Chevrolet Unveils Blazer EV.R Prototype for NASCAR, Shaping the Future of Motorsport
Chevrolet revealed its Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype before this year’s Daytona 500. The prototype demonstrates Chevrolet’s ongoing effort to pioneer new technologies that benefit its racing programmes and consumer vehicles.
Eric Warren, Executive Director of Global Motorsports Competition at General Motors, remarked, "Whilst we will persist with our trusted V8 technology in NASCAR for many years, we are always exploring ways to enhance power, durability, and efficiency. These innovations from the racetrack are intended to augment our consumer EV lineup, especially as we expand Chevy’s range of electric vehicles."
The prototype generates over 1,300 horsepower from three six-phase electric motors, which can rev up to 15,000 rpm immediately. A 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery supports it.
Chevrolet's pursuit of innovative technologies bolsters its racing achievements and enriches the vehicles it offers in showrooms. Placing customer preferences at the core, Chevrolet boasts one of the industry's most varied vehicle ranges, including everything from entry-level cars to supercars, with options spanning diesel, petrol, and electric models.
"Motorsports is an incubator for technological advancement and a vital training arena for our engineers, where Chevrolet can test new technologies in a competitive, fast-paced setting," Warren added.
The Blazer EV.R is constructed on NASCAR’s Next Gen chassis with suspension components. It has a programmable all-wheel-drive system and Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres. Chevrolet collaborated closely with NASCAR and other manufacturers to establish the prototype’s technical specifications.
GM Design and motorsports engineers have infused the Blazer EV.R with aesthetic elements inspired by the Blazer EV SS production model.
Executive Director of Chevrolet Global Design, Phil Zak, stated, "Our collaboration with NASCAR offered a fantastic opportunity to design a new crossover utility vehicle body, integrating stylistic elements from our Blazer EV SS. The EV.R prototype features lower and wider proportions and is crafted with aerodynamics and performance in mind."
GM engineers rapidly advanced the prototype from concept to reality, achieving race-pace reliability during testing last month at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.
Brandon Thomas, NASCAR Vice President of Vehicle Design, noted, "NASCAR and its partners are deeply invested in embracing emerging technologies. With the Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype, Chevrolet has successfully merged new technologies with the NASCAR Next Gen platform to produce an exhilarating and powerful vehicle."
During the testing phase, Justin Allgaier, a 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion and Team Chevy driver, drove the prototype. Allgaier discussed the unique challenges of adapting to the new vehicle dynamics, focusing on how regenerative braking significantly impacts braking sections and cornering balance.
Chevrolet will also lead the 67th Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, 2025, with the Blazer EV SS. This model boasts 615 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, making it the quickest SS model Chevrolet has ever produced. Actor Alan Ritchson will serve as the honorary pace car driver.
In addition, the Corvette Stingray and Chevrolet Silverado RST will serve as pace cars for the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 and the Craftsman Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250, respectively.
