Camaro to join Mustang in Aussie V8s

 

The Australian V8 Supercars championship has unveiled its first cars for the new ‘Gen3’ era and fleshed out the regulations that will surround the shift in machinery.

Shown in concept form and in various liveries in mid-October is an all-new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 to replace the current but outgoing Commodore, while Ford’s Mustang will continue through into the new Gen 3 era, with the actual body shape much closer to road-going versions.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer says the cars will retain their signature V8 engine format to ensure they’re fast and loud, but will be ‘hybrid ready’ and more closely resemble the road cars they are based on.

The cars take a drastic step back toward to their production-car roots: aerodynamic add-ons and aero effect has been cut back.

“The cars will have a lot less downforce than the current car, making the racing more spectacular and putting more reliance on driver skill.”

Gen 3 cars will have around 50 per cent less aerodynamic grip than current ‘Car of the Future’ models. Series organisers say the doors, roof, bonnet, and windows will retain their key dimensions — a move not seen since the arrival of Project Blueprint in 2003.

The car will be 100kg lighter and feature engines that make 600 bhp at 7500 rpm.
All engines used will be V8s. There has been no decision to switch to a 'spec' or category engine such as that used in Touring Car Masters and TA/2, but Gen3 will see the current power-to-weight ratio maintained across all engines in the category.

 

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