Originally Posted by fdjizm

Is it me or does this car looking nothing like a mustang except for the front sticker?

Originally Posted by Red Star

By the way, I love NASCAR cars from the 1980s. The shell of the car looked like a production car; yet, they were very safe.

Originally Posted by Red Star

Can you imagine what would happen to a driver during the 200+ mph crash in anything close to a production car? I don't think they can make cars that safe at those speeds.

Originally Posted by Red Star

Can you imagine what would happen to a driver during the 200+ mph crash in anything close to a production car? I don't think they can make cars that safe at those speeds.

Originally Posted by fdjizm

That's just regulation crap that made the bodies the same, you can def. make a car safe with pretty much any shape.

Originally Posted by Moosetang

Depends on what you mean by "close to a production car." The problem with the CoT is that it doesn't look a thing like any car currently built for consumers. If they went back to the 90s-era concept of scratch-built cars wearing a body based on a production model, they'd make me a lot happier. There's no reason they couldn't incorporate the CoT's safety measures into production shells, NASCAR just doesn't want the headache of having to track and balance 3 or 4 distinct vehicles.

Originally Posted by Red Star

I wouldn't mind to see that happen either.

But something tells me that another reason why they don't wanna do that is because Ford would kill Chevy with aerodynamics. Ever since Ford joined the sport they've been having the most aerodynamic cars, with the exception of 1969-1970 (Daytona and Superbird) seasons. 1980s and 1990s Thunderbird and later Taurus were the kings of the aerodynamics. Chevy's power couldn't touch Ford's aerodynamics.

Originally Posted by Red Star

True, but at what expense?

Originally Posted by Jayski

NASCAR looking at new car design for 2013: UPDATE: NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series could take on a different look as early as 2013. While some manufacturers are considering model changes by then, all car makers are looking to maximize brand identity on the racetrack. That concept is equally appealing to race fans who feel the sanctioning body has veered far from the notion of a "stock" car. John Darby, Sprint Cup Series director, says the direction would "be real similar" to the style the Nationwide cars are adopting for next season. "The point we're at right now is trying to get feedback from all four manufacturers," Darby said. "The fact that, No. 1, that '13 is the right year to this as it aligns with new models, and secondly that there's interest from all four makes." Of course costs will be taken into the equation. Changes have to make economic sense to the teams as well, since the modifications would involve more than just a cosmetic tweak to noses and tails. NASCAR eliminated the rear wings earlier this year and implemented a nose job for the front ends for 2011, which replaces the awkward braces that attach the splitters to one sleek piece. Once the manufacturers agree on the concepts, Darby would expect to see designs submitted in August 2012. "As it says in the rule book, it all has to start with a July 1 date for any type of a body change on the car," Darby said. "Typically, and up to this point we've entertained and helped manufacturers with the front fascias, the rear tails. The '13 project could be a little larger than that to where we get more character lines in the hoods, more sculpture if you will to help the manufacturers identify their products a little closer."(Fox Sports)(10-26-2010)
UPDATE: All four automakers & have already submitted drawings of their proposed 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racers to the sanctioning body for preliminary approval. A number of revisions are expected, as NASCAR seeks to balance its desire for brand identity with the need for a common aerodynamic footprint between brands. The changes will be strictly cosmetic, with the current Sprint Cup chassis remaining unaltered. Speaking on the condition on anonymity, one manufacturer representative creditedNationwide Series Director Joe Balash with paving the way for the new, more stock-appearing cars. "NASCAR was not sold on the idea of revamping the look of these (Sprint Cup) cars," he said. "But Joe pushed hard for it in the Nationwide Series, saying it was important to give those cars a distinct, stock-appearing look. The manufacturers were thrilled with the results, and once NASCAR saw the fan reaction that came with the new Nationwide car, they started thinking seriously about similar changes on the Cup side."(Sirius Speedway)(11-1-2010)