‘SECRET’ GEN3 ENGINE TEST CONFIRMED

Supercars has confirmed that a prototype of the Gen3 Chevrolet Camaro’s V8 was tested earlier this week.

As first revealed by AUTO ACTION, the 5.7-litre GM engine was run at Queensland Raceway in a Mercedes-look TA2 ‘mule’ on Tuesday (July 27).

The test was overseen by engineers from Gen3 Camaro homologation team Triple Eight and engine developer KRE.

It is presumed an unidentified Triple Eight driver conducted the test laps.

Supercars technical officials were also in attendance.

Although not an official Gen3 track trial, Supercars supremo Sean Seamer admitted the test was part of the GM motor’s development program.

“That’s the engine designer and engine builder conducting track testing of the engine platform as they develop it,” Seamer said.

The test was conducted during a Supercars ride day at QR.

The 5.7-litre GM engine was run in a Triple Eight-prepared Asia-spec Mercedes-Benz TA2 racer ‘disguised’ by a camouflage livery.

Alert fans at the ride day posted photos and video on social media, speculating it was ‘hiding’ the Gen3 Camaro’s test engine.

They noted its rumbling, NASCAR-like V8 sound.

It was the first track trial of a Gen3 engine prototype, with the 5.4-litre Ford V8 yet to run off a dyno.

Seamer noted that the GM engine’s QR test was evidence that Gen3, to be introduced mid-next season, was on course to retain Supercars’ traditional V8 sound.

“The final specifications of the engines are yet to be completed for both the Ford and the GM engine, but I think, hopefully, our fans can see from some of those early videos and some of those spy shots that we are still keeping the heart and DNA of loud and proud V8s in the development work,” he said.

While the Gen3 Mustang’s Ford V8 is known to be a 5.4-litre variant of the DOHC, 32-valve ‘Coyote’, the basis of the Camaro’s 5.7-litre pushrod V8 hasn’t been identified.

It is believed to be a locally developed ‘hybrid’ of components from multiple GM racing engines.

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