Tuning the aerodynamics of the Camaro, rather than the Mustang, provided the easiest route to betting Gen3 cars on the eve of the new Supercar season.
The impending debut of new Ford and GM supercars has been complicated by a parity debate that has raged since aerodynamic testing last November.
The aero homologation process, known as Vehicle Control Aerodynamic Testing, left Ford unsatisfied with the aerodynamic balance between the two models and led to a Blue Oval campaign for changes to be made.
This led to a resumption of the VCAT process at Temora airfield last week, led by Mark Skaife and David Swenson, from which sources were quick to say real progress had been made.
While Supercars has yet to make an official comment regarding the outcome of the latest VCAT, it is now widely known that changes are being made to one of the cars on the eve of the season.
However, it is not the Mustang that will be undergoing modifications, as the modifications to the Camaro are currently being implemented by GM teams.
Ford’s concerns are believed to have focused on balance, rather than absolute downforce count, as the Ford didn’t have enough rear end.
While Ford’s initial campaign was to modify the rear spoiler of the Mustang, Supercars instead decided to improve the balance by modifying the front of the Camaro.
The change is an addition to a leading edge of the front bar, which curves upwards towards the wheel arch, which is designed to push the aerodynamic balance further towards the front of the car.
Sources say the overall downforce count won’t change, although there are no changes to the rear of the Camaro.
As for the reasoning behind the Camaro’s targeting, it’s understood that more minimal changes were favored so close to the season-opening round.
Changing the Camaro, the material can be mounted to the existing Camaro front bar with adhesive, rather than a more extensive rear fender redesign on the Mustang.
Another bone of contention for Ford and its teams was the performance of the 5.4-liter V8 engine versus the 5.7-liter Chevy unit.
It looks like there is no clear resolution heading into Newcastle this weekend.
Instead, there may be ongoing adjustments to mapping and shift reductions if a real disparity emerges in the heat of the moment.
Practice for the Newcastle 500 will begin at 11:15 a.m. local time on Friday.
