Chevrolet recently ran its Blazer EV.R electric NASCAR prototype at the Daytona 500, which took place February 16. It delivers over 1,300hp from three six-phase electric motors that rev to 15,000rpm, powered by a 78kWh liquid-cooled battery.
Built on NASCAR’s Next Gen chassis and suspension componentry, the Blazer EV.R puts its power down via a programable AWD system through Goodyear Racing Eagle tires. Chevrolet worked closely with NASCAR and other manufacturers on the parameters and technical elements of the prototype.
“This program was a great opportunity with NASCAR to design a new crossover utility vehicle body and bring forward design elements from our Blazer EV SS,” said Phil Zak, executive director, Chevrolet Global Design. “The EV.R prototype offers lower and wider proportions and was designed with aerodynamics and performance in mind.”
“While we will continue to race our proven and winning V8 technology in NASCAR for years to come, we continually look for ways to improve the combination of power, durability and efficiency to transfer learnings from the racetrack to the showroom, especially as we bolster Chevy’s consumer EV line-up,” said Eric Warren, executive director, global motorsports competition for General Motors.
Chevrolet says exploring new technologies enables the company to apply learnings for vehicles in the showroom. “Motorsport is a testbed for innovation, and a training ground for our engineers – one that allows Chevrolet to try out new technologies in a fast-paced environment against the best competition,” Warren added.
GM engineers were able to take the prototype from concept to reality, then reliably turn laps at race pace during testing last month at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina. “NASCAR and its manufacturer partners are passionate about emerging technologies, and working to remain on the forefront of innovation,” said Brandon Thomas, NASCAR vice president, vehicle design.
“With the Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype, Chevrolet and its engineers meshed new technologies with the NASCAR Next Gen platform – and the result is a powerful, exciting vehicle that we believe fans will love when they see it at Daytona International Speedway.”
Driving the prototype during testing was Justin Allgaier, Team Chevy driver, 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion. “There are so many things you don’t think about until you’re in the car actually testing it,” said Allgaier. “I’m used to knowing my speed through gearing and listening to engine revs, so I had to totally change how I judge corner entry speed. With this platform we’re learning how to strategically adjust regenerative braking, which has a big impact on braking sections and cornering balance.”