Car porn: the best photos of 2020

This year was a tough one for the car industry but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the leading car photographers. Here are their best efforts.

COVID wasn’t kind to the car industry. Assembly lines grinded to a halt, cargo ships were left stranded in ports and dealerships were forced to shut their doors, some permanently.

But eventually new models began to roll out, and the cameras were waiting for them.

Here are some of the best shots of 2020.

Porsche takes off

It was the stunt made possible by the pandemic. The dip in air travel meant Sydney’s third runway was quieter than it had ever been and Porsche took advantage. Our man David McCowen hopped behind the wheel of a 911 Turbo S for a mad scramble to 300km/h before hitting the anchors before he hit the waters of Botany Bay.

Photographer Daniel Kalisz was there to take the shot.

The Porsche Turbo S at Sydney Airport. Picture: Daniel Kalisz.

Putting on a brave face

BMW has taken a gamble with the styling of its new M3 and many critics have poked fun at its huge, cartoon-like grille.

But regardless of what you think of the new face, you have to admire the car’s ability to wag its tail.

The new BMW M3. Picture: Supplied.

Great outdoors

The Gladiator is Jeep’s attempt to cash in on the success of one-tonne utes. But as is its style, the American brand is doing things differently. This shot shows the Gladiator in all its open-air glory.

The Jeep Gladiator. Picture: Supplied.

Defend the faith

Purists railed at the idea of a modern, more civilised Defender, but as this shot proves, the new model is still at home in the rough stuff.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender. Picture: Supplied.

Eat my dust

Utes are big business and the arrival of a new model is a challenge to the status quo. Thomas Wielecki was there to shoot the combatants after the dust settled.

The Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

Italian stallion

The loud and proud Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder cuts a striking figure in this outstanding aerial shot.

Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder. Picture: supplied.

Toyota turns a corner

The Japanese giant has shed its reputation as a brand for cardigan wearers, thanks to some remarkable performance cars. The 86 and Supra have set the stage and now the rally-bred Yaris GR has wowed critics. Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the brand’s PR agency snapper, who managed to capture the essence of the car in one corner.

The Toyota Yaris GR. Picture: Supplied.

Hot hatch showdown

In the year that arch rival Holden bit the dust, Ford has put the pedal to the metal, launching no less than four new models.

Thomas Wielecki captured the new Focus ST as it took on the Volkswagen Golf GTI on the winding roads towards Oberon in NSW.

Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Get the party started

The Focus ST's little brother, the Fiesta ST, stole the limelight in 2020. A finalist in our Car of the Year awards, the diminutive hot hatch proved that good things come in small packages.

The Ford Fiesta ST. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Convertible cliffhanger

Sea Cliff Bridge south of Sydney is a favourite backdrop for car commercials and photo shoots. This time it was the curvy Lexus LC convertible in the frame.

Lexus LC Convertible. Picture: Supplied.

Fantasy island

Phillip Island in Victoria is one of the world’s most spectacular settings for a racetrack.

Thomas Wielecki captures the Mercedes-Benz GT R Pro against the backdrop of a stunning coastline as it blasts around the southern loop.

Mercedes Benz GT R Pro at Phillip Island. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Gladiatorial battle

On a windswept hill in the middle of winter, Jeep’s new Gladiator does battle with Ford’s Ranger Raptor and VW’s top-spec Amarok for the title of king of the off road.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Ford Ranger Raptor and Volkswagen Amarok 580. Photo: Thomas Wielecki.

Off the beaten track

The aftermath of the NSW bushfires can be clearly seen as the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport goes head to head with the Ford Everest and Isuzu’s popular M-UX.

The Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Ray of sunshine

On a gloomy Sydney day, Ford’s new Escape stands out in a brilliant red against the background of the Anzac Bridge.

Ford Escape ST line. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Ready to pounce

Ford’s new city-focused SUV, the Puma, cuts a dashing figure on the Sydney Harbour waterfront.

Ford Puma ST Line. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Beach bum

Mercedes-Benz’s swoopy GLE 53 coupe takes in the morning rays on a beachside promenade.

The Mercedes GLE53. Picture by Thomas Wielecki.

Originally published as Car porn: the best photos of 2020