Holden gives first look at Colorado SuperUtes racer

HOLDEN has released the first official render of its Colorado ute that is set to compete in the SuperUtes racing series in 2018, with the Melbourne-based GM Design Australia team responsible for the sporty pick-up’s look.

Based on the top-spec Z71 dual-cab variant, the profile shot shows a homologated truck finished in Satin Steel Grey, with a heavily lowered suspension set-up.

Holden decals and geometric design elements also feature, as well as side steps, racing alloy wheels and special tyres.

Supercars has enforced a series of mandated components on the SuperUtes to ensure parity, including a roll-cage, pedal box, ECU, gearbox and ratios, rear axle assembly with control diff and ratio, brakes, tyres, wheels, springs and dampers.

The diesel-powered SuperUtes will be limited to a maximum output of 340bhp and 500lb-ft of torque (254kW/678Nm) sent to the rear wheels, while all models will carry a minimum weight capacity of 1800kg.

Outputs are well up on the 147kW/500Nm capacity of the stock Colorado, which uses a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel donk.

The SuperUtes series will features models from six different manufacturers – the Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50.

Thirty-two spots are available on the starting grid, with up to six spots available per manufacturer.

An eight-round provisional calendar has been announced which will see the SuperUtes compete at races in Adelaide, Darwin, Townsville, Ipswich, Sydney, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Bathurst.

The SuperUtes series will replace the Holden vs Ford V8 Ute Series, which is in its final year.

Supercars CEO James Warburton said the pedigree that Holden brings to Australian racing makes the Colorado a fitting addition to the SuperUtes series.

“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,” he said.

“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.”