Supercars earmarks date for Gen3 on-track debut

Supercars is expecting its highly anticipated Gen3 prototype will make its first on-track debut midway through 2021.

Much has been said of the Gen3 regulations, which are supposed to cut entry and ongoing costs when they come into force in 2022.

Ford teams will continue to field the Mustang model while the Holden Commodore will effectively be replaced by the Chevrolet Camaro.

Supercars had publicly targeted the first quarter for the completion of its first prototype chassis.

Speaking with select media including Speedcafe.com, Supercars CEO Sean Seamer outlined plans for a mid-year on-track debut.

“The team are working towards cutting laps in the middle of the year,” he said.

“Gen3, the team and the committee made fantastic steps through the course of last year.

“We’ve had a longer off-season than usual and that’s been put to good use. The latest update that I’ve got from the committee is that we can expect prototypes around the middle of the year.

“We’ll be using different people to provide different updates over the course of the next few months, both in broadcast and digitally, to make sure we’re procuring as much information as we possibly can to take everybody on the development journey.

“There’s quite a few different work streams, with the development of the chassis, the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) work on the aero package, the engine work that’s ongoing,” Seamer added.

“It’s just trying to get the right balance between bringing the project to life and making sure that we’re not rushing things, that we’re able to put something on track that very closely represents what we’ll be racing next year.”

Supercars gave fans a glimpse of what the new-look touring cars will look like during the week of last year’s Bathurst 1000.

A handful of controlled components are set to be introduced, including a standardised pedal box, brakes package, fuel system, electrics and electronics, and wheel.

Supercars is also investigating introducing push-to-pass as well as paddle-shift technology.

Hybrid technology could also be added to the championship, although it’s not expected to arrive in time for the 2022 rollout.

Fundamental to the design of Gen3 is a lower and wider chassis, which can accommodate a greater breadth of silhouettes.

All of that is expected to culminate in a sub-$350,000 car, including engine.