It might infuriate some purists, but Holden is experimenting with a new turbocharged V6 under the hood of their V8 Supercars test mule. Built in response to the new ‘Gen 2’ regulations which allow for four-door bodies and the option of turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engines, Triple Eight Racing Engineering developed this testbed, known as ‘Sandman,’ initially with the current V8 but, more recently, with something a little smaller.

The new motor is a 3.6-liter GM V6, as used in the Cadillac ATS-V.R. GT3 racers, and uses two turbochargers to produce the grunt necessary to run with the big atmospheric motors. Though the engine in this wagon and the Cadillac racers are quite similar, the turbochargers and intercoolers were relocated here for purposes of packaging and improved center-of-gravity.

The compact motor, named the LF4.R, is marketed as a racing evolution of the 3.8-liter V6 from the CTS-V sport and developed by GM Powertrain. It’s considerably reworked with bigger BorgWarner EFR turbochargers, massive water-to-air intercoolers, a carbon fiber intake, a Bosch MS5.1 ECU, and a lightweight aluminum block. The GT3-spec engines produce 600 horsepower at 7,200 rpm and 520 lb-ft of torque without restrictors, though, with the engine having been developed over two years already, the power levels could rise in the evolution for V8 Supercar.

The Big Question

Though the category won’t have to be renamed with this new motor on the grid, the major concern is the sound. Though some are concerned about the sound not fitting with the sport’s soundtrack, if you like, the raspy six has makes some pleasant popping, whizzing, and sneezing, and a throaty exhaust note. Plus, with a side-exit exhaust, expect fireballs a-plenty.

This promotional, attention-grabbing vehicle—hence the wagon body—is designed to develop the engine prior to next season, when Triple Eight will use it in select races. As of now, it is the only proposed V6 for 2018, so the 5.0-liter V8 will remain the category’s defacto motor until 2019, when Triple Eight plans to equip all their cars with the turbocharged V6.

With V8 Supercars Champion Craig Lowndes handling the Sandman, it looks like a manageable machine. The progressive power delivery make the horsepower look completely controllable—though it’s obvious he’s not wringing it out entirely. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to see how linearly the power comes on, how quickly the turbos spool, and how rapid it is at the top end of the rev range. The addition of this motor is a harkening back to the days of Group A racing, when a diverse lineup which included the Nissan GT-R, the Ford Sierra Cosworth, and the big-bored Holdens. The addition of bigger bodies and smaller engines ought to provide a little needed variety in the category.

Clearly, the sound’s not quite bellow like the typical V8, but it doesn’t sound like a hairdryer either. With time, it’s likely that the naysayers will be silenced by the barking six.