The arrival of the Ford Mustang into Supercars sets a new template for other manufacturers looking to enter the category, with implications for Holden, a lesson in what could have been for Nissan and a saving grace for the V8 engine.
When we went to print with the previous issue of Supercar Xtra Magazine, Holden was committed to the development of a twin-turbo V6 engine for its ZB Commodore, Ford remained sidelined with no indication as to what would replace the Falcon, while Nissan was being pushed to convert to the GT-R.
Fast forward to this issue and Holden has shelved the twin-turbo V6 and will continue with the V8, Ford is back with a V8-powered Mustang, while Nissan will depart at the end of this season.
The dramatic turnarounds have swung the balance of power to the Blue Oval. Though Ford Australia had shown a disinterest in Supercars in recent years, the decision to race the Mustang with a V8 across its teams has been praised by fans from both sides of the manufacturer divide. It will be the first two-door coupe to race under the Gen2 rules, which were created to open up Supercars to different body shapes and engine configurations.
Holden, in contrast to Ford, didn’t waver in its commitment to Supercars, but has been battling sliding showroom sales and continued criticism for the decision to retain the Commodore name on the new imported version of the vehicle.
The struggle in the marketplace has raised the suggestion that parent company General Motors could simply do away with the Holden brand in its outpost of Australia, instead exporting Chevrolet products.
Esta historia es de la edición June - July 2018 Issue 105 de V8X Supercar Magazine.
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Esta historia es de la edición June - July 2018 Issue 105 de V8X Supercar Magazine.
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The F1 Legends At The Mountain
The recently departed Sir Stirling Moss is recognised as the best Formula 1 driver never to win the drivers’ world championship, but his illustrious career extended to many other categories, including an often forgotten appearance in the Bathurst 1000 alongside another legend of the sport.
Right On Track: Sprinting Back Into Action
The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship returns with shorter sprint races on the reworked calendar in 2020.
Beyond The Wheel: Racing Virtually
Racing online in the BP Supercars All Stars Eseries was a new experience for me. While there were some carryover traits from racing in real life, there were also some significant differences.
Top 10 Seasons
Top 10 Seasons
The Inside Story: The New Normal
As we prepare for the return of racing, the whole Supercars pitlane is wondering how things will look. And work.
Top 10 (Multi-Car) Crashes
10 mount panorama circuit 2014
TOP 10 MAKES
TOP 10 MAKES
VIRTUAL MOVES
The BP Supercars All Stars Eseries provided some racing during the suspension of the season, paving the way for more regular virtual contests.
VIRTUAL REALITY
The BP Supercars All Stars Eseries has paved the way for Supercars to further embrace virtual racing, opening up an important avenue to attract and engage with new audiences for the category
1960 – 2020 TOP 60 DRIVERS
Who are the greatest drivers in the 60-year history of the Australian Touring Car Championship/Supercars? We rank the top 60 with an emphasis on best championship finishes, race-winning percentage and competitive longevity. Only drivers with top 10 championship finishes were considered, to emphasise championship performances over part-time or endurance campaigns. Also, results from the Bathurst 1000 and other endurance events were only factored in when they were part of the championship.
