On Wednesday, the three participating NASCAR manufacturers showcased the latest looks of their new “Next Gen” models that will form the basis of its Cup Series rigs starting in the 2022 season. Camry, Mustang and Camaro the models all have individual characteristics, but for all, the series and the automakers have said they are looking for “features that reduce dependence on aerodynamics and increase the emphasis on car setup.”
This covers the new coupe silhouette, composite body materials, symmetrical design, larger wheels and two inches taller than their predecessors. They should also be cheaper for teams, as they will need fewer cars per driver, as they are built in such a way that a car is usable on different types of tracks.
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But ultimately, the biggest change could come under the hood, as NASCAR considers a switch to hybrid power, following Formula 1 which has used hybrid engines for several years. The goal is to design a car that NASCAR said will be “future proof” to make the change as smooth as possible.
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President Steve Phelps said, “The Next Gen car will certainly have the opportunity, if we decide to move to some form of electrification in a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid engine, let the Next Gen car give us the opportunity to. place this engine there. .. I would have said before COVID we may be looking at ’23 … it could be ’24. ‘One even wonders whether or not he could handle an electric powertrain, but that possibility is even more distant.
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Other changes fans will notice in the Next Gen models include wider tires, bigger brakes, independent rear suspension, and a rear camera to help drivers see behind them. The latter is necessary due to the lower roofline of new cars. The new cars will also allow broadcasters to have on-board cameras for every car in a race, as John Probst, NASCAR senior vice president of racing innovation, John Probst said: “We’re looking to get more. data from the ECU (electronic control unit), get more camera angles, high definition cameras, 360 cameras – you name it. “
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