Car

NASCAR Next Gen car (2022)

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The Next Gen car, originally known as the Gen-7 car, is the common name for the racecar currently used in the NASCAR Cup Series, beginning with the 2022 season. As an evolution of the Generation 6 car, the Next Gen features improved aerodynamic and downforce packages and introduces new technologies to the track. The car made its official points race debut at the 2022 Daytona 500, won by Austin Cindric.

Development of the Next Gen car began with the 2019 season’s rules package. The design aimed to address factors including attracting new manufacturers. Initial testing utilized a prototype built by Richard Childress Racing with a generic body. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the car’s debut, originally scheduled for the 2021 Daytona 500, pushing it back to 2022 due to lost testing time.

The Next Gen car incorporates several technological improvements over its predecessor. While initially rumored to use a carbon fiber tub, the car retains a steel space frame, but with a modular design for faster setups. Technique recently opened a shop in Concord, North Carolina, indicating their role in manufacturing the chassis. A key change is the replacement of the traditional four-speed manual transmission with a five-speed sequential manual transmission. The car also features an independent rear suspension with adjustable Öhlins dampers, replacing the solid rear axle used previously.

The Next Gen utilizes an 18-inch aluminum wheel with a single, center-locking lug nut, replacing the traditional 15-inch steel wheel and five-lug pattern. Aerodynamically, the car features a stepped front splitter, vents on the hood to reduce side force, and a redesigned side skirt. A notable addition is the rear diffuser, used for the first time in NASCAR, designed to generate more downforce. Adjustable aerodynamic components are also used to accommodate different track types. A rear-facing camera is also integrated, positioned above the driver’s rear window.

Testing of the Next Gen car involved multiple drivers at various tracks. Austin Dillon conducted the first test at Richmond Raceway in October 2019, followed by Joey Logano at Phoenix Raceway and Erik Jones at Homestead–Miami Speedway. Further testing continued with William Byron at Auto Club Speedway and Cole Custer at Dover International Speedway.

In 2022, Chevrolet clinched its 41st manufacturers' championship, and the first in the Next Gen era, prior to the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Joey Logano of Team Penske claimed his second Cup Series championship and became the first champion of the Next Gen era at the conclusion of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway.

The car also participated in a unique event, as a Next Gen Camaro ZL1 1LE was entered in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans as a Garage 56 entry, driven by Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller, and Jenson Button. The car completed the race despite experiencing transmission problems, finishing 39th overall.

The introduction of the Next Gen car led to several rule changes and penalties. A more stringent penalty system was implemented in January 2022, with a tiered structure (L1 to L3), with L3 penalties reserved for tampering with single-source vendor parts. L3 violations resulted in point deductions, playoff ineligibility, and crew member suspensions.

Several teams faced penalties for modifications to single-source parts. Matt McCall, crew chief for RFK Racing, was suspended and fined for an L2 penalty after the 2022 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500. Further penalties were issued to Petty GMS Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Front Row Motorsports for similar violations. In May 2023, Stewart-Haas Racing received the first L3 penalty for counterfeiting a single-source part. Additional penalties were issued to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024 for an engine inspection violation and to the team in 2025 for an illegal spoiler modification, the latter of which was later overturned on appeal. In 2024, RFK Racing was penalized for a modification to the front bumper.

Following the 2022 season and the numerous safety concerns raised, NASCAR implemented changes to the rear bumper construction, rear chassis clip, and center chassis clip for the 2023 season. After the 2023 GEICO 500, NASCAR mandated a new front structure, allowing the front of the car to crush more effectively, and in 2024, modifications were made to the roof rail and roof flaps following incidents at Michigan International Speedway.

During the early races of the 2022 season, teams experienced issues with tires, including wheels coming loose. As a temporary solution, NASCAR allowed cars to be towed back to pit road during cautions.