Editing Supercars Championship (section)

==Supercar specifications==
{{Update section|date=March 2023}}
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| image1 = Heimgartner 2023 Supercars Test.jpg
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| image2 =  De Pasquale 2023 Supercars Test.jpg
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| caption2 = Teams race either the [[Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation)#ZL1|Chevrolet Camaro ZL1]] (top) or the [[Ford Mustang (seventh generation)|Ford Mustang GT]] (bottom).
| image3 = Jason Bright 2011 V8 Supercar Interior.JPG
| caption3 = The interior of [[Jason Bright]]'s 2011 [[Holden VE Commodore]]. The driver's seat, steering wheel, gear shifter and parts of the roll cage can be seen.
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| caption4 = Control wheels fitted with soft compound tyres.
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The current Gen 3 regulations are a complete refresh of the previous generation,<ref name=":0" /> with the cessation of volume car production in Australia being a major factor.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/tributes-flow-as-holden-brand-retired |title=Tributes flow as Holden brand retired |author=James Pavey |date=2020-02-17 |publisher=Supercars.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.motorsport.com/v8supercars/news/what-holden-demise-means-supercars/4697298/ |title=What Holden's demise really means for Supercars |author=Andrew van Leeuwen |date=2020-02-27 |publisher=Motorsport.com }}</ref> The current cars are the [[Ford Mustang (seventh generation)|Ford Mustang GT]] and the [[Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation)#ZL1|Chevrolet Camaro ZL1]].

The full list of regulations, Sporting and Technical, can be found on the Supercars website in the operations manual [https://www.supercars.com/championship/rules-and-regulations/operations-manual/].

=== Parity ===
Supercars is a "parity formula" which attempts to ensure that competitors using any of the available car models compete on an equal basis. In this aspect, it is similar in philosophy to the [[NASCAR Cup Series]].The category's current rules, and the charter between organisers and teams state that "..to the extent that it is possible, Competition will take place between the different makes and models of Cars as equalised by the technical parity mechanisms enshrined in the Rules.".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2024-02-24 |title=Revealed: Supercars' parity contract with the teams |url=https://speedcafe.com/revealed-supercars-parity-contract-with-the-teams/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

However, the rules go on to state that "The Category is not about equalisation of the abilities of participating Drivers and/or Teams (such equalisation could be, and is in some categories, defined as sporting parity). It is up to individual Drivers and/or Teams to Compete to the best of their abilities under the principle of technical parity."

Parity is intended to extend to aerodynamics, engine performance, and handling characteristics.

In practice, achieving technical parity has proven difficult and contentious, with a number of changes for the 2023 and 2024 season to aerodynamics and engines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2024-02-22 |title=Whincup not 'comfortable' with Supercars engine parity situation |url=https://speedcafe.com/whincup-not-comfortable-with-supercars-engine-parity-situation/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-31 |title='Wasted a whole year': Is the Supercars parity problem finally solved? |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/supercars/wasted-a-whole-year-is-the-supercars-parity-problem-finally-solved/news-story/f8faf4131b45642a5dea9986c55d9a03 |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref>

===Bodyshell===
The body of each car is based on its corresponding production car in [[Right Hand Drive]] and with homologation requirements. The bodies of both models are aerodynamically balanced through these homologations requirements, along with general balancing upon entering<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023-Div-A-2023-FINAL-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |title=Regulation A1.4 |access-date=19 June 2023 |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155902/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023-Div-A-2023-FINAL-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>  Composite and Exotic materials are generally not permitted. The tail lamps are carried over from the road car, while the windscreen is replaced by a polycarbonate unit. The cars also carry cameras for broadcasting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |title=Division C |access-date=19 June 2023 |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155903/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The bodies are built around a chassis provided by official accredited builders, including certain race teams. Currently, [[Triple Eight Race Engineering]] homologate the [[Chevrolet Camaro]] and [[Dick Johnson Racing]] homologate the [[Ford Mustang]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Homologation teams talk Gen3 efforts |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/homologation-teams-talk-gen3-efforts/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref> The new for [[2026 Supercars Championship|2026]] [[Toyota GR Supra]] will be homologaged by [[Walkinshaw Andretti United]].<ref name="GRSupraDebut"/>

Many safety features are utilised to protect the driver in the event of a crash. The fuel tank is positioned in front of the rear axle to prevent it from being damaged or ruptured in a rear end impact. The driver is seated towards the centre of the car and extra reinforcement is used on the roll cage on the driver's side to lessen the risk of injury in a side-on collision. The cars also feature a collapsible steering column and a fire extinguisher system.<ref name="COTF" />

===Aerodynamics===
All cars have an aerodynamics package consisting of a front spoiler and [[Diffuser (automotive)|splitter]],and a [[Wing (automotive)|rear wing]]. The aerodynamics package for each manufacturer is homologated after a series of tests which ensure that the different body styles produce near-identical [[downforce]] and [[Aerodynamic drag|drag]] numbers.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

By modern racing vehicle standards, Supercars have relatively low amounts of downforce. This is intended to make it easier to follow other cars, and make the handling more similar to road cars.  The Gen 3  cars were originally reported to produce about 140&nbsp;kg of downforce at 200&nbsp;km/h, similar to a road-registerable [[Porsche 911 GT3|Porsche 911 GT3 RS]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-24 |title=All the technical details on the Gen3 Supercars Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro |url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/here-s-all-the-technical-details-on-the-gen3-supercars-ford-mustang-and-chevrolet-camaro |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=WhichCar |language=en}}</ref>  Revisions in 2024 are stated to produce about 20% more downforce.<ref name="moreaero-2024">{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2024-02-16 |title=VIDEO: Lower top speed tipped for 2024-spec Supercars |url=https://speedcafe.com/video-lower-top-speed-tipped-for-2024-spec-supercars/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

===Weight===
The minimum weight of each car is {{Convert|1335|kg|lb|abbr=out}} including the driver and excluding the fuel, with a minimum load of 725&nbsp;kg over the front axle. The minimum weight for the driver is 95&nbsp;kg and includes the driver dressed in a full racing suit the seat and seat mountings and any ballast needed to meet the minimum weight.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minimum weights for Gen3 confirmed |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/minimum-weights-for-gen3-confirmed/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref><ref>Regulation C4.2 https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155903/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |date=19 June 2023 }}</ref>  Some other components also have a minimum weight, such as the engine and the front uprights

===Engine and drivetrain===
All cars must be [[front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]], and powered by a [[V8 engine]] designated by Supercars for use in the respected model of car, and balanced in power and weight.<ref>Regulation C.8 https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155903/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |date=19 June 2023 }}</ref> Currently, the GM engine (for use in the Camaro) is a 5.7L V8 with a single camshaft and two valves per cylinder. The Ford engine (for use in the Mustang) is a 5.4L V8 with four camshafts and 4 valves per cylinder. These engines were designed to be cheaper and have a higher longevity compared to previous engines, along with being more road-relevant.<ref name=":0" /> The Toyota engine (for use in the GR Supra) introduced in 2026 is a 5.0L V8 with [[Overhead camshaft engine#Dual overhead camshaft|DOHC]] with 4 valves per cylinder.<ref name="GRSupraDebut"/>

As of the Gen3 Supercars, all engines for a given car model are built by a single engine builder - Herrod Performance Engines for the Mustang and KRE Race Engines for the Camaro.<ref name="engine-delivery">{{Cite web |title=First engine allocations complete for Supercars teams {{!}} Supercars |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/first-engine-allocations-complete-for-supercars-teams |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.supercars.com |language=en}}</ref> Each engine is tested on a [[dynamometer]] before delivery to ensure the power and torque characteristics are to specification, and engine allocation is randomised to preclude more powerful engines being allocated to a specific team.<ref name="engine-delivery"/> Engines are sealed upon delivery, and modifications are prohibited. Engine servicing is only permitted under strict conditions and after minimum distances completed with the engine. Teams are only permitted two new engines per car, per year.<ref name="2023-operations-manual-division-d">{{Cite web |title=2023 Supercars Championship Operations Manual, Division D (Sporting Regulations) |url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/xd502h20t7lh/3H42SlyV499tyTzr6Nagtv/d26be653eeb1c9acd18a9c63f123714a/2023-Div-D-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=Supercars Championship }}</ref>

Power is transferred from the engine to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential transaxle with an integrated [[Locking differential#Spool|spool differential]].<ref name="tech">{{cite web |title=Next Gen V8 Supercars |url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/championship/rules-and-cars/next-gen-v8-supercars |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302225544/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/championship/rules-and-cars/next-gen-v8-supercars |archive-date=2 March 2016 |access-date=25 February 2016 |work=V8Supercars.com.au |publisher=BigPond Sport}}</ref> The individual [[gear ratio]]s and the [[final drive ratio]] are fixed with drop gears at the front of the transaxle allowing the teams to alter the overall transmission ratio for different circuits.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.v8scglobal.com/features/qa-with-albins-the-v8-supercar-transmission/ | title=Q&A with Albins -The V8 Supercar Transmission | work=V8SC Global | date=26 February 2013 | access-date=31 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621055043/http://www.v8scglobal.com/features/qa-with-albins-the-v8-supercar-transmission/ | archive-date=21 June 2013 | url-status=usurped }}</ref> The cars use a [[Clutch#Multiple plate clutch|triple plate clutch.]]<ref name="tech" /> The cars run on E75 fuel with a fuel tank capacity of about 130 Litres<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-08 |title=Supercars won't dump fuel drop |url=https://www.motorsport.com/v8supercars/news/supercars-wont-dump-fuel-drop/10409120/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=www.motorsport.com |language=en}}</ref>

An [[electronic control unit]] (ECU), provided by MoTeC, is used to monitor and optimise various aspects of the engine's performance. Numerous sensors in the car collect information which is then transmitted to the team, allowing them to monitor things such as tyre wear and fuel consumption and find potential problems with the car. The ECU is also used by officials during the scrutineering process.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.v8scglobal.com/inside-v8-supercars/the-v8-supercar/ | title=The V8 Supercar | publisher=V8SC Global | access-date=31 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124054351/http://www.v8scglobal.com/inside-v8-supercars/the-v8-supercar/ | archive-date=24 November 2012 | url-status=usurped }}</ref> During the race it can also serve functions such as to automatically limit a car's speed.

===Suspension===
All cars are required to use a double wishbone setup for the front suspension and independent rear suspension. Both the front and rear suspension systems feature adjustable [[shock absorber]]s and an [[anti-roll bar]] which, as of the introduction of the Gen 3 regulations, can not be adjusted from inside the car<ref>Regulation C.7 https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155903/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |date=19 June 2023 }}</ref>

===Brakes===
The cars use [[disc brake]]s supplied by [[Brembo#Brands|AP Racing]] on the front and rear, with the master cylinders provided by AP Racing or former control brake supplier Alcon. The front discs have a diameter of {{convert|395|mm|in}} and a six-piston caliper, while the rear discs are {{convert|355|mm|in}} diameter and have a four-piston caliper.<ref name="tech" /><ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. C54–C55</ref>

===Wheels and tyres===
The cars use {{convert|18|in|mm|adj=on}} control wheels, produced by Rimstock and supplied by Racer Industries, and control tyres from Dunlop. Supercars are provided with Soft, Supersoft, and Hard slick tyres as well as grooved wet tyres for each event, The requirement to use varying compounds and how many tyres need to be changed per race are dependent on the event<ref>[https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023-Div-D-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf Supercars operations manual 2023 division “D” – sporting rules] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155906/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023-Div-D-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |date=19 June 2023 }}, Retrieved 2024-01-25</ref>

=== Performance ===
The highest speed recorded in a Supercar of any generation is 300.5&nbsp;km/h on the (downhill) Conrod Straight on the [[Mount Panorama Circuit]], by [[Shane van Gisbergen]] in qualifying for the 2023 Bathurst 1000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=300km/h barrier cracked in Bathurst qualifying {{!}} Supercars |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/300km-h-barrier-hit-during-in-bathurst-qualifying |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=www.supercars.com |language=en}}</ref> 2024-spec cars are expected to be about 10&nbsp;km/h slower.<ref name="moreaero-2024"/>

Supercar lap times are similar to the [[Porsche 911 GT3|992 GT3 Cup]] cars running in the [[Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship]]. At the [[2023 Bathurst 1000]], the fastest Supercars qualifying lap recorded was 2:04.664 by [[Brodie Kostecki]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Repco Supercars Championship {{!}} Results {{!}} 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000 {{!}} Q6 {{!}} Supercars |url=https://www.supercars.com/results/2023/2023-bathurst-1000/Q6 |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=www.supercars.com |language=en}}</ref> On the same race weekend, the fastest qualifying lap recorded by the Carrera Cup cars was 2:04.6672.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Results - Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia |url=https://www.carreracup.com.au/results/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia {{!}} Season 2024 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

While Gen 3 Supercars and [[NASCAR Cup Series]] cars have never raced on the same circuit, their relative performance against Carrera Cup cars gives some indication of how they might compare on the same track. At [[Circuit of the Americas]], the Cup series lap record is more than three seconds per lap slower than Carrera Cup, whereas the Supercars virtually match the Carrera Cup car performance at circuits where they both race. NASCAR Cup Series cars are designed to race on [[superspeedway]]s and short-track oval courses as well as road circuits. [[Cam Waters]], after driving a Cup series car in preparation for his first NASCAR race, said that the latest-generation NASCAR cars "...feel fairly similar in some ways to the Supercars back home..Fairly heavy, the gearboxes are similar, the brakes are similar, a bit more power ''(in the Cup Series car)''".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waters compares NASCAR to Supercar {{!}} Supercars |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/cam-waters-compares-nascar-v8-supercar |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.supercars.com |language=en}}</ref>

Compared to other modern circuit racing vehicles, V8 Supercars are quite powerful, but have relatively little downforce and mechanical grip, making them challenging to drive.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zljL9d76U4 |title=Why V8 Supercars are THE HARDEST to Drive |date=2023-04-22 |last=Driver61 |access-date=2024-06-10 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The spool differential, which is very uncommon in modern racing vehicles, also requires a specific driving style unique to the series and makes it hard for drivers used to other categories to adapt quickly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leeuwen |first=Andrew van |date=2024-05-16 |title=Is this the urgent technical change Supercars needs? |url=https://speedcafe.com/is-this-the-urgent-technical-change-supercars-needs/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

===Cost===
The Gen 3 Supercar regulations were intended to reduce the cost of building a car (without engine) from around [[Australian dollar|$]]450,000 to $250,000. In practice, this did not occur, with teams reporting that rather than reduced costs, building and running costs increased by approximately 30% from Gen2 to Gen3 as of 2023. The increased costs were partly attributed to time pressures getting the cars ready while dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21, and the broader impact on materials costs of that period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2023-04-11 |title=Supercars working with teams to cut Gen3 costs |url=https://speedcafe.com/teams-working-with-supercars-to-cut-costs-from-gen3/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

The costs of competing in the championship are considerably higher than the purchase price of a car. There is no budget cap, though caps have been proposed. One estimate puts the season cost for teams at "1.2 to 3 million (Australian) dollars per car" per season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=van Leeuwen |first=Anthony |date=28 August 2020 |title=Skaife calls for Supercars cost cap |url=https://au.motorsport.com/v8supercars/news/skaife-supercars-cost-cap/4864061/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519111843/https://au.motorsport.com/v8supercars/news/skaife-supercars-cost-cap/4864061/ |archive-date=19 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=Motorsport.com }}</ref>