Supercars will enter a new era next season with the introduction of V6 turbo engines although the launch has been scaled back to a wildcard entry at selected events.

Holden Motorsport confirmed last week that it will phase in the new power plants next year in conjunction with Triple Eight, who has been charged to develop the new Gen2 Commodore.

Triple Eight had originally planned to debut the new European designed Commodore Supercars with the 3.6 litre twin-turbo engine currently in development GM Racing’s plant in Michigan, in America.

Instead, Triple Eight will run the new Commodore with existing V8 engines while a wildcard V6 powered entry will feature sporadically throughout the campaign.

The decision will allow the engine to undergo further development to ensure parity with V8 power plants can be reached before its full launch in 2019.

The news arrived alongside the first official renders of the new look Holden Commodore Supercar.

The introduction of non V8 engines is a key part of Supercars’ new Gen2 regulations which come into force next season.

Such a seismic shift in engine configuration has proved divisive among fans accustomed to the traditional V8 units.

However, championship organisers have made the move to help the series maintain its market relevance and entice other manufacturers into the category.

While the latter has so far not eventuated, V6 turbo engines will conduct their first racing miles next season.

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