NASCAR Putting "Stock" Back In "Stock Car"

New 2013 NASCAR Body Styles:

NASCAR wants to bring the sport back to its roots and it seems like they have come a little closer. New regulations from NASCAR allow the manufactures to redesign their cars to look like the real models for next season. So far we have seen models from Dodge, Ford, and Toyota (Chevy has only released a camouflaged version of its new SS). These new designs are welcome change to the generic body we have now where the only difference between manufactures (from an exterior perspective) were the stickers for lights and badges. While I understand the reasoning for this "car of tomorrow" design, I could not be happier to see the vehicles actually looking like the street model you you buy bringing back the "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" mantra.

Chevrolet: 

All we know is that Chevy will be using a new design called the SS for their stock car. The street model should be a V8, rear-drive platform similar to the Pontiac G8 producing over 400hp. While I look forward to the car, I am curious how the stock car will look.

Dodge: 

Dodge released their new design way back in February. However, right before the release, it was announced that Penske was abandoning ship in favor of Ford. This marked the latest major Sprint Cup team to leave the manufacture since it's return to NASCAR over a decade ago. It also leaves Dodge without a major team to represent the brand (there are some start and park teams). Now I do like the new design and it closely mimics the street Charger (read my review on the 2012 Dodge Charger Pentastar V6) that many have come to love. Good luck to Dodge on finding someone to drive it as most of the major teams are already under contract. Maybe Kurt might start his own team since no one will hire him following is latest suspension.

Ford: 

Ford has elected to stay with the Fusion for the 2013 season. With the new Fusion set to be released in the coming months, Ford has decided to take advantage of the marketing opportunity of keeping the badge in stock car racing opposed to the Mustang which currently runs in Nationwide. Now I personally love the new Fusion's design and I feel that this is a sleek, aggressive looking car that is sure to sell world wide (the car is known as the Ford Mondeo in other areas of the world). Personally, I think the stock car version looks even better. Fans can see the new #21 Motorcraft Ford livery (pictured above) at the Roush-Fenway headquarters in Concord, NC. I look forward to seeing it at Daytona in February.

Toyota: 

While some have complained about a Japanese automaker in NASCAR, I feel it is great for the sport. In addition, the Camry (in addition to about a dozen other Toyota AG models) is built in the US in Georgetown, KY. This car is more American than the Charger and Chevrolet Impala (both built in Ontario, Canada) or the Fusion (Sonora, Mexico). I feel this new Camry looks fantastic and the stock car closely mimics the street version (see my review of the 2012 Toyota Camry SE).

Be sure to check these new models out next season starting at Daytona in February. Also, stay tuned to Zach's Auto Review for more automotive news, reviews and information.