GEN3 CHASSIS REVEALED

Supercars team Triple Eight Race Engineering has provided a glimpse of the category’s future by revealing the new Gen3 Chassis.

It is the first of two prototypes to be built by the current championship leading squad, as it provides an insight to the major evolution from one generation to the next.

A lower roll hoop is the key difference enabling the current Ford Mustang and future Chevrolet Camaro a more road-car appearance, whilst Supercars moves towards a coupe formula in 2022 as confirmed in October last year.

Damage is envisaged to be easier to repair due to the implementation of removable front and rear sections of the chassis. This also aids in teams keeping a significantly damaged entry on the grid for a whole weekend.

Adding to the improved repairability, safety is another key area where the Gen3 chassis improves on. The driver will be more centred in the next generation Supercar and a small hatch in the roof – similar to what is becoming standard in GT3 sportscars – allows medical teams easier access to the driver after an incident.

“We’re excited to present this latest milestone in the Gen3 program,” Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said.

“I’d like to thank the teams that have put in thousands of hours to reach this point, particularly Triple Eight Race Engineering.

“We’re proud of the developments with regards to safety and repairability, which was a key objective of the program.”

He added the new Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro body shapes will be revealed soon.

“Considerable work has also gone in to the design and styling of the cars, they look incredible, and we can’t wait to release details and images soon,” Seamer said.

Joining Triple Eight Race Engineering as a Gen3 homologation team is Dick Johnson Racing on the Mustang-side in conjunction with Ford Performance.

Plans are for prototypes to be demonstrated mid-season, however uncertainty remains surrounding engines, although development units are currently undergoing dyno testing.

The gearbox is also a key point of contention as a move towards paddleshift is mooted, but unpopular among a number of drivers, including current point’s leader Shane van Gisbergen.

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