Holden’s future arrives
“It is a pragmatic and sensible approach by Holden and Triple Eight Race Engineering in introducing the new Commodore and a twinturbocharged V6 powered engine to the sport,” Supercars CEO James Warburton said.
“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 for not only Holden but existing and new manufacturers in the sport.”
Holden last night confirmed the all-new V6 race engine was being built at the General Motors Performance and Racing Centre in Pontiac, Michigan, and would be used as a wildcard entry run by Triple Eight next year.
The staggered rollout will allow them to test the engine before a fulltime introduction.
“Our sport prides itself on Supercars being the closest competition in the world,’’ Triple Eight boss Roland Dane said.
“And the phased introduction of the next-generation Commodore will ensure that is maintained.’’
The Supercars version of the next-gen Commodore is undergoing an intensive and rigorous design and development process being undertaken in partnership between Holden and its official factory racing team, Triple Eight Race Engineering.
Sophisticated Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling is being used in the production to provide aerodynamic evaluation.
“What an incredible-looking race car, it carries on the tradition of Commodores looking awesome on and off the track and ushers in a new era for our brand,” Holden’s executive director of marketing and customer experience Mark Harland said.
“I can’t wait to see it out on the track claiming race wins.”