Racer will be V8 for one season
Holden has revealed the first official image of the nextgeneration Commodore racing car, which will be introduced into the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship in 2018.
By releasing the Supercars concept now, Holden has also confirmed the next-gen Commodore will be homologated with the current V8 engine for the 2018 season only.
A new, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, suitable for the Supercarsseries Gen 2 regulations, is currently undergoing development in partnership with the General Motors Performance and Racing Center, in Pontiac, Michigan.
Triple Eight Race Engineering will seek approval from Supercars to run a V6-powered Commodore as a wild card entry at selected rounds next season before a full rollout for the 2019 season.
‘‘Our sport prides itself on Supercars being the closest competition in the world, and the phased introduction of the nextgeneration Commodore will ensure that is maintained,’’ Triple Eight Race Engineering team principal, Roland Dane says.
Supercars Australia chief executive officer James Warburton applauded Holden on the 2018 Commodore and the V6 engine development program for Gen 2.
‘‘It is a pragmatic and sensible approach by Holden and Triple Eight Race Engineering in introducing the new Commodore and a twin-turbocharged V6 powered engine to the sport,’’ Warburton says. ‘‘Importantly, it is a win for all the current teams in terms of the simplicity and market relevance for an easy transition to the new Commodore in 2018.
‘‘This phased introduction sets a clear path forward for not only Holden but existing and new manufacturers in the sport.’’