Car of Tomorrow

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

The Car of Tomorrow is an upcoming car body style for NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup.

1 Design
2 Testing
3 Schedule
4 Car models
5 References

[edit] Design

On January 12, 2006, NASCAR announced a universal car named "Car of Tomorrow" after a five-year design program. The primary design considerations are "safety innovations, performance and competition, and cost efficiency for teams." ^[1]

All cars will be required to fit the same set of templates. NASCAR currently has a different set of templates for each manufacturer (Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota). NASCAR has frequently adjusted the rules to ensure that different car manufacturers have relatively equal cars. The universal body of the Car of Tomorrow will eliminate these problems.

The car has reduced dependence on aerodynamics and improved handling. The car will probably feature a detachable wing, which has not been used since the Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird in the 1970s. ^[2] The windshield is more upright, which increases drag. The air intake is below the front bumper of the car, which eliminates overheating caused by clogged grills. The front bumper is more box-like, which slows the car down by catching more air.

The Car of Tomorrow has improved safety features over the current car. The driver's seat has been moved four inches to the right, the roll cage has been shifted three inches to the rear, and the car is two inches taller and four inches wider. More "crush-ability" is built into the car on both sides, ensuring even more protection. The car's exhaust runs through the body, and exits on the right side, which diverts heat away from the driver. The fuel cell is stronger, and has a smaller capacity (17.5 gallons, down from 22 gallons).

[edit] Testing

The Car of Tomorrow was first tested at the 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway, then on NASCAR's two shortest tracks, Bristol (0.533 mi) and Martinsville (0.526 mi.), the 1.5 mile Lowe's Motor Speedway outside Charlotte, North Carolina, and Michigan. Former NASCAR driver, current Nextel Cup pace car driver and Director of Cost Research Brett Bodine has tested the prototype car against cars prepared by current NASCAR teams.

[edit] Schedule

The Car of Tomorrow will be first raced at the 2007 spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The car will be used at sixteen events in 2007, consisting of all tracks less than a mile and a half in length, the road courses, and the second Talladega race. In 2008, tracks 2 miles or more in length will use it. The Car of Tomorrow will be used at all events starting in 2009.

[edit] Car models

The 2007 season will mark an important year in NASCAR history as the first year in recent history that one of the main manufacturers will support the use of two different models. Chevrolet will run the Monte Carlo SS in the races using the current body styles, and the Impala SS in the Car of Tomorrow races. Dodge will (more than likely) switch to the Avenger and Ford will continue to race the Fusion. Toyota will also enter the Nextel Cup with their Camry.

[edit] References

Category: NASCAR terms