The Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are set to take their new car sales fight to the racetrack.

Australia's most popular new vehicles are set to compete in the new SuperUtes series that will support the Supercars racing championship beginning in 2018. The first two examples of the race-ready utes were unveiled in Townsville today, one based on a Ford Ranger and the other a Mitsubishi Triton.

Organisers are aiming to have racing examples of the HiLux, Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 on the grid next year too. The Ford and Mitsubishi have been built by former Supercar champion team boss Ross Stone to specifications laid down by Supercars rule makers.

Each ute is based on a dual-cab, diesel-powered ute. Instead of running four-wheel drive each will be rear-wheel drive and fitted with racing suspension from SupaShock and brakes by Brembo. The utes will also feature a control gearbox, rear differential and wheel and tyre package.

SuperUtes will replace the current utes series, which still relies on Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon utes, both of which will be out of production in 2018.

Supercars managing director Matt Braid is confident the move to the more popular dual-cab utes will make an entertaining race series.

"This week the Ford Ranger and the Toyota HiLux were again the most popular cars in Australia, selling more units than any other model in the country," Braid said.

"These SuperUtes not only look stunning but are a purpose-built race car which will be amazing to drive, is market relevant, affordable and with the highest safety levels. This will be a fantastic Series to compete in and for spectators to watch."

Organisers have announced an eight-event schedule with races in Adelaide, Darwin, Townsville, Ipswich, Sydney Motorsport Park, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Newcastle.

No manufacturer has committed to supporting the series but the Sieders Racing team has confirmed it will enter multiple Mitsubishi Tritons.