General Motors : Holden Colorado swaps worksites and off-road for Aussie race circuits

Holden's Colorado is swapping worksites and off-road for some of Australia's most famous race circuits when it contests the exciting new SuperUtes category in 2018.

The SuperUtes ECB Series is a production-based category for dual or twin cab utes with turbocharged diesel engines and rear wheel drive.

SuperUtes replaces the current Holden v Ford V8 Ute Series and has been designed by Supercars to cater for the fast-growing ute segment that already makes up almost 20 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Australia.

Up to six grid positions are being made available to each of the six homologated models on the 32-car grid.

In confirming its support by homologating its popular vehicle for competition, Holden has released the first official render of the Colorado SuperUte.

The work of GM Design Australia, the striking Colorado features roll cage, competition wheels and a tough racing stance. Finished in the popular Satin Steel Grey, it is complimented by Holden's iconic Lion logo and the brand's geometric graphic element.

'SuperUtes is an exciting new racing series and supporting Australian motorsport has been an important part of Holden's heritage, so we are delighted to homologate Colorado for the series,' GM Holden General Manager - Brand, Media and Sponsorship, Emma Pinwill said.

'Colorado has been engineered to handle anything thrown at it by our customers, from inner city and suburban roads to rural highways, dirt roads, and off-road.

'The race track is no different and we are confident Colorado will carry on Holden's winning tradition.'

Engine performance will be strictly controlled to 340bhp and 500lb/ft by Supercars to maintain parity amongst brands, while a minimum weight of 1800kg applies to all models.

To ensure parity and cost containment, Supercars has mandated range of control components including a CAMS-approved control roll-cage, pedal box, ECU, gearbox and ratios, rear axle assembly with control diff and ratio, brakes, tyres, wheels, springs and dampers.

Supercars has announced an eight-round provisional calendar which lists the SuperUtes appearing at the Adelaide 500, CrownBet Darwin Triple Crown, Townsville 400, Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint, Red Rooster Sydney SuperSprint, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, Gold Coast 600 and Coates Hire Newcastle 500.

'Holden has been such an integral part of Supercars rich history, so it goes without saying that we are delighted to welcome it to the SuperUtes ECB Series,' Supercars Chief Executive Officer, James Warburton said.

'The Holden Colorado is now officially homologated and will take on five different manufacturers in what is shaping up to be an outstanding series.

'With official testing having commenced last week and six models approved for racing, the SuperUtes Series will commence in 2018 with a very strong field and what will be great racing.'

The first Colorado SuperUte is currently under construction at Ross Stone Racing on behalf of Holden.

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