The car retains its customary Vodafone specs extending over an updated body which sits flatter on the road but retains its aggressive looks with a musclier front and more defined lines.
Eyes will be immediately drawn to the racecar’s badging within the front grill, which features ‘Hogster’, the Hog’s Breath Café mascot.
‘Hogster’ will hit the grid alongside the team at each round of the series in 2009, providing that little bit of extra grunt that Whincup and Lowndes need to challenge for the title.
The team retains the support of major partners Vodafone, Nokia, Toshiba, Dexion and Komatsu in 2009.
Addressing guests present at today’s launch, 2008 champion Jamie Whincup (Car #1) declared his intentions for what he predicted would be the toughest season of V8 Supercar competition yet.
“I’ve enjoyed my break but am absolutely itching to get back into racing,” said Whincup. “The crew has been working very hard over the break to build and prepare completely new cars for Craig and myself and the attention to detail of the finished product is amazing.”
Teammate Craig Lowndes (Car #888) said he had been personally inspired by the efforts of the crew to prepare his new-spec V8 Supercar for the new season.
“The guys have been working long hours to make these cars as good as possible, it really is amazing to see what they have achieved in such a short time,” said Lowndes.
“I’m looking forward to a new season of challenges - this is the first time we’ve seen such a dramatic overhaul of the championship.
“Add two new tracks into the mix and you have the makings of an enthralling series, I can’t wait to get started on the streets of Adelaide in a few weeks’ time,” Lowndes concluded.
The 14-round V8 Supercar Championship opens with the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide from March 19-22
