Scott McLaughlin has delivered Volvo their first V8 Supercars win in 28 years with victory in the opening race of this weekend’s round in Perth.

The Kiwi youngster has been a standout performer so far this season and on Saturday showed his wares at Barbagallo Raceway.

McLaughlin crossed the line 0.75seconds ahead of countryman Fabian Coulthard of Holden and Ford young gun Chaz Mostert to stand atop the podium for the third time in his short career.

Volvo, who became the fifth manufacturer to join the field in 2014, haven’t scored a championship race win since 1986.

“Old mate upstairs wasn’t helping me, something went wrong with the exhaust,” McLaughlin said.

“I can’t thank everyone enough … but I’m not going to swear on TV again!”

McLaughlin failed to make the most of his fourth pole of the season, with Lowndes getting the jump on him heading into the first corner at Barbagallo Raceway.

The 20-year-old briefly dropped to fourth, but after passing veteran Russell Ingall on lap seven mauled his way back to reclaim the lead from Lowndes 12 laps later.

A tense pitstop and Will Davison’s Mercedes couldn’t stop the Kiwi sensation from flying home.

Championship leader Mark Winterbottom finished one-place behind his Ford Performance Racing teammate Mostert in fourth, but ahead of nearest rival Lowndes who ended the 42-lap race sixth.

Things went from bad to worse for his Red Bull Racing partner and defending champion Jamie Whincup.

Instead of gaining ground, the five-time title winner slipped from 11th to finish near the back of the pack in 17th.

Whincup won two of last year’s three races at Barbagallo and had been hoping for a repeat of his good form in Perth this weekend after poor showings last round in Auckland and earlier at Winton.

Lowndes will start Saturday’s second 100km sprint from pole position, with McLaughlin alongside him on the front row from 2.30pm (4.30pm AEST).