What Sets the NASCAR Le Mans Car Apart From its Next Gen Counterpart?

Last year, NASCAR undertook one of its most ambitious projects. With the help of Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet, they were going to field a Next Gen NASCAR car in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since the announcement, the manufacturer had been hard at work building the car for the mega event. Once it was ready and underwent multiple tests, Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button, and Mike Rockenfeller were recruited.

However, one has to wonder whether this is a replica of the Next Gen car used in the Cup Series. After all, both cars are Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s, and they are essentially the same model. Admittedly, the car is not built to NASCAR specifications because there is a unique set of rules for endurance racing.

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What differentiates the NASCAR spec, and the Le Mans spec?

The first change is a visual one, where the Le Mans machine has functioning headlights. In NASCAR, the headlights are absent, primarily to avoid then breaking on contact. As a result, the stock car series opts for stickers that resemble headlights, while the tracks are adequately lit during night races. Additionally, the Le Mans spec possesses a symmetric body, since the asymmetric nature of the NASCAR cars helps at oval tracks.

Other differences include the usage of bioethanol fuel with a larger tank. The Le Mans spec also has larger spoilers, carbon underwings, a front splitter, and a diffuser. However, the biggest difference is the weight, with the NASCAR spec weighing 1580kg and the Le Mans spec weighing 1342kg.

What other differences are there between the two cars?

The Le Mans Chevy is also two millimeters longer than its NASCAR counterpart. However, it retains the same height, width, wheelbase, and chassis. Though it is worth mentioning that the Le Mans car has a 5-speed paddle shift sequential with ramp and plate differential transaxle. Meanwhile, the NASCAR car has a 5-speed manual sequential with ramp and plate differential.

The suspension and the steering are the same for both vehicles, but the fuel cell of the Le Mans spec is 32 gallons as opposed to 20. The final difference is the wheels. NASCAR cars only have one specific set of wheels, which are 18″ x 12″ forged aluminum. On the other hand, the Le Mans car has three sets of wheels on hand. They are dry fronts 18″ x 12.5″, dry rears 18″ x 13.5″, and wets 18″ x 12″. Otherwise, the remaining parameters are the same. This includes brakes, engine, induction system, fuel system, oil system, engine cooling, and exhaust.

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