AIMS: Walkinshaw Performance Series II unveiled

Aussie muscle alive and well in Sydney with new supercharged V8 ready to tackle world's best

Walkinshaw Performance (WP) today unveiled its latest supercar, the WP Series II at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

A totally new and integrated product, the WP Series II is based on a Holden Commodore SS but boasts the unqiue and all-new WP 230 supercharger (sourced from US supplier Edelbrock) with a resulting output of 460kW/780Nm.

 "Today's unveil is the culmination of a real breakthrough year for Walkinshaw Performance, with the introduction of new products and an industry-first driveline warranty", said Walkinshaw Performance CEO, Craig Wilson.

"The package is the result of hundreds of hours of testing, refinement and discussions between the WP team and our suppliers to bring to market a truly unique product

"We're celebrating the release of the WP Series II Supercar by producing just 23 examples, finished in Panorama Silver, the same colour which adorned the original 'Walky' when it debuted at the Sydney Motor show 23 years ago."

The package will also feature three-inch bi-modal exhaust, carbon-fibre lip spoiler and specially embroidered WP headrests, sill plates and armrests.

The addition to the WP230 supercharger to the Commodore SS's 6.0-litre V8 represents a new frontier for Walkinshaw Performance, and not just because of raw numbers the supercharged engine delivers, as Chief Engineer Alan Hale explains.

"The big benefit of this package is the huge 12-inch long intake runner system which delivers massive amounts of torque under the curve, for instance 700Nm as low as 3000rpm," he said.

"We're really proud of the end product and we know it is going to be popular with customers looking for something extra from their Holden or HSV."

Sales and Marketing Manager Tony Harris said Walkinshaw Performance were limiting the launch of the WP Series II Supercar to a run of just 23 and recognising initial customers in a special way.

"They will receive a special certificate of authenticity and have the chance to personally view their car being built at our Clayton manufacturing facility," he said.

"With only a small run of the new car to be available in the original Panorama Silver 1987 Sydney Motor Show launch colour, we expect demand to be strong."

The Panorama Silver colour was produced using the same pigments from the original Walkinshaw, according to Hale, but using modern processes.

Could they sell more than 23 cars, we asked. "I think 23 is realistic," Hale told the Carsales Network. The original Walkinshaw was built to 500 units for Group A homologation purposes. A further 250 were built but "the majority sat around."

WP Series II Supercar highlights:
- Edelbrock E Force supercharger, machine finished in billet aluminium
- Braking: six-piston 378mm front rotors / six-piston 365mm rear rotors
- Upgraded & recalibrated suspension package developed with Bilstein
- A specially commissioned audio upgrade package from Rockford Fosgate
- Body finished Panorama Silver
- Price: $99,990 ($117,760 as shown)
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims

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