Photo: V8 Supercars

First draft of 2017 Gen2 V8 Supercar regulations released

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The V8 Supercars organisation has released a first draft of the 2017 Gen2 regulations to the teams of the championship.

“The far more complex Car of the Future program was the first step in opening the garage door and as a result we now have Nissan, Erebus and Volvo as a very important part of our sport,” said James Warburton, V8 Supercars CEO.

“Gen2 is another option for manufacturers and our race teams should they choose at a time that suits them, if at all. It is not a new direction or wholesale change.”

The main new features of the Gen2 regulations is the introduction of turbo-charged engines and other body types. The turbo engines will be allowed alongside the current naturally aspirated V8 engines, meaning a tough challenge for the organisers in terms of parity.

“We made it clear when we announced the Gen2 strategy that there will be no compromise in power, competition or technical parity. 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,” said Warburton.

The Gen2 regulations in brief:

  • 4, 6, or 8 cylinder (or other) that does not exceed the Supercars accumulated engine power output and weighted average
  • 635 BHP (estimated)
  • Rev limit of 7500 RPM
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Right-hand drive
  • Four-seat base car
  • Two-door coupé and four-door saloon allowed
  • Minimum production worldwide of 5000 cars

“From our many discussions it is crystal clear manufacturers want to go racing with their DNA embedded on the inside and outside of the car they choose to race. They want to use their engine technology and body aesthetics. These regulations allow for that over time without forgoing the promise of fast, fearsome and loud touring cars,” said Warburton.

The new regulations could see the Mustang model of Ford being introduced, the GTR model of Nissan, as well as the long-rumoured entry of Lexus with the RC F model.