The Case For A Spec V8

Engines other than V8s will feature under the Gen2 regulations in Supercars. But as Prodrive Racing Australia’s Mark Winterbottom and Jason Bright argue, is it worth considering a spec-V8 platform to maintain the current engine formula?

V8 engines have been the backbone of the Australian Touring Car Championship/Supercars since 1993. Therefore, opening up the category to other engines under the Gen2 rules presents a big change in philosophy; one that may be hard for competitors and fans alike to accept.

Holden paves the way for non-V8 engines with its impending switch to twin turbo V6s, while potential new manufacturers are being encouraged to look at the series without the requirement to run a five-litre V8. But should Supercars be catering to manufacturers or stick with what the fans want?

Jason Bright said the following in the V8X Supercar Magazine roundtable published in last issue: “I’m not a fan of bringing other engines in, personally. I think the V8 formula has worked very well for us.