Top Picks: Exclusive Limited-Edition Releases Available Only in Australia

In the world of automotive history, special edition performance cars hold a unique place. These limited-edition models often push the boundaries of what is possible, offering a blend of power, style, and exclusivity. Let's take a journey through some of the most memorable special edition performance cars that have graced Australian roads.

BMW M140i Performance Edition (2017)

In 2017, BMW unveiled the M140i Performance Edition, a spicier version of the M140i hot hatch. With only 60 units built, this model featured a host of upgrades, including 19-inch wheels, carbon fibre mirror caps, blacked-out exterior trim, and Alcantara and carbon fibre interior accents. Manual versions came with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Porsche 911 GT3 70 Years (2021)

Fast forward to 2021, and Porsche celebrated its 70th anniversary in Australia with the release of the 911 GT3 70 Years. This limited-edition model was the first market-specific 911 GT product ever, with only 25 examples made and painted in Fish Silver Grey Metallic color. The interior featured unique touches, such as graphite blue bucket seats and brushed aluminium door sill guards with '70 Years Porsche Australi'a Edition' inscriptions.

Subaru WRX WRP10 (2005)

In 2005, Subaru celebrated 10 years of the Impreza WRX in Australia with the Subaru WRX WRP10. Positioned between the standard WRX and the hotter STI, this special edition car came with an STI ECU and muffler, carbon fibre strut brace, and Rays Engineering alloys. Only 200 units were built, all in Crystal Grey.

Toyota TRD Aurion (2007)

The Toyota TRD Aurion, released in 2007, aimed to prove that front-wheel drive could produce a red-hot Aussie performance car. Although it fell short as an out-and-out performance car, buyers mostly stuck with Falcon models.

Mazda MX-5 SP (2002)

In 2002, Mazda developed the MX-5 SP, a turbocharged version of an otherwise fairly standard car. This upgrade increased outputs from the 1.8-litre four-cylinder from 113kW/181Nm to 150kW/280Nm. The MX-5 SP proved its mettle in Targa Tasmania, finishing a very creditable 20 outright.

Ford Mustang R-Spec (2019)

The Ford Mustang R-Spec, produced in 2019, was a significant project as it was entrusted to a small group of third-party employees outside of Ford. The R-Spec came with lower springs, reprogrammed MagneRide, wider wheels, and adjustable anti-roll bars, all backed by the full five-year factory warranty.

Mitsubishi Magna Ralliart (2002)

In 2002, Mitsubishi produced the Magna Ralliart, a model with 3.5-litre V6 grunt (180kW/333Nm) sent only to the front wheels. This led to understeer and wheel wrestling if not driven with care.

R32 GT-R (1990)

In 1990, Nissan Australia imported 100 units of the R32 GT-R, which underwent extensive modifications to meet local regulations. Despite Kerry Packer buying three of them, local buyers were not interested, leading to a slow sale.

E36 M3R (1995)

In the mid-1990s, BMW Motorsport produced the E36 M3R for Australia, a faster version homologated for local production car racing. This model came with a lighter body, increased outputs, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and a lighter flywheel.

RX-7 SP (1995)

In 1995, Mazda produced the RX-7 SP in response to Porsche importing 10 993 RS CS for local action. The RX-7 SP had 127 changes compared to a standard RX-7, aimed at making it a more effective endurance race car.

Porsche 993 RS CS (1995)

In 1995, Porsche imported 10 993 RS CS units for local action. This model had increased outputs, with 204kW/357Nm, a stronger and shorter-ratio Torsen limited-slip diff, bigger brakes, and more.

R32 GT-R (Price and Sales)

The R32 GT-R was priced at $110,000, but local buyers were not interested, leading to a slow sale despite Kerry Packer buying three of them.

E36 M3R (Price)

The price of the E36 M3R was $189,450, which was 50% more than the standard M3 Coupe.

Mustang R-Spec (Production)

500 examples of the supercharged 500kW/800Nm Mustang R-Spec were successfully produced.

Each of these special edition performance cars tells a unique story in the annals of Australian automotive history. They represent a fusion of engineering prowess, design aesthetics, and the spirit of competition, all packaged in limited-edition models that continue to captivate enthusiasts today.

Top Picks: Exclusive Limited-Edition Releases Available Only in Australia