A driver led police on a 150mph police chase along the M6 before dumping their vehicle in Wigan.
Police have released a picture of the stolen car, a Volkswagen Golf R, which they said officers spotted "at high speed on the M6 southbound" this morning.
The car had been stolen from Southport two days ago, say officers in Lancashire.
"After a pursuit in excess of 150mph", the vehicle was found abandoned in Wigan, the Liverpool Echo reports.
The stolen car had been fitted with false plates, said police.
A manhunt has been launched for the driver and anyone with information is being urged to come forward.
Lancs Road Police tweeted: "HO51 sighted this VW Golf R at high speed on the M6 southbound.
"After a pursuit in excess of 150mph, the vehicle was located abandoned near Wigan.
"The vehicle was established as being stolen from Southport 2 days and now on false plates. Now recovered for CSI."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lancashire Constabulary on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
