Porsche tells GT3 owners to stop driving cars

Photos have surfaced of a GT3 in flames on a Swizz police website, with emergency services personnel extinguishing the fire.

The St Gallen police website reported: "A Porsche has caught on fire on the Wilerstrasse. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire. The car suffered a total loss in the amount of 200,000 Swiss francs ($248,000)."

The report went on to say the GT3 had been travelling on the A1 highway towards St Gallen when the driver heard "strange noises" from the engine bay and pulled off the highway onto the Wilerstrasse.

After stopping the car he noticed leaking oil and smoke coming from the rear-mounted engine, and shortly afterwards the GT3 caught fire, with the blaze being extinguished by the fire department.

"The cause of the fire will be investigated by the Forensic Science Service of the Canton of St Gallen police," the police report says.

An unconfirmed post on enthusiast forum Rennteam cited another GT3 catching fire in Italy, saying it was the fifth car in Europe reported to do so.

Porsche has told all owners of the current model 911 GT3 around the world to stop driving their vehicles and have them inspected by an authorised centre.

The safety notice comes after reports last week that Porsche had stopped sales of the GT3 in Europe, in response to a potential fire hazard with the high performance car.

Photos taken by the Swiss police showed a GT3 engulfed by flames, and the police report said the driver pulled over after hearing noises coming from the engine bay, then noticed leaking oil and smoke before the car blazed.

Porsche says just five cars in Australia are affected, and all the owners have been contacted with the offer for the carmaker to pick up the vehicles for inspection immediately.

"Safety is the number one priority at Porsche, and the company takes its responsibility seriously," a statement from Porsche Australia said, adding that engine damage had occurred in two European GT3s which then caught fire, but without any accidents or injury.

"Porsche has decided to inspect all 785 delivered vehicles worldwide. Porsche is currently investigating the cause and will provide further information as soon as possible," the statement said.

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott

Reviews

Family
Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related.
Adventure
Off-road for beginners and the experienced, plus camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes
Tradies
Utes, commercial vehicles and tow tests

Compare cars
We make it easy to compare design, practicality, value and more
Used cars
Buying used? Here's what to look out for and buy smart
Owner reviews
Your thoughts could drive you to more than just your next destination 🚗💬