V8 Supercars organisers have released the first draft of the Gen2 regulations that will allow alternative engine configurations for 2017, and expect V8s to remain the primary power.
The series announced late last year that engine regulations would be opened up in the rules revamp.
The 2017 package remains rooted in the current ‘Car of the Future’ uniform chassis spec under which Nissan, Volvo and the Erebus Mercedes have joined arch-rivals Holden and Ford in the field.
“The racecar must be rear-wheel drive and accurately reflect the look of the road car, retaining the essential DNA of the sport,” said a V8s statement.
“All cars will use the existing Car of the Future chassis and control components, and be subject to current engine and aero parity rules.
“The regulations state the model must have a minimum production volume of 5000 cars of the same body shape worldwide.
“It must be powered by an engine configuration, be that 4, 6, or 8 cylinder (or other) that does not exceed the Supercars accumulated engine power output and weighted average.”
Series CEO James Warburton said allowing more engine freedom while retaining the current power outputs and other core components of the rules package safeguarded the championship’s future.
“We made it clear when we announced the Gen2 strategy that there will be no compromise in power, competition or technical parity,” Warburton said.
“The category in 2017 will be exactly what it is now. Fast, loud and fiercely competitive. This opens the same garage door a little wider and future-proofs the sport.
“As has been the case with Nissan, Volvo and Mercedes we have proven beyond doubt these core ingredients can be transferred from one make to another.”
Ford announced just before the Gen2 plan was announced last year that it would end its factory involvement in V8 Supercars next year.
The marque’s presence in the 25-car field is already down to five Falcons, while Holden is numerically dominant with 12 entries.
Four factory Nissans, Erebus’s pair of Mercedes and the two Garry Rogers Motorsport-run Polestar Volvos complete the present field.
