Radio breaks a Porsche

Radio is essentially a friendly and useful tool but occasions can arise where its influence can be alarming.

Such was the case when the latest model Porsche was stopped dead in its tracks by what was thought to be interference from various commercial radio towers on the north shore of Sydney.

The Panamera, which was on a test drive, was parked in a semi-industrial area and that's when the trouble began. The car's sensor key was not recognised, which meant the car would not respond to any outside commands.

Then the doors locked closed with three people inside with no ventilation and a rising interior temperature.

Some 30 minutes later it was decided to smash a window to gain access but it then took another hour and a half to manoeuvre the car onto a tow truck because the electronic brake would not release.

Porsche then traced the problem to radio interference and admitted that similiar problems had occurred in four other Panameras worldwide.

The company first tried a software upgrade that failed but has now produced a suppressor to shield the electronics from radio waves. Now the device will be fitted to the range as part of a mandatory service.