Australian punk rockers The Living End will be the headline act for the musical component of the 27th horsepower festival, which will cruise into Canberra for four days from January 2, 2014.

Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez is still riding high on the successful 2013 event. The street machine showcase made its way into the Guinness World Records back in January for staging a stunt which saw the most vehicles perform a simultaneous burn out.

"The Summernats is committed to featuring high profile Aussie music. We had an awesome Friday night with the Hilltop Hoods at Summernats 26 and the The Living End continues that great standard," Mr Lopez said.

The Living End trio, who promise to deliver a set akin to a "fancy fill, beer-frothin' rockability lick or red hot bass run without breaking a sweat", are looking forward to following in the footsteps of Rose Tattoo and The Screaming Jets who have both entertained crowds of Summernats past.

"Rock'n'roll and tough cars have a lot in common, they both turn the adrenaline up to 11. We're looking forward to bringing them together this summer in Canberr for the Summernats," lead singer and guitarist Chris Cheney said.

More acts are expected to be announced in September.

In an unprecedented move, organisers will be introducing an electronic dance music element to the festival.

Traditionally the Saturday night at Summernats has featured classic Aussie rock bands. For 2014 a yet to be named "electronic DJ" will be the main attraction on the main stage.

In 2013, more than 100,000 car enthusiasts attended the largest four-day street car exhibition staged in the Southern Hemisphere.

Summernats will return to Exhibition Park in Canberra from January 2-5.