NASCAR unveils Next Gen racing car more like what we see on the street

NASCAR and Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota have unveiled the Next Gen race cars that will begin competition in 2022. The sanctioning body and competing manufacturers worked together on the project to create racing machines that better replicate those seen in dealerships and on public roadways.

The new design features a lowered greenhouse, shorter rear deck and wider track so vehicles look more like coupes than sedans. 

NASCAR notes that bodies are fully symmetrical, “which will reduce aerodynamic forces and put an emphasis back on race car setup and driver control.”

It adds that the cars’ “new composite material is more durable and will allow more beating and banging without loss of performance.”

The Next Gen cars will ride on independent rear suspensions, have rack and pinion steering, and 18-inch forged aluminum wheels that replace the traditional 15s, and the brakes will be enlarged. The cars also will be equipped with a new transaxle setup that combines the transmission and differential into a single package. NASCAR notes that the new transaxle was developed “with an eye on the future — the ability to incorporate electrification.”

Louvers incorporated into car hoods “will allow teams to maximize engine performance independent of aerodynamics.”

Next Gen cars get a redesigned chassis with front and rear bumpers for safety and with front and rear clips that bolt to the center section for serviceability and repair.

“The Next Gen Camaro has a much stronger link to the production Camaro ZL1 in terms of styling integration, improved proportions and relevant technologies,” said Eric Warren, Chevrolet director of NASCAR Programs. 

“From an engineering standpoint, this is a seismic shift. It’s a completely new car that brings with it a lot of opportunity from a technical standpoint.”

For more information, visit the NASCAR website.