NASCAR's "Car of Tomorrow"

  • Thread starter Thread starter JohnBM01
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This is going to be interesting to watch over the next couple years.with Toyota coming in and the "NEW" car in the wings, this just might bring a level playing field to all.The car looks ok but I will hold my judgment until the final style has been desided.BTW,I feel that Lexus has a better style of car that looks more in the NASCAR size.I mean the Camary is nice,but smaller than the car that are in NASCAR now.:)
 
Allow me to update this thread with new material. Take a look at this link:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/6313142

This shows the differences between the current Cup cars and the Car of Tomorrow models. Now this thing is going to debut in Round 5 of the series, which is the Bristol daytime race. I think it will be a complete fiasco for one reason- Bristol Motor Speedway is supposed to be "racin' the way it 'ought to be." So what you're saying is that there should be more cautions and thugging rather than actual racing? Spare a brother, player. I'd like to see these cars in road racing competition because I think they look more handsome as a road racing machine. And if I'm not mistaken, this should be as recent as four or five days ago. So enjoy the newer material.

NOW what do you think about these things as "Preseason Thunder" takes form?
 
I personally hate the Car of Tomorrow. It looks horrible and will ruin nascar in my opinion. Doubly bad that its debut is at Bristol because I love that track.
 
Sting
I personally hate the Car of Tomorrow. It looks horrible
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I agree with you there. some of the things they did they could have done the same with the current cars. I just don't get what is wrong with the current cars.
 
Why don't they make them STOCK. But nooooo. Some people don't like RWD. :grumpy: I hope that once all of the main competitors have a RWD car, it'll be a real NASCAR. 70's racing FTW.
 
I don't mind the way that NASCAR is going.Change is a part of all sports and we all went through this when they went from the 70's to the 80's and so on.The change is coming and there is nothing we can do.Some say boycot,but that will only hurt the ones that will do this as they will miss out on the exciting time when all teams will be on a level playing field..
 
What's with the front bumper jutting out like that? Why can't we have the lower surface of the front valance even with the rest of the front end?

I've noticed the Toyota Camry pictured in Motor Trend a little while back doesn't have the jutting front bumper. looks much better, too. What. the. Heck.

let's at least make the front valance (the whole car would be even better) look like this.

3570563-sm.jpg


the other thing i'd like to see would be a couple more road courses added to the schedule. Laguna Seca and Mid-Ohio would be exellent. Mt. Panorama, too.

Just (sort of) joking on the last one.
 
Jim Prower posted a picture there. See what I mean with how the front of these Cars of Tomorrow look more like an Australian V8 Supercar up front by the lower grill design? The difference between Australian V8 Supercars and NASCAR is that the Aussie V8s are more capable race cars despite being less powerful than NASCAR-type stock cars. Click on the link below for a larger picture of the #26 Crown Royal Ford Fusion:

http://msn.foxsports.com/id/6313760_7_1.jpg

Kind of study the front of this car and compare it to your average (hate to use that against these above average) Australian V8 Supercar. I would certainly love to see this design put into play for road courses. If NASCAR wanted to make them a bit more real with functional lighting and such, they could follow the model set by the IROC cars from last year's Daytona road course race. Maybe run a road course at night with the Car of Tomorrow. Here's your light example from the best-possible picture of an IROC car at Daytona's nighttime road race:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2006-06/24167307.jpg

The season is still a long way away, but let's do a one-off "Fact or Fiction?" Answer "fact" if it is very likely to happen, and "fiction" if it is unlikely to happen or just too good to be true. It isn't required, but you are free to comment on why you chose Fact or Fiction. So here's the one-off FACT OR FICTION...



NASCAR'S "CAR OF TOMORROW" - FACT OR FICTION?

1. The Car of Tomorrow will be abysmal in its debut (Round 5 at Bristol's daytime race).

2. Granted the insanity of races at Bristol, at least one driver will be injured (or maybe killed) from crashes in the Car of Tomorrow at Bristol.

3. NASCAR drivers and teams will be completely opposed to the Car of Tomorrow and want to revert to the current-gen car for the rest of the season much like how NBA players loved the old basketball as opposed to the newer model.

4. The Car of Tomorrow will be a bigger problem in terms of cleaning up car damage after crashes.

5. The newer model will make NASCAR fans forget all about the current model and be completely happy with the new model after the Bristol race.


How about it, boys and girls?
 
JohnBM01
NASCAR'S "CAR OF TOMORROW" - FACT OR FICTION?

1. The Car of Tomorrow will be abysmal in its debut (Round 5 at Bristol's daytime race).
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Doubt it. It will probably be similar to most Bristol races, as speed's not that high.

2. Granted the insanity of races at Bristol, at least one driver will be injured (or maybe killed) from crashes in the Car of Tomorrow at Bristol.
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You're giving Bristol too much credit. Top speed at Bristol is just over 115 MPH under race conditions. With safety advances on this car, and such low speeds, I don't think getting killed will be much of a deal, here. Injuries, perhaps, but wrecks happen at Bristol thanks to the size compared to number of cars on the track, not outright speed.

3. NASCAR drivers and teams will be completely opposed to the Car of Tomorrow and want to revert to the current-gen car for the rest of the season much like how NBA players loved the old basketball as opposed to the newer model.
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When they've been working on it so long? a few guys (those who were successuful under the previous formula, but not this one) may not like it, But I think it'll be accepted. either that, or shoved down the throats of those who don't like it. Most of the drivers should be happy if the car delivers on it's promises.

4. The Car of Tomorrow will be a bigger problem in terms of cleaning up car damage after crashes.
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There's not that much more to clean up. You've got a splitter, and a wing. Two new items. big whoop. It's not like many Touring Car events, where entire bumper shells get torn off.

5. The newer model will make NASCAR fans forget all about the current model and be completely happy with the new model after the Bristol race.
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That won't happen, either. I mean, look at how many poeople dislike this thing already. Many fans are going to remain critics. but, eventually, we'll get used to the formula.

There's my ten cents.
 
JohnBM01
NASCAR'S "CAR OF TOMORROW" - FACT OR FICTION?

1. The Car of Tomorrow will be abysmal in its debut (Round 5 at Bristol's daytime race).

2. Granted the insanity of races at Bristol, at least one driver will be injured (or maybe killed) from crashes in the Car of Tomorrow at Bristol.

3. NASCAR drivers and teams will be completely opposed to the Car of Tomorrow and want to revert to the current-gen car for the rest of the season much like how NBA players loved the old basketball as opposed to the newer model.

4. The Car of Tomorrow will be a bigger problem in terms of cleaning up car damage after crashes.

5. The newer model will make NASCAR fans forget all about the current model and be completely happy with the new model after the Bristol race.
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1. FICTION. With extensive testing and the fact that everyone will be using the cars i don't think anything will be any different.

2. FICTION. Surely a new, more modern car will bring with it increased driver safety?

3. FACT. - But nobody likes big changes. Once they get used to the new car they won't be bothered anymore.

4. FICTION. I can't see that it will make any difference (is the body made from a different material?)

5. FACT. Although the 'blank' CoTs look a little ungainly, once the usual sponsor artwork is applied i'm sure no one will really notice.
 
That's the only one I don't like so far, looks like complete ASS.

Also, whats with the small Goodyear lettering tires?
 
Av...Avenger?

Okaaaay....What was wrong wiht the Charger? other than that the grille and Headlights actually angled the other way?
 
I've been looking at the Speed Channel segments on the Car of Tomorrow. I said in the past that these Cars of Tomorrow look more like real race cars. Believe it or not, I even envisioned these cars looking more like an Australian V8 Supercar or even a Le Mans-bound GT1 car. But... it's just my vivid imagination. I'm sure my fellow Southerners would be more like "we don't need to make these phony, prissy, high-tech race cars. It's about racin', plain and simple. The thing I usually note is if the cars will actually be fast enough to actually warrant the use of these touring car-like wings on these stock cars. I think if you need proper downforce at the rear, you'll need to have some sufficient rear wing settings to cut through the wind.

I noted the wings at the rear are carbon fiber. Carbon fiber wings are what you'd normally see on most pure race cars. The aerodynamic settings at the rear with these wings would probably have to be purely adjustable to go for the proper rear settings for the track. Even though NASCAR races on mostly ovals, the ovals are purely varied. Places like Martinsville and Pocono are pretty flat. You also have more high-banked courses like Talladega, Darlington, and especially Bristol. So how do you adjust for each oval? It would depend on what challenge each oval throws out at them. Now let's look at road courses. And as I say, NASCAR races two competitive road race courses in Nextel Cup. Sears Point is a very technical race course while Watkins Glen really tests your driving ability.

It isn't like these stock cars are aerodynamic bricks. I just think this deal is pretty interesting in design. People probably wouldn't think designs like this Car of Tomorrow thing would seem pretty acceptable by most people. Some of you would have to admit that this kind of adds a little of pure race car technology and knowledge. Most people not used to splitters and real rear wings wouldn't be too accustomed to this Car of Tomorrow package. However, look back in NASCAR history. Didn't we have something like the... "Aero Wars" in which cars like the Plymouth Superbird was going up against a bunch of other high-winged cars?

I posted this in the wrong thread. I'm sorry.
 
So, you prepare these ahead of time, eh?

here's my response from earlier:

JohnBM01
Didn't we have something like the... "Aero Wars" in which cars like the Plymouth Superbird was going up against a bunch of other high-winged cars?
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The only other winged cars on the track of the "Aero war" era you speak of were the Dodge Charger Daytonas. However, the Ford Torino Talladegas were highly sleekened Torinos, sans wing, but very fast nonetheless. And then there were a bunch of privateer Chevys that didn't do all that well. They didnt' have wings, either.

I have seen somewhere where Ford was planning on using a bullet nosed, winged car like the Chryslers, but, by then, the Mopars were legislated out of competition, as was the Ford.

On the other issue, the COT: These cars are less aero-sensitive than the current automobiles. You can rub on them a little, and it won't affect it as much. Kinda like the '80s everyone harps about. Tell the critics that.

To add onto that, I've noticed a few aluminum wings as well, and some spoilers on the COT. Of course, this was in testing, but you get the picture.

I wonder who's gonna be the first with Evo MR style venturi generators...
 
Yes, that's right. I prepare all or most of my material prior to posting on GTPlanet. This is in the event that if something I typed up previously happens to be deleted or if the connection lags, then I want to have some sort of way to go back to posting my message without fail. And so this is what I do.

I'll just use the Quick Reply feature here. Speed Channel's showing of the Bristol testing sort of acted out all kinds of different wing angles and types. Most of the teams had varied types of rear wings. The cars look boxy, but aggressive. Crews were talking about trying to work the front splitter so that they don't bottom out in the corners. Maybe it's the road racing guy in me, but I almost sort of imagined that the cars had a road racing setup which allows for the use of functional front and rear lights. This is because they look more like race cars than "tanks."

This link features a Car of Tomorrow test car: http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2007/02/26/scene_daily629.html

There is a gallery of the Bristol test here: < http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/pgStory?contentId=6516214&pageNumber=1 >. If you want to see some of the race cars, just go to Picture #11 to see some of the cars in test trim and even in full decals.

Sort of compare this picture to some of the earlier Car of Tomorrow machines. I think if NASCAR wanted to be super aggressive with these cars based on grocery getters (except the Charger, even though I respect the latest Camry), they could do something like this Trans-Am car: < http://www.seriouswheels.com/2000-2003/2002-Jaguar-XKR-Trans-Am-Series-Challenger.htm >. Most of us would dream of something like this for NASCAR bodies, but this would be an extreme imagination.

Carry on the discussion.
 
I got to see Harvick's COT at The Chicago Auto Show, and it isn't anything to be upset about. That said, my father is a long-time NASCAR fan, and he doesn't see the point in changing the cars to the new design. I did some moderate explaining to him, but I guess it really didn't matter.

...I can't be mad over the whole thing. I mean, if I had it my way, they'd be running their stock sedans out there every weekend with some modification ("stock car," get it?). But, change can be good, and apparently this is supposed to level-up competition, decrease the costs of building and running the cars, and overall apparently make for a more-enjoyable experience for the fans.

I'm just wondering how Chevrolet will fare now that there is talk that GM may reduce the amount of money they pour into NASCAR, and with that, the upcoming style changes of their models. Will the Impala switch down to the Malibu, or will they go with the new Zeta-based Impala?
 
He brings up a good point. Dodge switched down to their Avenger, and Chevy conceviably decide to do the same with Malibu, or, they culd pull a Dodge on everyone and use the Zetampala. They could even use the age-old option of running the current Impala body for a couple years (and even extending the bodystyle's life even further by offering a "Classic" version for one year, like the Malibu and Silverado when they changed over.)
 
Well the problem is with running the Impala is that it would technically be the largest car there if they were running the true street cars. Followed by the Camry, then the Avenger and the Fusion (I'm not sure which is smaller). If Chevrolet was to use the Malibu they would be a lot closer in size to the others, and indeed would make more sense overall. But given that it has been an Impala-type model for as long as I can remember... Well, since the late-'80s with the death of the G-Body... Chevrolet will have to decide, soon.

What will also be interesting is what IROC decides to do in the near-future as well. They are still running the same Firebirds from what seems like a decade ago, and there obviously needs to be an update. Will they switch to the Camaro? Maybe the Challenger? Why haven't they gone to the Mustang?
 
I actually envisioned a Mustang stock car under this new Car of Tomorrow thing. Maybe the only difference is that the Mustang would probably be too boxy if turned into a Car of Tomorrow model. But I'll tell you what. It would be very interesting to envision a current Mustang as one of these newer stock car models. And I already know Mustangs were used in NASCAR before as were Camaros (imagine if this was in NASCAR now. This rivalry would be on the high banks and road courses).

Any more Car of Tomorrow comments? We won't have to wait too long because race #3 of 35 is this weekend. Race 5 is when we see these Cars of Tomorrow race at Bristol. Do you think the debut at Bristol is a good choice? What if they debut these at Darlington? Sears Point (I hate "Infineon Raceway")? Talladega? Daytona? Comment on.
 
That was the Busch series before they switched to Winston Cup type cars. I think, if they changed to Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger, they would stop having that problem wiht Nextel Cup drivers.

C.O.T.: Bristol is probably best because of the (relatively) low speeds reached. with any new program like this, you want to start out slow. Darlington is just too demanding, and add a new car, you could have some trouble with drivers.

Infin...err, Sears Point (I don't like the old name) would be fantastic, the Glen would be better, but old Riverside...it's a shame they tore that one up. It'd be freaking awesome. (Stupid California developers and their stupid mansions and malls...)

Someone needs to rebuild Riverside. Hell, even in the Illinois River Valley. Then It'd really be on a Riverside.

Daytona? Talladega? The cars are still kinda in the experimental phase: I wouldn't trust them with the rigors of the restrictor plate. yet.
 
...There was talk, or should I say rumor, that GM and DCX were going to switch to the Camaro and Challenger before the whole Impala/Avenger COT thing came through. We'll see what happens. It looks like my hopes for a return to real "stock cars" will probably never happen, and it sucks.
 
I know this isn't the primary NASCAR thread, but the first race for the "Car of Tomorrow" is here. It's currently qualifying for the Nextel Cup boys. Feel free to return to this thread to express your ideas on the Car of Tomorrow after this upcoming Bristol race is done.
 
Well theres one good thing so far...... Jeff Gordon on pole :D
 
I think Jeff Gordon will get [yet another] win. He's my favorite driver in NASCAR. Nothing's guaranteed on short tracks. This is going to be a test for several drivers. How will the cars take on this challenge?

During the qualifying on Friday, I think Darrell Waltrip (D.W.) commented on driving this Car of Tomorrow. Larry McReynolds noted that there's a lot more weight at the rear. D.W. noted that the car drives very well around Bristol. Some teams are still opposed to the new car package. It's still a work in progress no matter what is brought up as a result of this thing.

I noticed the car bodies for the Car of Tomorrow. Call me crazy, but the body (front and rear notwithstanding) kind of looks like those cars from the 1980s. Those 1980s stock cars looked pretty boxy. Anyone else kind of noted the newer body styles of these Cars of Tomorrow?
 
Jim Prower
That won't happen, either. I mean, look at how many poeople dislike this thing already. Many fans are going to remain critics. but, eventually, we'll get used to the formula.
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But they may win some people over. I hate NASCAR, mostly because the supposed "stock" cars are all identical cloned shells of one another over a tube frame chassis that shares no parts with the actual car. Everything but the paint job, "lights" and grill are the same on every single NASCAR. There's no variety.
However, I like this new design. That Fusion in the pictures actually looks like a modified Fusion.

Now, throw in more road courses, and I may start wanting to watch NASCAR.
 
Anyone watching the Bristol race right now? Gordon is having a horrible race, and this new COT seems a heck of a lot tougher than the old car. I've seen Scott Riggs hit the wall with a tire problem and he's still going strong and Montoya got spun and nudged the front of his car, and it looks fine! I'm really liking these new cars, they take a beating and keep going!
 
Congratulations to Kyle Busch on this win. I wanted Jeff Gordon to win (as usual). Even though he didn't win, he put on one heck of a show. He would have had a better finish if they didn't really bog on the green-white-checkered deal.

In terms of the cars themselves, I think the Fusion looks best with this Car of Tomorrow package. The Impala SS also looked like a great machine. I didn't really like the Avenger much. The Camry is... alright, I guess. I love blue. That Texas Instruments car looked great.

Anyone else want to comment on the Car of Tomorrow and the Bristol performance?
 

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