The first official renders of Holden's 2018 Virgin Australia Supercar Championship car have been released.
The drawings were released by the Daily Telegraph, showing the new aero package to be used on the Insignia-based, German built Commodore, with a bigger rear wing and added winglets on the front and rear splitters.
It was expected the new car would be powered by an all-new six-cylinder engine, however, Supercars CEO James Warburton has revealed that the 2018 Holden Supercar will be campaigned with both V8 and V6 engines.
Tripple Eight Race Engineering has sought official approval to begin development of a new V6 Supercar engine, but it will only appear as a wildcard entry at selected rounds. The new engine will be built at General Motors Performance and Racing Centre in Pontiac, Michigan
The V8 engine currently used in the series has been given a one-year stay of execution, before the series will move exclusively to V6s in 2019.
Current Tripple Eight Race Engineering drivers Shane van Gisbergen, Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes are not expected to drive the V6 car next year.
“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,” 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 forward for not only Holden, but existing and new manufacturers in the sport.”
The staggered roll out allows the company to test the engine before a fulltime introduction in 2019.
“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.’’
“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 next year.”
It is also expected two-door cars will be allowed to race, a move that would allow the Ford Mustang and Nissan GTR to re-enter the series.