Prototype testing of the next-generation supercars officially began yesterday when the Gen3 Spec Mustang completed a shakedown on the Ipswich circuit.
Live data from the car, built by Ford homologation team Dick Johnson Racing, has been broadcast to Supercars technical and motorsport staff currently based at Sydney Motorsport Park.
DJR enduro rider Alex Davison took over the helm for the maiden voyage.
The test took place behind closed doors, details – including pictures – very few and far between.
However, on the Castrol Motorsport News podcast earlier this week, it was revealed that the Mustang was equipped with a paddle shift as part of the gear selection system evaluation.
That contradicts previous plans for the Mustang to first carry out a stick shift, while the Camaro would be equipped with paddles.
However, it was always planned that both cars would test both systems as part of the category switch to Assisted Gear Shift.
Paddles have been a controversial topic on the Gen3 journey so far, with the majority of riders opposed.
The reaction from fans was similarly negative, but pressure on paddles continued for cost reasons.
The idea is that AGS and Auto Blip, combined with paddles, help protect engines and transmissions from overspeeding.
With the current manual sequential shifts, drivers often intentionally overspeed the cars to help them turn.
While the paddling movement had real momentum a few months ago, sources recently indicated that it is now significantly less likely.
But there is still no hard and fast confirmation, apart from the switch to the electronic circuit, which can be done either via paddles or a stick.
Supercars Motorsport Director Adrian Burgess confirmed this after yesterday’s first test of the paddles.
“As already communicated, it was always planned to try out both the paddle shift and the stick shift during the test phase,” Burgess said in a statement to Motorsport.com.
“A decision has not yet been made as to what we will use when racing for Gen3 starts in 2023.”
The Mustang shakedown adds to a meaningful week for Gen3 development after Supercars offered a taste of the Mustang and Camaro.
The footage released by Supercars shows cars that are vastly similar to their street-going counterparts, especially when compared to the current Mustang.
But beyond that, there was little to be said about the final look of the cars, as neither featured an aero-specific bodywork.
Both cars are expected to be unveiled to the public in Bathurst early next month.
