NASCAR has announced that the Car of Tommorow will begin Nextel Cup Series competition in 2007. Teams will use the newly designed race car for 16 events next season, begining with the spring race at Bristol.
SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF THE CAR OF TOMORROW
Safety Benefits
• "G" force spike reduction
• Cockpit intrusion protection
- Roll cage is 2 inches taller, 4 inches wider
- Left-side door bars covered with steel plate
- Door bars configured for impact attenuation
- Driver's left-side frame rail (intrusion, EA backstop)
- Fully enclosed driveshaft tunnel
- Truck arm cross member for controlled crush
- Left-side suspension moved left 1 inch
- Match bumper heights front, rear and side
- Re-configured floor pan (no OEM floor pan)
• Fire protection
- Less fuel volume (17.5 gallons from 22 gallons) and
stronger container
Cost Reduction
• Fewer cars in car owner's inventory
• Tighter parameters (quicker, easier and cheaper to build)
- More closely matched grill area (Most cooling air will enter
through space below bumper)
- Headlights straighter to match production vehicle
(Less aerodynamic)
• Windshield angle more upright and more closely matches
2007 street cars
• 3D body surface inspection at track ; chassis pre-certification
by R&D Center using coordinate measuring system
Other Benefits
• Enhanced TV Camera Locations
- Camera pod designed by broadcast Sports Technology (BST)
mounted on all cars (Roof camera as used today along with
additional side-mounted cameras located between the
B & C posts)
-Other possible camera locations (low front, etc)
• Improved manufacturer's identify
CAR OF TOMORROW TECHNICAL ELEMENTS
Engine:
Cast iron 358 cubic inch (max.) V8 with
aluminium cylinder heads
Horsepower:
850@9000 RPM
Compression Ratio:
12:1
Torque:
550ft/lb@7500 RPM
Induction:
One 4B Holley carburetor
Top Speed:
200 mph (est.)
Transmission:
4-speed
Front Suspension:
Independent coil springs/Upper, lower
"A" frames
Rear Suspension:
Trailing arms, coil springs, panhard bar
Chassis:
Rectangular steel tubing w/integral roll cage
Body Length:
198.5 inches
Body Width:
74.0 inches
Height:
53.5 inches
Weight:
3400 pounds (w/o driver)
Front Splitter:
6 inches (max.)
Gear Ration:
2.90 to 650:1
Rear Wing:
NASCAR supplied
Wheel Base:
110 inches
Wheels:
Steel 15" x 9.5"
Tread Width:
61.5 inches (max.)
Front Brakes:
Disc
Rear Brakes:
Disc
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January 18, 2010, 1:11 pm
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