expect closer to 590km under Western market WLTP testing) and a rear-mounted single motor producing 245kW.

By comparison, BMW’s entry-level i5 eDrive 40 lists an 84kWh battery, 582km WLTP range and a 250kW motor.

A long-range version of the Formula S upgrades to a 92.1kWh battery with a CLTC range of between 830km and 900km (680-740km WLTP) depending on the variant, and a 300kW single-motor. A 490kW dual-motor powertrain will also be offered.

The Formula S GT wagon is, initially at least, only offered with the long-range battery and a choice of 300kW rear-wheel drive with 800-850km of CLTC range (approx 655-700km WLTP), or 490kW dual-motor all-wheel drive with a claimed 730km CLTC (600km WLTP) range.

BMW’s equivalent would be the i5 M60 xDrive Touring wagon, which sticks with an 84kWh battery, has a claimed 506km WLTP range, and comes with a 442kW dual-motor drivetrain.

In terms of size, the Denza Formula S measures 5060mm long, matching the i5 sedan, with a 2960mm wheelbase (35mm less than the 5 Series). The Formula S GT is slightly shorter overall at 5025mm.

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As a latest-generation BYD product, the Formula S will be compatible with the brand’s 1500kw ultra-rapid Flash Charging system, allowing a 10-70 per cent top-up in five minutes and a near-full 10-97 per cent fill in nine minutes.

A lidar sensor on the roof hints at compatibility with BYD’s ‘God’s Eye’ DiPilot 5.0 assisted driving, capable of start-to-finish automated driving on navigation, and a wide range of hazard-avoidance intervention.

BYD’s plans for the Fangchengbao include export markets, usually badged as Denza models, with a solid chance that the Formula S could follow the similarly styled Denza Z sports car range to the UK, moving the Denza brand away from its range of body-on-frame off-roaders and into a more traditional luxury car space.

Although not yet confirmed for Australia, BYD’s UK and Australian line-ups for the Denza brand are already quite similar, meaning the Formula S could be on the cards for an Australian introduction if it joins the UK range.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced pricing and specifications for its updated GLE, GLE Coupé and GLS SUV range, introducing revised styling, new technology, upgraded powertrains and expanded standard equipment across its luxury SUV line-up.

The refreshed range opens at $142,300 before on-road costs for the GLE 350 d 4MATIC SUV (below) and extends to $424,900 for the flagship Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 4MATIC. Deliveries of Mercedes-Benz models are expected to begin in November, with Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach variants following in early 2027.

Across the range, the SUVs receive redesigned front and rear bumpers, updated LED lighting signatures and a new radiator grille with an illuminated surround and central Mercedes-Benz star. AMG Line styling and the Night Package are now standard on every Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG model, complemented by new alloy wheel designs, fresh paint colours and revised interior trim options. GLE models also gain a collapsible spare wheel as standard, while the GLS continues with seven-seat accommodation across the range.

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The cabin has been overhauled with Mercedes-Benz’s latest Operating System (MB.OS), which enables faster processing, enhanced connectivity and over-the-air software updates. Every model also receives the new MBUX Superscreen, comprising three 12.3-inch displays beneath a single glass panel, together with Digital Vehicle Key functionality and an updated suite of driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, steering assist and enhanced parking technologies.

Leading the GLE line-up, the GLE 350 d replaces its previous four-cylinder diesel with a new 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder producing 210kW and 650Nm, supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that enables engine-off coasting, energy recuperation and smoother stop-start operation. The GLE 450 Coupé continues with a 280kW/560Nm turbocharged petrol inline six, also paired with a 48-volt electrical system.

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The AMG GLE 53 SUV and Coupé receive a revised turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 330kW and 600Nm, representing gains of 10kW and 40Nm over the outgoing model. Both continue with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension and 21-inch alloy wheels.

Sitting at the top of the range, the AMG GLE 63 S SUV and Coupé retain their 450kW/850Nm twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, complemented by forged 22-inch wheels, AMG Performance all-wheel drive and upgraded chassis and braking hardware.

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The larger GLS range (above) marks the return of the petrol-powered GLS 450, which uses a 280kW/560Nm turbocharged inline six-cylinder, while the GLS 450 d pairs a 270kW/750Nm six-cylinder diesel with an electrically heated catalyst designed to improve emissions performance during cold starts. Both models feature AIRMATIC air suspension and ride on 22-inch alloy wheels.

Performance flagship duties are handled by the AMG GLS 63, which continues with its 450kW/850Nm twin-turbocharged V8 while adding an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential.

At the pinnacle of the line-up, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 (below) combines the same V8 output with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, enhanced sound insulation, a revised steering system and an even stronger focus on rear-seat luxury.

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Mercedes-Benz is offering a complimentary three-year service plan on selected GLE and GLS variants ordered before 30 September 2026, with customer deliveries commencing from November for Mercedes-Benz models.

Pricing

Victorian authorities will deploy roadside cameras capable of detecting excessively noisy vehicles under a new trial targeting hoon driving and illegally modified exhaust systems.

Seven acoustic cameras will be introduced across Melbourne and regional Victoria as part of the two-year, $1.3 million program. The devices are expected to begin operating later this year at locations with histories of repeated vehicle-noise complaints.

Unlike conventional speed or red-light cameras, the equipment uses microphones and acoustic sensors to measure noise generated by passing vehicles. When a predetermined sound threshold is exceeded, the system records images and other data, including the vehicle’s registration plate.

The information will then be assessed by Environment Protection Authority Victoria officers, who can issue the registered owner with a notice requiring the vehicle to undergo noise testing.

A vehicle found to exceed the permitted limit must be repaired or modified to comply with the regulations. Owners who fail to take the required action can face penalties of up to $1221 for an individual or $6105 for a company.

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The cameras can be installed beside the road or attached to existing poles, allowing authorities to move them between locations as complaint patterns change. Sites will be selected after consultation with Victoria Police, although the final camera locations have not been publicly confirmed.

Port Phillip Council has pushed for one of the devices to be installed near Station Pier and Beacon Cove in Port Melbourne, where residents have repeatedly complained about burnouts, engine revving and noisy vehicle gatherings. Boroondara Council has made a similar request for Yarra Boulevard in Kew, another well-known late-night hoon hotspot.

The trial follows a sharp increase in reports about noisy vehicles. EPA Victoria received more than 9100 noise reports in 2025 and issued almost 5000 testing notices, along with 1222 infringement notices.

Similar technology has already been tested in the NSW council areas of Bayside and Wollongong (see main image from Transport for NSW). Those cameras combined microphones, video recording and number-plate recognition to identify loud vehicles, although fines were not issued during the initial trial.

The Victorian rollout is intended to give the EPA another way to identify repeat offenders without relying solely on residents recording registration numbers or police intercepting noisy vehicles at the time of an offence.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53, which is now on sale. Replacing both the previous four-cylinder AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S E Performance variants with a new inline six, AMG’s new high-performance medium SUV is available in both SUV and coupe bodystyles and makes up to 330kW of grunt.

At the heart of the new AMG 53 models is a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, which features an electric auxiliary supercharger and a 48-volt electric system to boost both performance and fuel consumption. It produces up to 330kW of power and 640Nm of torque, which is enough grunt for a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.2 seconds, while the claimed combined fuel consumption is 9.6L/100km.

A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment, which AMG says is capable of rapid shift times, quick reactions, double-declutching and multiple downshifts. AMG’s Performance 4Matic+ full variable all-wheel drive system features too, while the AMG Ride Control suspension and rear-axle steering “work together to deliver low-speed agility, stability at higher speeds and confident control across urban, touring and dynamic driving conditions”.

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Standard equipment on Australian-delivered AMG GLC 53 variants includes matte black 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, the Night Package and Night Package II with black chrome exterior accents, an AMG lip spoiler and roof rails.

Inside, heated leather sports seats with memory and lumbar support, metal structure trim, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and Burmester 3D audio feature, as well as the brand’s ‘MBUX’ infotainment system, AMG Dynamic Select driving modes and the AMG Real Performance Sound system.

Active safety tech is handled by the brand’s Digital Lights with adaptive high beam, Guard 360º Vehicle Protection Plus, active lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and the Pre-Safe System with autonomous emergency braking.

Customers can also further choose the Performance Ergonomic Package, which adds the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and suede, AMG Track Pace for detailed performance data recording and analysis, and AMG Performance and Multicontour front seats that AMG says “provide excellent lateral support during dynamic driving.”

There’s also the Plus Package, which includes the Driving Assistance Plug Package with features like adaptive lane guidance and evasive steering assistance with bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle detection, as well as augmented reality navigation and heat- and noise-insulating acoustic glass.

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Finally, the Golden Accents Package is also available for bolder styling, and it includes matte black 21-inch AMG wheels with gold rim highlights, matching wheel hub caps, black brake calipers with white AMG lettering, a silver chrome AMG fuel filler cap with black elements, and the AMG Styling Package with a high-gloss black front apron, enlarged front splitter, enlarged AMG lip spoiler, side airflow breakaway edges and diffuser blade.

Inside, the Golden Accents Package adds black leather AMG sports seats featuring colour-matched seat bolsters and decorative beige top stitching, matching contrast stitching across the door panels and instrument panel, AMG carbon trim woven with metallic threads and AMG floor mats with beige stitching.

2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 pricing (excluding on-road costs):

Options:

• Golden Accents Package: $6000
• Performance Ergonomic Package: $5800
• Plus Package: $5500

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 is now on sale in Australia ahead of imminent local deliveries.

Australian pricing and specifications have been revealed for the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic. Launching as the first electric variant of the GLC medium SUV range, the GLC 400 4Matic was revealed almost 12 months ago and is the only available model before more variants are added, likely sometime in 2027.

Technically unrelated to the existing internal combustion GLC, the electric GLC runs on a new platform featuring an 800-volt architecture with DC fast charging at up to 330kW in ideal conditions, which Mercedes-Benz claims can add up to 300km of range in just 10 minutes. For those charging at home, it can also be charged at up to 22kW using AC power. The 94.4kWh NMC battery in the 400 4Matic model offers a claimed WLTP-rated range of 630km and energy consumption of 17.1kWh/100km.

The dual-motor electric drivetrain produces 360kW of power and 800Nm of torque, which is enough grunt for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of just 4.3 seconds. A two-speed transmission mounted on the rear axle features for “maximum efficiency across the entire speed range”, according to Mercedes-Benz.

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Standard equipment for the GLC 400 4Matic includes the ‘MBUX Superscreen’ infotainment incorporating a 14-inch central touchscreen and a 10.3-inch front passenger screen, the ‘MB.OS’ software, ‘Artico’ synthetic leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel, brown open-pore birch wood trim, the AMG Line and AMG Line Sport Seat Packages, heated front seats with memory functionality, a panoramic glass roof, heat- and noise-insulating glass and rear privacy glass.

The company’s ‘MB.Drive’ assistance system features eight cameras with a front mid-range radar, four corner radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors to support systems such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, evasive steering assistance, exit warning and manoeuvring assistance with low speed automatic braking. Mercedes’ Digital Lights are standard with adaptive high beam, while a head-up display also features as standard.

On the outside, metallic paintwork is standard, as is the AMG Line with sportier styling and 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, while the Night Styling with high-gloss black exterior accents and a dark chrome grille also feature.

Compared to internal combustion variants of the GLC range, the electric model is 84mm longer between the wheels at 2972mm, while its 570 (rear seats up)/1740 litre (rear seats folded) boot is 50 litres smaller with the rear seats up, though 60 litres with the rear seats folded. Plus, the electric GLC features a 128-litre front boot as well.

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The options list for the GLC 400 4Matic is short, and includes only the Luxury Package with heated and ventilated front sport seats with massage functionality, heated rear seats, an illuminated star pattern in the panoramic roof, Digital Light projection functionality for the headlights, a Burmester high-end 4D surround sound system, the 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, active lane change and steering assistance and the Pre-Safe Impulse Side side collision protection system.

There’s also the Agility and Comfort Package, which introduces Airmatic air suspension and rear-axle steering, and finally, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs can also be added for more comfortable entry and exit.

At launch, Mercedes-Benz Australia will also offer a GLC 400 4Matic Limited Edition without the MBUX Superscreen with a static front passenger screen, also featuring black Artico upholstery. It’s $2200 less expensive than the regular GLC 400 4Matic at $110,000 +ORC.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology pricing (excluding on-road costs):

Options:

• Luxury Package: $8,200
• Agility and Comfort Package: $5,200
• Aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs: $1,100

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic is now available to order ahead of the first deliveries commencing soon.

Some of the Aussie classics that feature in the Mad Max universe are already rare commodities, but now a Queensland-based company will do all the heavy lifting for you and create a screen-accurate replica of your favourite wasteland chariot.

Called the Mad Max Factory, the firm offers a range of officially licensed Mad Max replica vehicles.

Each of the vehicles offered is described as “film perfect,” with Mad Max Factory describing its builds as “faithful to the original cinematic vision with an emphasis on physicality, visual intensity, and mechanical authenticity rather than digital or automated systems.”

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The first run of replica vehicles will be limited to just 25 units, but the range offered covers 20 vehicles as seen in Mad Max, Mad Max 2, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

“These vehicles were never meant to feel polished or soft,” said Giuseppe Cassin, Director of Film & Strategic Partnerships for Mad Max Factory. “They were built to feel functional, brutal, and real, and that’s exactly what we wanted to preserve.”

Pricing starts from $195,000 for some of the less prominent automotive stars, including the V8 Pursuit Plymouth Valiant bike carrier from Furiosa, or Fury Road’s V12 Elvis based on a 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe.

Base pricing lands you a vehicle in basic film specification, and Mad Max Factory offers extra-cost options to upgrade paint, engines, and accessories like weapons or motorcycles.

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Step up to the more iconic cars from the film, and the price moves up to $235,000 for Jessie’s Panel Van from Mad Max, with options for custom paint, airbrush work, and upgrades to the transmission, wheels, differential, exhaust, brakes, interior and more.

Standard MFP Pursuit vehicles from Mad Max like the Big Bopper XB Falcon and March Hare XA Falcon start from $265,000 and come with the full yellow, blue and red MFP livery, period-correct wheels, and MFP-issued lights.

The headline stars, including the HQ Holden Pursuit Special, driven by The Nightrider in Mad Max, or versions of Max’s iconic XB Falcon Hardtop Pursuit Special as it appeared in Mad Max, Mad Max 2, or Fury Road, start from $335,000 (Fury Road-spec) and stretch to $395,000 for the first-film original look.

Customisations are available across the range with options for carbon-fibre parts in place of fibreglass, upgraded wheels, engines, suspensions, transmissions, exhaust systems, interiors and more.

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Mad Max Factory quotes turnaround times from start to finish of 9 to 18 months. All vehicles are based on an authentic base vehicle matching the vehicle generation they are based on and come with a rebuilt engine, movie-correct details and damage (where applicable), a certificate of authenticity, and a numbered build plate.

To ensure consistency and accuracy, the vehicle packages have been overseen by director George Miller and producer Doug Mitchell, and are hand-built in Australia with worldwide shipping available for overseas purchasers.