Porsche trials Australian rentals of 911, Boxster, Taycan EV

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Launched today, an exclusive new Australian premium car rental service – Porsche Drive Rental – is unleashing the beast and putting the roar into the Great Ocean Road, with a chance to get behind the wheel of the latest Porsche sports cars.

The white-knuckle fun, the unmistakable purr of the engine, and the thrill as you make your way along the long, sweeping curves of a coastal highway… this is not your typical rental car.

Already a huge hit internationally, particularly in Germany where drivers can really push the premium vehicles to their limits on the autobahn, the short-term rentals are an opportunity to live the sports car dream or get a feel before splashing the cash on a flash new ride.

Sure you could rent a Camry, but wouldn't you rather be behind the wheel of a 718 Boxster S?

Melbourne is the first Australian city off the mark, with the 911 Carrera 4S, 718 Boxster S, and all-electric Taycan 4S just a few of the incredible vehicles available on day one.

Pricing for a sleek 718 Boxster S in Agate Grey begins at $718 per day, while the legendary 911 Carrera S in Carmine Red will set you back an appropriately-priced $911.

All you need to do is create a profile at porsche.com.au/drive, choose your preferred model, select the rental period, collect the car from the valet at Porsche Centre Melbourne, and – here’s the sad part – return it when you’re done.

Melbourne is intended to be the first of many Porsche Drive Rental centres.

Bookings are now open for by the day, weekend or week, although there’s some fine print you should be aware of: rental is open only to drivers 27 years and above, and a $6,000 credit card pre-authorisation is taken when you collect your car.

Daniel Schmollinger, Managing Director & CEO for Porsche Cars Australia, promises more cities are to come, with Melbourne’s pilot program intended to "give us tremendous insights into how we evolve this offering in Australia in future years."

Porsche Drive Rental is currently available in 60 locations across Europe, Japan and North America.