Holden Commodore 2018 Supercars racer uncovered

The first official concept images of Holden's new-generation (Gen 2) Commodore Supercar have been revealed, ahead of its scheduled debut in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship in 2018.

Holden has also revealed that its Gen 2 Supercar will run next year with the existing V8 race engine, and that the much heralded V6 twin turbo will be run only in selected races on a wildcard entry basis.

It had been expected that Holden's official Supercars team, Triple Eight Race Engineering (Triple 8), would run the turbo six from 2018 onwards, but it will now be phased in to ensure parity between manufacturers can be maintained in the Supercars championship.

This phased introduction sets a clear path forward for not only Holden but existing and new manufacturers in the sport.

"Our sport prides itself on Supercars being the closest competition in the world," said team principal Roland Dane, "and the phased introduction of the next-generation Commodore will ensure that is maintained."

Supercars V8 engines cost about $120,000 each and the teams have at least two per car so the phased introduction of the turbo V6 will likely allow other Holden teams to make a quicker and more economical transition to the new Commodore in 2018.

Supercars Australia chief executive officer James Warburton applauded Holden for their approach to introducing the new car and engine package.

"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," he 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 new twin-turbo V6 engine, tailored for Supercars' Gen 2 regulations, is currently undergoing development in partnership with the General Motors Performance and Racing Centre in Pontiac, Michigan.

Once development is concluded and the engine specification is approved by Supercars management the new V6 engine will be available to all Holden teams via a leasing program.

The Supercars version of the new European-built Commodore is currently undergoing an intensive design and development process.

The computer-generated image is the work of GM Design Australia Exterior Design Manager Peter Hughes.

The Supercars version of the new European-built Commodore is currently undergoing an intensive design and development process being undertaken in partnership between Holden and Triple 8.

The design work includes advanced simulation and aerodynamic evaluation using sophisticated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling.

Supercars is a tightly controlled parity formula with power outputs almost equal and limited on-track testing. Aerodynamics is often the deciding factor on who wins so using advanced CFD simulation can form a decisive advantage.

Does the NG Commodore Supercar look like a winner to you? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.