[arbys]

Originally Posted by Mr_GTO

Changing for next year....did you miss the new Ford and Charger recently announced?

What, new decals?

[MikeNoun]

Actually, the 2013 Dodge Charger (NASCAR) isn't just decals. They made the new model with a factory style recessed grille, heavy body side scallops, and it's much closer to being a stock bodied car. Their intent is to convince NASCAR to return to stock appearing cars.

Ford and Chrysler resorted to stock appearing bodies in the Nationwide Series when they brought the Challenger and Mustang into the fray. Both cars stand out very well, and there's no mistaking them on the track or on TV. They look like Mustangs and Challengers, not cookie-cutter cars. They did a great job, and it boosted interest in the series.

In Sprint Cup, it's hard to tell Impalas from Camrys. The Fords and Dodges at least have a noticeably different nose, but the bodies are nearly identical between all the makes. NASCAR wants parity, they want all the cars to cross the finish line holding hands, because that's good for getting all the sponsor logos on the TV screen.

So they state they want NASCAR to be a driver competition, not a car competition. It's basically like the old IROC Series, where the cars are identical. But the IROC Series died due to lack of interest. Fans loved the competition, but the cars all appeared identical. I guess NASCAR didn't learn from that, and decided to market the drivers as celebrities instead. It's worked for a couple decades now, thanks to Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr., and the antics of Kyle Busch. But interest was waning again, so in comes Danica Patrick for a booster shot.

Remember the bubbleback Monte Carlos and Grand Prix's of the late 80's? They were designed specifically to give Chevy and Pontiac teams the edge back in the late 80's. Those were probably the last attempts by an auto manufacturer to specifically help out their NASCAR teams, without caring about showroom sales.

Even if Dodge is the ONLY one to go a little retro, and have a relatively stock bodied car out on the track, you KNOW that NASCAR will bend the rules, and allow the Dodges to run less wing, or allow them more horsepower, to make up for their aero disadvantage.

But Penske dropped Dodge for 2013, so they aren't sure if there will even be a need (or buyers) for a 2013 NASCAR Charger. But they look pretty cool.