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FOR RELEASE: January 21, 2003 CONTACT(S):
GM Racing Readies Two New Race Cars for 2003 NASCAR Season All-new Pontiac Grand Prix and Chevrolet Monte Carlo retain brand differentiation while incorporating NASCAR "aero-matching" characteristics
DETROIT – GM Racing engineers have completed the design of two all-new race cars that incorporate the aerodynamic requirements of NASCAR, yet retain brand characteristics unique to the Pontiac Grand Prix and Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Doug Duchardt, NASCAR Group Manager for GM Racing, said the key was working with NASCAR from the beginning of the approval process. "The idea that NASCAR has imposed a template system rendering all four current Winston Cup brands identical is false," said Duchardt. "Of the 32 templates used, 14 are completely unique. That differentiation has enabled the Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo to replicate the key design elements of their production counterparts." Consider the variation in aerodynamic downforce generally available to teams in Winston Cup. For example, a Pontiac Grand Prix setup for a track like Daytona, would produce some 900 lbs. of downforce. That car, fitting under the exact same set of NASCAR templates upon inspection at a track like Las Vegas, would be set to generate more than 1,400 lbs. of downforce. Obviously, the wide performance range under the same templates will continue to provide teams and manufacturers the freedom to explore and develop the optimal settings of a Winston Cup race car. As a Winston Cup team’s engineering and mechanical tools continue to increase, the challenge of the manufacturer is to provide the resources and processes to lead them to victory. GM Racing leverages many of the tools used on production vehicles and is currently focusing on aerodynamics as well as present and future engine, chassis and safety developments. General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com. |
