Nationwide Series new car debuts at Richmond test

Walking through the garage on Monday at Richmond International Raceway prior to the start of the first official test session for the Nationwide Series' new car, series director Joe Balash was told he looked like a "proud papa."

"This is a new project for the Nationwide Series so there's an unknown until you get [the car] to the racetrack," Balash said. "Now we have it at the track and it's been very well-received."

The four series manufacturers — Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota — were represented by five teams. Bryan Clauson was the first driver to take a lap for Dodge and Chip Ganassi Racing.

David Ragan and reigning series champion Carl Edwards for Ford and Roush Fenway Racing; David Reutimann for Toyota; Scott Wimmer for Chevrolet and Richard Childress Racing, the defending series owner champion; and Morgan Shepherd for Davis Motorsports also turned laps throughout the day.

"Going through the garage area and speaking to some of the drivers, the input I got was the car was very good," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition. "A couple actually said they wished they could race this new car tomorrow."

Differentiation and uniqueness are the name of the game going forward with the introduction of the new car in the Nationwide Series. The main difference between the current car and the new car will be the chassis and the body. The current chassis has a 105 inch wheel base. The new car will be a 110 inch NASCAR-certified chassis, which is the same as the current Sprint Cup car. This also will allow current Nationwide Series components to be brought forward in an effort to contain costs.

The new car will provide the same safety enhancements that are in place on the current Cup car and will also make more bolt-on parts interchangeable (for example, rear end housing), creating cost savings for the teams. Additionally, the new car will continue to use the rear spoiler whereas the Cup car has a wing.

"We're still walking down the path of certifying the bodies for the cars in the Nationwide Series," Balash said. "The manufacturers haven't made their official announcements yet on what body styles they'll have once we get to the race track."

Cost containment and competitive balance also are keys for the introduction of the new car in the Nationwide Series.

"As we build cars, we want to make sure we don't draw something up on the drawing board that's hard to manufacture," said Brett Bodine, NASCAR's director of cost research. "If that's the case, the cost goes up to produce these cars. As they build these cars — these are the first ones built — we're listening to what they've got to say from their fab shops. This is the kind of interaction from a small group of people like we have here today that helps makes the process a lot more efficient."

"So far we've been pleased," team owner Johnny Davis said. "With more testing, we can be pretty close [to the multi-car teams]. I think a smaller, single-car team under these circumstances can be a better top-10 car than what we have today with our current cars."

The drivers at the test also gave the new car a thumbs-up.

"I'm excited about the car," Wimmer said. "[There are] a lot of real positive things right now. We've been running through the normal things we do at a test and it's responding well."

"The car's been good and it looks pretty cool, too," Edwards said. "I was impressed. I hadn't seen the car before it was sitting on the ground. It drives really well; it feels a lot like the cars we're driving right now. Compared to when we first ran the new car in the Cup Series this is a lot smaller change for us. I'm happy with it."

Tuesday's second day of testing has been re-scheduled for a morning-only session since the data gathered Monday by the manufacturers and teams was sufficient. The threat of rain in the afternoon also was a factor.

The Nationwide Series new car is also set to test Oct. 13-14 at Charlotte.

[via jayski]
Photo Credit: Harrelson Photography, Mike Paz, someone else

Here it is fan-boys, this is a photo we've waited patiently to see for what seems like an eternity. This photo of the threesome of new muscle cars from Detroit is the first time the 2010 Chevy Camaro RS, a 2009 Ford Mustang CS and a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 have all been captured in the same photo. Yes, we traveled a great distance, risked a great deal and received quite a mouthful from one snarling PR person in order to bring you this first shot of the trio. Although well worth it, at least one staffer on site wasn't as happy to have a picture of Chevy's new muscle car taken as we'd hoped he would be. Whatever. Credit Ford and Dodge for being pleased as punch to welcome back the Camaro to the muscle car war block in the best way they know how — by letting us rev the engines of their latest entries hard outside San Diego's Hard Rock Hotel. They would have preferred to do a burnout, but there were too many law enforcement officers around. Check back later on tonight for the full story, complete with video as we show just how hot these muscle car wars are getting! Many thanks to the Craig from Streetfire, Garage419 and Ned Hepburn!

The 2009 model year takes the Challenger from a low-volume quasi-halo muscle car to a full lineup of three separate trim levels, each with their own engine flavor. The base model SE starts at $21,995, getting a 3.5-liter High Ouput V6 producing 250 HP and an equal number of lb-ft of torque. The top model's still the SRT8, at a starting price of $39,995 and powered by the reliable and huge 6.1-liter Hemi V8 with 425 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. The middle-of-the-pack R/T hits the showroom floor at a starting price of $29,995 and comes with the 5.7-liter Hemi engine under the hood, producing either 370 HP and 398 lb-ft of torque (when running on premium fuel) or 375 HP and 404 lb-ft of torque, depending on which transmission it's mated to.

Wait, what? Multiple transmissions? Yes muscle car fans, it's what two of these models' engines are mated to that'll give Jalopnik readers cause for celebration. Both the R/T and the SRT8 get an optional Tremec T6060 six-speed manual transmission ported from the Dodge Viper. The option's only available on the Hemi-fied R/T and SRT8 versions, so if you want the V6-powered SE, you'll only end up getting a four-speed automatic. Pity.

The R/T gets another couple of nice features as part of the $995 "Track Pack" manual package — a Hill-start Assist (which was a very nice feature on some of the hills around our drive through New Jersey), a limited-slip differential (the SRT8 gets the LSD standard) and a tuned exhaust system (SRT8 manual gets this as well) that sounds great in the lower gears.

On the road, both the manual Challenger R/T and the Challenger SRT8 felt much more satisfying to drive. Thanks to the auto-only multi-displacement technology, the R/T in both auto-stick and manual transmission models get 16 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The 2009 SRT8 gets the same piss-poor 13 MPG city, 19 MPG highway as the 2008 model, but the manual transmission at least gives you an extra mile in the city and an extra three on the highway thanks to that very helpful sixth gear.

Setting aside the benefits of the manual on the road, it's the track where it really becomes useful. Although the 2008 SRT8's automatic transmission had a +/- gate auto-stick mode, I really felt it to be too gimmicky for anything other than making a businessman feel like he was the big man at a stoplight. It's certainly not a transmission you'll feel comfortable using anywhere other than a drag strip — at least not if you want to keep your dignity and control safely intact. Which is why we were excited to hit the Englishtown track. Thanks to coning designed to keep drivers like me from becoming a smear on a wall, I didn't even get the car out of second or third gear on the track. Unfortunate for me, yes, but quite fortunately for the Challenger's clutch plates.

Still, despite the aggressive coning, the smooth clutch gave me greater confidence, and the pistol-grip shifter available with the "Track Pack" felt more comfortable in my hand than the original 70's it's kinda-sorta modeled after. But, a manual shifter alone doesn't make a track car.

The Challenger's still a fatty, as we found when we scrubbed the front tires on the first too-tight turn at speed around the Englishtown course in the R/T and later on in the course with an SRT8. Thanks to the RWD platform, with the nanny system turned all the way off, you're still able to steer with your right foot, just like the 2008 Challenger SRT8 and every other LX-platformed SRT8 and R/T.

So which of the three, if any, is the right choice for you? Sorry Spinelli, but it's certainly not the SE. The automatic transmission and low horsepower mated to a heavy RWD car ensure this will compete not for our attention, but with Midwestern hairdressers as the car of choice to replace their V6 Mustang.

If you're a muscle car madman needing a 0-to-60 time of five seconds, you'll probably want the SRT8, as Dodge estimates the R/T's time to be somewhere just under six seconds. Sure, you could beat the pants off the SRT8 in a straight-line with a Shelby GT500, but it'll cost you significantly more and I'm not sure it'll take to the track any better.

Still, despite the SRT8's bigger engine, we're not sure the 30% higher sticker price justifies the 10% higher horsepower. In our mind, if you want a modern muscle car, the R/T may be right in the sweet spot. In terms of looks, you'll get the same (maybe more with the double-black hood stripes and functional hood scoop of the "Classic" package) double-takes as its stronger brother, the same horrifyingly plastic interior, and you'll do it for a much cheaper sticker price and an almost 20% higher fuel economy rating.

Either way, whether you choose an R/T or an SRT8, you'll still get a Challenger with a manual transmission. Like we said, 2009's better than 2008 by at least one-third.

*Many thanks to Edmunds Inside Line for not beating us into a pulp for using video given to them by GM!

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: Ford's going the same route as the 2009 Corvette ZR1 at Monterey, 2010 Jaguar XF-R and the 2009 Nissan GT-R at Goodwood with this "special" preview at the track. The only difference between the new Mustang and the rest of those "early preview" cars is the Mustang is a volume production car for Ford. That means, dropping it out at an event like this takes some measure of balls. We like balls on an automaker. However, we don't like over-processed "smooth" hip-hop when we're trying to hear engine noise. Just an FYI.

We've got the full press release below:

NEW 2010 FORD MUSTANG HITS TRACK DURING HISTORIC RACING WEEKEND AT ROAD AMERICA

* The new 2010 Ford Mustang, in camouflage, will pace the Wis. Ford is the sponsor of the Kohler International Challenge vintage race.
* Saturday is "Ford Mustang Day," meaning Mustang drivers and passengers can enjoy the festivities for free. This includes a dedicated "Mustang Corral" inside the front straightaway.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 17, 2008 - A sneak peek at the future Ford Mustang will help kick off the celebration of a historic Mustang racing win this weekend at Road America, the largest vintage car event in North America.

Enthusiasts will be part of a special public "debut" of the highly anticipated 2010 Ford Mustang, which will serve as the pace car for the vintage racing field throughout the weekend. The next-generation Mustang will be outfitted in a special "camo" package, keeping some key design cues secret until its reveal later this year.

The camouflaged future version of America's favorite muscle car will look right at home in Elkhart Lake, Wis., along with a 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt and a 2009 Ford Fusion with a limited-edition "Blue Suede Package."

Saturday marks Ford Mustang Day at Road America featuring a "Mustang Corral" along the straightaway. Every Ford Mustang and its occupants will be admitted free on Saturday to the Kohler International Challenge presented by Ford.

"One of the key components of our program is to meet our customers face-to-face, and the Kohler International Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for Ford to interact with a group of dedicated, knowledgeable enthusiasts," said Robert Parker, Car Marketing manager, Ford Division. "Road America and the vintage weekend provides an opportunity for customers to get behind the wheel and for Ford to show off our new product line, while still highlighting the fact Ford has been involved in racing since the inception of our company more than a century ago."

While historic race cars will be gracing the famous race track, enthusiasts on hand also will be able to get behind the wheel of some of Ford's latest products at the Briggs & Stratton track located inside the Road America circuit. Ford will have the 2009 Flex, Escape, Edge, Fusion, Focus coupe and other vehicles available for consumers to test drive all weekend.

The 25th anniversary of the then-highly anticipated 1983 Mustang GTP debut and its rain-soaked maiden victory is the foundation forthe on-and off-track events.

The Mustang GTP car that won that day will be on display for the thousands of fans attending the event. The legendary car, an innovative racer that was the creation of Ford's then newly-formed Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), will be just a part of a significant Ford presence at the annual vintage event.

Also on hand during the weekend will be several Ford GTs, which will give hot laps on the legendary 4.048-mile Road America course. Fans can enter to win a Ford GT hot lap, which will be given away every hour, or laps can be purchased by making a $50 charitable donation to the Wisconsin Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Vince Lombardi Titletown Champions foundation, which is raising money for youth sports programs.

The final component to the Ford Mustang celebration is on-track. Four Shelby Cobras will enter the Historic Grand Prix, and the Shelby drivers will wear vintage late 1960's racing attire. These Shelby entries mark the first time Shelby Automobiles has joined forces with Ford to race since 1968.

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

(Hat tip to Mustang Evolution!)

With the Plymouth brand dead, there's totally an opportunity for a Chrysler version of the Challenger. Chrysler Road Runner anyone? The Pontiac Firebird is an obvious choice and, given that Pontiac still exists, a RWD V8-powered muscle car seems like a good fit for the brand. There are so many muscle cars and muscle car variations from back in the day, which one should rise like a Phoenix from the ashes to burn rubber?

I picked up the Challenger from Chrysler's fleet company in Madison Heights yesterday afternoon. Despite an itch to hit the road immediately, we first needed the obligatory glamour shots taken by Metro Detroit's star photographer Fabrizio Costantini and a quick bite to eat. So it wasn't until late yesterday night when I finally had the chance to take the new Mustang-killer out onto Woodward.

A few hours more doesn't bother someone that's waited three years since their first fleeting glimpse of the Challenger across a crowded Detroit Auto Show press introduction. Still, my excitement was obvious — if anyone had been looking that late at night — as I eased the muscle-bound two-door out on to the road and pointed the LX sedan-sans-two doors onto Northbound Woodward Avenue. I don't even know why I tried to contain my feelings. How can a person not be excited when they're driving a car with sheet metal so brilliantly retrospectively-inspired you're actually able to believe orange can work as a car color again?

Plus there's that power. Despite the Challenger's hefty 4,100 lb. weight, the big 425 HP 6.1-liter Hemi the Challenger SRT8 shares with its bigger, four-doored brother allows it to blast away from stoplights. Each and every time, we were provided with the effortless gratification of squealing performance radials.

But I grew up on Woodward Avenue. I know at night the police lay in wait, watching the stoplights, pens at the ready in eager anticipation of tickets to be signed and handed to unsuspecting hoons careless enough to do burnouts. I had no desire to be stopped tonight. Tonight, the fun for me is cruising my past with a car that's more of a time machine than any DeLorean. I wanted to drive. So I drove.

I drove past the hospital where I was born. Past the Red Coat Tavern, where my mom had once been a bartender and where she'd met my father. Past Vinsetta Garage, Michigan's oldest palace of wrench-turning — and a lot where I'd spent many an evening in my teenage years peering through the chain-link fence, trying to discern the differences between muscle cars by shape under bulky car covers. Past Birmingham, where I'd taken my driver's training and first kissed a girl. Past Cranbrook, my high school arch-rivals. Past Long Lake, and the remnants of the Fox & Hounds grill and across from the Merrill Lynch office my father, now gone, worked at over a decade ago. I drove past old family homes, old restaurants and old memories.

It's a credit to how similarly roomy this new Challenger is to the old early-'70s muscle car that I hardly noticed when I'd pulled around Pontiac and was already heading back to Royal Oak. The strongly side-bolstered seats and comfortable-to-grip steering wheel helped me to pass where I'd begun my trip so effortlessly, I decided to keep going — down all the way to where Woodward Avenue ends at the Detroit River. Not having enough of that low rumbling exhaust, I turned the beast around, rear wheels competently holding on as I steered with my right foot and came right back up Woodward. I did this over and over again last night. Each time, emotions long thought dormant welled up inside of me at every red light and would quickly explode outward on every green.

Gone were any cares of the day. The photos? Meaningless. Writing the review? Means nothing to me. The price of gas and a rating of 18 MPG? Ha! These are little things for little people. I'm a man — a real man driving a brand new meaty Mopar muscle car — something Motor City denizens haven't done in decades. The only thing that matters is continuing to drive.

OK, so it turns out there's one thing that matters more. Exhaustion. I pulled into the garage in the wee hours of this morning feeling emotionally drained, but with a wan smile on my face. Why shouldn't I? I knew I'd get to take it out again this morning. And that's exactly what I did, four hours of sweet sleep later and after waking with that smile from the night before still firmly affixed to my face.

Yes friends, that's the current view of the lot outside of Brampton — Challengers, Chargers and 300s as far as the eye can see. And when we first saw it, we almost wept at the beauty we beheld. It's amazing. Frankly, there's nothing more to be said. If we were to say anything else here, it'd be superfluous because for this one moment we forgot every problem in the world. High gas prices. CAFE. Everything. Just look for yourself in the up-close gallery below.
(Hat tip to Rick!) [2gstratus]

This particular model is one of the glass roof Mustangs, which let in all that natural light. If you look at the interior pic you'll also notice "Mustang" printed on the previously mentioned deluxe cloth seats. Say it with us — Deeeeeeluxe! (Hat tip to James!)

The question is, with the upcoming Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro, is the Mustang relevant or exciting? Is it a great American sports car? Or is it just a heavy American car? Are those worshiping in the Mustang Church of America pursuing a false idol? Do we care anymore? Is the WRX the new Mustang or is the new Mustang also the old Mustang?

[Photo: AdClassix]

The sanctuary will include eight of Ales' own Mustangs, including a 1966 convertible, three Boss Stangs (including a rare 429) and four new Shelby Mustangs. it looks like loving cars has turned from a cult into a religion, meaning it may be time to change our tagline. For more photos and information surf over to TomStrongman.com. [TomStrongman.com]

Maybe not. The new V6-powered Dodge Challenger gets 250 horsepower, which is 20 more horsepower than the V8 standard on the original Challenger, while getting 25 mpg. The latest Shelby Terlingua Racing Stangs have historic muscle car DNA and feature a V6. So does the Shelby CS6. Given rising fuel costs, overall savings and the improvement of V6's would you buy a V6 muscle car?

We just caught the latest prototype for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, caught testing in Northern Sweden. Our latest look catches the fetching RWD coupe with some new, multi-spoke euro-inspired wheels. We also managed a couple new shots of the Coupe's interior, revealing and automatic transmission with the expected +/- slot for the shift stalk. No steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters are visible—somewhat surprising given the Coupe's upscale gene pool stemming from the recently-released Genesis sedan. Heated seats, however, are on the options list.

We also managed a good look at the rear seat accommodations, and they
look fairly acceptable for real, full-grown human use. Leg room,
while not ample, looks reasonable enough. Hyundai's new coupe will be
a strict four-seater, with rear buckets separated by two cup holders
and a central bin. So far, the only confirmed engine is a 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A V-6 is also likely, but a V-8—
however tantalizing—is reportedly a long-shot.

Yep, word on the street interwebs is the case is being made for a 2-mode hybrid version of the new Camaro. The extra hybrid hardware will certainly add a premium to the price tag, but that concern is outweighed by the General's need to meet new CAFE standards.
[via The Car Connection]

The straight-line special sheds weight by using components such as a composite hood and a lightweight front brake assembly. Basic amenities, including windshield wipers, power windows, sound deadening and rear seats, are also deleted in a quest for lightness. Altogether, the hardcore Challenger has lost about 800 lbs.—and its street legality. So c'mon GM, bring us a stripped-down Camaro with the ZR1's LS9 and really heat up the Muscle Car Wars. [via Allpar]

Check out Camaro5 for more pictures of the production Camaro's unofficial welcome to the US of A. And of course, check out our full Muscle Car Wars coverage. (Thanks to Jason for the tip) [Camaro5]

With news about the Camaro testing nearly nude - except for the previously painted-on black "tape" lines - focus now is on the still-secret 2010 Mustang.

Last month, one of our photographers caught a 2010 Mustang Convertible. Last week it was the GT Coupe. And now, one of our photographers caught yet another coupe - and although camouflaged - we have close-up photos to fuel the interest of all the enthusiasts.

Sources are telling us to expect a mid-cycle facelift for the 2010 model year, but by the looks of this heavily camouflaged prototype - the 2010 Mustang will be sporting an all-new front and rear fascia - including grille, headlamps and taillights! In addition, the interior will also be updated - although this prototype's interior - like the last one we saw - was pretty much covered up to conceal any and all changes.

Look for production on the revamped Pony car to begin in early 2009 - with sales starting sometime during the first quarter of the year.

Photo Credit: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company

One of our European operatives caught this full stable of high- performance Holden test cars—including the new Camaro—between Denmark and Sweden, en route to the frigid arctic circle testing grounds. The encounter provided the best, most detailed look at the Camaro, including the first shots of the car's interior.

As with the exterior, the production Camaro's interior will remain
true to the concept in its overall look and feel. The largest change
between the concept and production versions is found on this
prototype's center stack, which has an attractive stereo interface
that was missing on the show car. The four small analog gages still
reside in front of the gear shift lever, and the old-school
instrumentation pods have survived the productionizing process largely
unscathed. A band of color-keyed trim runs along the dash face, and
flares out into the door panels, providing some welcome character and
further linking the production Camaro with the concept that has been
only teasing us for far too long now.

Our close-up look reveals that these Camaro prototypes were outfitted
with 20-inch wheels, and were shod with 245/45 ZR20 Pirello P Zero
tires.

LotNumber 1316 Year 2009 CarMake CHEVROLET CarModel CORVETTE CarStyle ZR-1 CONVERTIBLE

"From Rumor to Instant Legend in the Blink of an Eye. Chevrolet presents the very "First Retailable Unit Built" Corvette ZR-1 for auction at Barrett-Jackson on Saturday, January 19, 2008 with all proceeds from the auction will benefit The United Way."

We all expecting a mid-cycle facelift for the 2010 model year, but by the looks of this heavily camouflaged prototype - the 2010 Mustang will be sporting an all-new front and rear fascia - including grille, headlamps and taillights! In addition, the interior will also be updated - although this prototype's interior was also heavily covered and we couldn't get any clues.

Our shooter stumbled upon this prototype when he made a wrong turn in ...well, that doesn't matter ... but he found this while making a U-turn (which explains the lack of sharpness in some of the photos). Sharp or not - Mustang enthusiasts will examine every inch of these photos!!

2006 Dodge Challenger Concept

What has muscle cars fans squealing like teenage girls at a Hannah Montana concert?

Try the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8®. Just in the first DAY of orders, more than 4,300 people plunked down a deposit for the American muscle coupe. And more than 6,000 have made deposits with dealers since orders opened on Monday, months before the limited-edition Challenger SRT8 goes into production.

"This is unprecedented," said Mark Mallie, Challenger Brand Manager - Dodge Marketing. "Customers were actually coming to us and pushing us, so we thought this was a good time to take pre-sale orders."

Orders are still coming in - long before enthusiasts have even seen the car. They'll have to wait until the production Dodge Challenger SRT8 makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show next February. But there's no surprise about the benchmark performance of the Challenger SRT8. Each is powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, and features a numbered dash plaque, plus dual "carbon-fiber" hood stripes that harken back to the original Dodge Challenger.

The car is available in black, silver or HEMI orange.

"More than half of the orders are HEMI Orange," Mallie said. "It's been almost 35 years since the last Challenger, and there's a lot of interest. There's a lot of people anxious for it. It's certainly an iconic muscle car."

The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $37,995, including a $675 destination fee. Remember - this is a SRT, delivering top-of-the-line performance, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking and a race-inspired interior. Pricing on the rest of the Challenger lineup will be announced at a later date.

Since pricing was announced on Nov. 29, Web site traffic to www.Dodge.com has spiked up 23 percent, Mallie said.

The muscle car wars start next spring, when deliveries begin for the Challenger SRT8.

But later this week, muscle car fans will have more to squeal about, when we release some eye candy. Check back here later.

February 16th 2009 for the coupe. December 7th 2009 for the convertible.