CAR ADVICE

Before he was shredding the halfpipe at the Winter Olympics, Scott James was learning how to drive in this surprising off-roader. Picture: Instagram/Scott James (@scottyjames31) When you’ve reached the pinnacle of any sport like snowboarder Scott James, it’s almost commonplace to splurge on a lavish and exotic car collection to get around town. And while it’s hard to ignore the rare models frequenting athletes’ collections, for James – who is currently representing Australia at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games – his first car just proves we all start from somewhere. RELATED: Carlos Alcaraz’s daily driver isn’t what you’d expect Back in 2016 , the snowboarder told us his first chariot was a humble 2009 Jeep Wrangler that caused him more discomfort than pleasure. “I had [it] for about four years. It was a manual, so it was a little tough when I was driving around Melbourne. You can imagine my clutch leg was getting pretty sore most of the time, sitting in traffic and whatnot,” ...

Rough local pricing for the Aston Martin Valhalla has been announced as the model gears up for its arrival in Australia. The Aston Martin Valhalla will take top spot as Australia’s most expensive car as local pricing overtakes the Ferrari SF90 XX Spider. At a showing of an international testing vehicle in Sydney, Regional Operations Manager, ANZ for Aston Martin , Nathan Lowe, said that Australian allocations are yet to be announced, but gave a rough price. “I can’t tell you [our allocation], but I do know how many [Australia will get]. Pricing will be a tad under two million before on-roads,” said Lowe. Pricing set just below will top the 2026 Ferrari SF90 XX Spider , which is currently priced at $1,730,100 plus on-road costs. MORE: Honda and Aston Martin open to road car partnership, amid F1 engine deal Using a round $2 million for calculation purposes, an additional $99,100 in stamp duty and an additional $575,830 in luxury car tax (LCT) will need to be paid be...

Mobile speed cameras can be deployed in Victoria across more than 2250 locations this month. Here’s where they could be. There are 2256 approved locations where mobile speed cameras can be deployed in Victoria in February 2026. The Victorian Government publishes a list of approved locations online on the first day of each month. The approved mobile speed camera locations for February 2026 have changed slightly from those of January 2026 with the addition of six new locations and the removal of 11. A location must meet at least one of the following four criteria for a speed camera to be approved for placement: A documented history of speed-related collisions or on-road trauma within the last three years. The subject of a validated complaint of excessive speeds, such as from the general public or local councils. Identified by police to be a speed-related problem site. Where alternative methods of speed enforcement, other than by mobile cameras, are deemed not suitable. ...

It’s a convertible V8 with 369kW and no turbochargers or hybrid assistance in sight. It’s an all-American experience, with the mid-mounted motor bringing impressive poise and practicality to the equation. 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT This could be the best V8 new-car experience currently on sale in Australia.  It’s the Chevrolet Corvette, which has a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8 mounted between the seats and the back wheels. Australia is a country mad for V8 engines. It’s built into our DNA and cultural fabric, and is an obsession that was once dutifully fed by locally born cars with American-sourced hearts. Commodores , Falcons , HSVs and FPVs.  While the occasional exotic European muscle car drew some attention (like the E39 M5 and the W204 C63 AMG), our local attention really revolved around big, bruising four-door sedans. Those options aren’t around anymore, and the whole idea of owning a V8 these days has really changed.  How much d...