Supercars future is unveiled

The Chevrolet Camaro is coming to Australia’s Supercars series as part of the new-for-2022 Gen3 regulations. Supercars formally unveiled its Gen3 concept last week, with ‘hybrid-ready’ versions of the Camaro and the Ford Mustang (above) locked in for 2022.

According to category officials, the regulations will be an evolution of the existing platform, underpinned by more control components to help drive down costs by 30-40%.

As promised, the regulations will focus on two-door body shapes, a licensing agreement with General Motors paving the way for the Camaro to replace the Holden Commodore, while the factorybacked Ford Mustang will undergo a Gen3 transformation. Talks to secure IP agreements with other manufacturers are under way.

Thanks to the 100mm lower rollhoop and 100mm wider track, the cars will better represent the two-door shape than the current Mustang, with the doors, roof, bonnet and windows all required to match the dimensions of their road-going counterparts. The likeness to road cars is helped by a significant reduction in aero, with visibly smaller rear wings.

As for the engine, for the time being the cars will continue to run V8 power units. While output is set to be reduced to around 600bhp, the power-to-weight ratio will be unchanged due to a lighter chassis. A Supercars-branded engine is under consideration to give potential manufacturers an easier entry. There is also room in the chassis to accommodate a substantial battery pack, leaving the door open for a move to hybrid technology.

There will be control suspension front and rear, and detachable subframes. The transaxle, control dampers and rear suspension will be carried over from the current car.