2018 Holden Commodore Supercar

Holden will continue to build a V8-powered Commodore after it closes it down its local manufacturing operations in October.

Well, at least it will do for three VIPs.

Holden has revealed the first images of its next-generation Supercar racer that is due to hit the track in 2018, confirming the Red Bull Holden Racing Team of Jamie Whincup and Shane Van Gisbergen, along with the sister Caltex car of Craig Lowndes, will continue to use today's V8 engine next year while developing a twin-turbo V6 powerplant for 2019.

The computer-generated images showcase how the European-sourced Commodore that is due to take over from today's Aussie-built model will look like when it receives the full Supercar treatment, with pumped-up body work, big wings and lowered suspension with racing wheels and brakes.

The company has confirmed a prototype Supercar racer is "currently undergoing an intensive and rigorous design and development process" in partnership with Triple Eight Race Engineering that runs the Red Bull and Caltex teams while the V6 twin-turbo engine is being worked on in the US by General Motors Performance and Racing Center.

​The first car is due to be completed later this year in time to undertake an official testing program to ensure the new model's aerodynamics don't provide it with an advantage over the existing Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Nissan Altima that make up the Supercars grid.

In a statement, Holden says Triple Eight will seek approval to enter a V6-powered car as a wild card entry in selected rounds next season to assess its potential in full racing combat before a planned full roll-out in 2019, where the engine will be accessible to any other Holden teams on a "favourable leasing program".

The staggered introduction is designed to make the transition to the new Commodore as seamless as possible while ensuring Triple Eight's front running drivers remain competitive in the championship next year, as well as providing Supercars' technical department with knowledge of the engine's performance potential to ensure there is parity with the current naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 that rival teams may continue to use in 2019 and beyond.

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"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 chairman 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."

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