NZ Performance Car

SUPERCARS’ NEW REGS TO ALLOW TWO DOORS, TURBOS AND MORE

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The V8 Supercars events are set to get very interestin­g over the coming few seasons as changes continue to be made to ensure the class survives the end of production of Ford’s Falcon and Holden’s Commodore.

Step one was allowing other manufactur­ers (the likes of Nissan, Volvo and Mercedes) to enter the series under the Car of the Future chassis regs, and now it would seem new engine configurat­ions and two-door cars will be welcomed to the series from 2017 onwards. Under the guidelines the car must be publicly available on the showroom floor in Australia, front engined, right-hand drive and use a full four-seat configurat­ion. The race-car version will utilize the Car of the Future chassis and control components, and be subject to engine and aero parity rules.

What we found most interestin­g was the fact turbo engines will be welcomed back in both four- and six-cylinder formats, as long as whatever engine is used has the right exhaust note. “The sheer brute power and sound of V8 Supercars is synonymous with the sport,” V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said. “A key area will be retaining the acoustic effect of high-powered race cars no matter the engine or make.”

Who will enter V8 Supercars under the new format is yet to be revealed, but Lexus is allegedly among several in high-level talks.

This will bring a new dimension to the premier touring car class in Australasi­a, and is a move we are very excited about here at NZPC.

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