The Australian touring car series has given up plans for a sensational mid-season launch of their brand new car next year.
Instead, a more conventional roll-out of the next-generation hardware will take place before the opening round of the 2023 season.
In a statement, Supercars pinned this latest Gen3 delay to factors such as international delivery delays and local lockdowns due to the pandemic.
“Supercars today confirmed that the launch of the Gen3 program will be postponed until the opening event in 2023,” the statement said.
“Factors beyond the control of supercars, including the ongoing challenges with international supply chains and domestic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, are among the most important factors.
“Lockdowns in various states that have forced supercars to tighten their racing program in the last three months of 2021 have also restricted the Gen3 testing program as originally planned.
“Supercars made this decision after consulting with key stakeholders, including [naming rights backer] The broadcast partners of Repco, Ford, General Motors and Supercars. “
The statement also confirmed that the Gen3 prototypes will be unveiled on the Friday of this year’s Bathurst 1000 ahead of a number of track appearances next season.
“The manufacturers’ respective homologation teams (Triple Eight Race Engineering and Dick Johnson Racing) are continuing to develop the prototypes, and Gen3 cars will be unveiled on Friday December 3rd during this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.” read the statement.
“Supercars, General Motors and Ford remain committed to introducing Gen3 and the introduction of the Camaro and Mustang.
“During 2022, fans will see the very first Gen3 race car come to life ahead of the program’s racing debut.
“Cars will have major shows and tests on the track at many supercars events over the next year.”
The delay means a grace period for the Holden Commodore, the famous nameplate is given an additional half racing season before it is replaced by the Chevrolet Camaro.
It could also facilitate an immediate rollout of the latest spec Ford Mustang slated for 2023.
This is the third delay in the Gen3 rules, which were originally supposed to go into effect for the 2021 season.
This plan was abandoned in September 2019 and the schedule was postponed to the beginning of the 2022 season.
After much speculation about further delays earlier this year, Supercars then pushed the launch back to August 2022, but that too was quickly received with cynicism by parts of the paddock.
As recently as last month, team owner Matt Stone publicly predicted that the rules would be postponed until 2023.
The new cars will be an entirely new platform for the existing cars, with a lower chassis that is better suited for two-door coupes.
A less customized, lower cost engine package is currently being developed as the transition to a full control suspension package is completed.
