The all-new Red Bull Holden Racing Team next-generation Commodore Supercar has been launched in stunning fashion as the covers were lifted, floating in amongst some of Australia’s most iconic scenery in Sydney. Team drivers Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen revealed the new-look racecar, featuring its sleek hatchback body shape and bold livery, on the water of Farm Cove.
Reigning Supercars champion Whincup says he’s looking forward to racing with the #1 back on board this year in what he feels is the best-looking Commodore yet.
“In my world, I consider today a very big deal. We’re not only showing our supporters our 2018 livery, we’re unveiling the new-look, next-generation Commodore supercar. It’s pretty special to be able to do that in this incredible setting,” he said.
“We’ve decided to really change it up with the colour scheme this year, which looks awesome on the new body shape. We’re obviously hoping it’s a rocket, but I guess we’ll find out in Adelaide in just a few weeks’ time.” The seven-time series champion has extended his contract with Triple Eight Race Engineering, which will see him stay with the Brisbane-based outfit until at least the end of the 2019 Supercars season. Having joined in 2006, the extension will see Whincup complete 14 years with the team. “I’ve been with Triple Eight for a long time now and we’ve achieved a lot together, but at the same time still feel we have so much more to prove. I’m rapt to be staying within the family for at least the next couple of seasons and massively looking forward to the challenges that the new Commodore and then the V6 engine next year will present.”
Today’s spectacular unveiling saw the car placed on a floating pontoon and towed onto Sydney Harbour to the idyllic Farm Cove where both Whincup and van Gisbergen whipped off the covers for the world’s first look at the 2018 livery. “I’m really looking forward to getting back racing this year, especially with the brand new body shell on the 2018 Commodore,” said 2016 Supercars champion van Gisbergen. “The guys and girls at Triple Eight have been working ‘crazy-hard’ to get our cars ready for the season, so hopefully we can do them and the Commodore nameplate proud this year.
“Last year’s championship obviously didn’t go to plan for me with too many mistakes, so I’ll be aiming to get back up there this season and hopefully we have two Red Bull Holdens fighting it out for the title at Newcastle.” The 2018 Commodore Supercar, with the new-look next-generation body, represents a bold, unexpected and revolutionary direction by Holden. The striking new livery design on the Red Bull Holden race car is the work of General Motors Holden design manager Peter Hughes, who describes it as ‘fresh, daring and definitely different’. “The next generation livery is dominated by a completely dark blue front, fading to completely white rear and should be unmistakable on track. Graphics front and rear have been kept to a minimum, showcasing and highlighting the elegant lines of the new Commodore,” Hughes said.
“Funky, bold slashes help connect the aggressive blue front to simple and bold white rear, where Holden’s signature nameplate is now vibrant black on white in keeping with our new corporate direction. I feel it’s a great way to celebrate the entry of a new era of Commodore into Australian motorsport and I hope the fans like the new look.”
This year the brand will continue to tell the Holden Motorsport story and this strong commitment to Australian motorsport is exciting times, says Holden’s General Manager of Brand, Media & Sponsorship – Emma Pinwill. “Holden remains committed to being a leader in motorsport in this country and engaging with the legion of our fans who have supported Holden, Holden racing teams and our racing heritage.” Pinwill said. “Today confirms Holden’s commitment to Australian motorsport and we are excited to continue our partnership with Triple Eight Race Engineering and look forward to seeing the striking new Red Bull Holden Racing Team Commodore supercar on top of the podium in 2018.”
This year is the sixth for Red Bull as a naming rights partner of Triple Eight Race Engineering. The 2018 season marks the second time the team has debuted a new model Commodore in this period, with the energy drink joining in 2013 when the VF Commodore first took to the track before going on to become the most successful model in Australian touring car history. Managing Director Jason Sargent is proud that Red Bull has played a significant role in the team’s success over the last five seasons and is looking forward to this hopefully continuing into the future. “We’re incredibly proud of the team’s effort to secure Jamie’s seventh drivers’ championship last year and we’re excited to see them continue to push for the teams’ championship and the top step of the Bathurst podium in 2018,” he said. “Red Bull has a long and proud history in motorsport and the Supercars partnership is no exception. We continue to be excited by the category, the drivers and our fans which energises us to see our partnership with Triple Eight and Holden continue to evolve.”
Alongside Holden and Red Bull, the #1 and #97 Commodores continue to enjoy the support of Caltex, IVECO, GearWrench, O’Brien AutoGlass, XForce Performance Exhausts and TW Steel in 2018. Triple Eight is also delighted to welcome ACDelco on board as a partner.
The Red Bull Holden next-gen supercars will make their competitive debut when the 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship kicks off with the Adelaide 500, 1st – 4th March.