Prototype Gen 3 engine gets first test

Triple Eight Race Engineering has completed the first known test of the new Gen 3 prototype engine set to be used in the Chevrolet Camaro.

A TA2 car with a Mercedes-AMG C63 body was fitted with the new 5.7-litre engine for the test day. 

The testing was carried out at Queensland Raceway, alongside the team ride day which also saw their usual ZB and ZF Commodores hit the track.

KRE Race Engines has been tasked with developing the new Camaro engines with Tripple Eight Race Engineering set to homologate the cars.

Prince Jefri Ibrahim cut the majority of the laps through the day, through the two primary drivers Shane Van Gisbergen and Jamie Whincup each got laps in the test car. 

Prince Ibrahim has previously raced for the team in the teams Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS outings.

It is unclear whether there was any other Gen 3 componentry on the vehicles, though it is understood that it was running a New Zealand made TTi gearbox. 

During the test day, people at the track noted that the cars sounded noticeably different than those currently running in the category.

However, that may be due to the exhaust system the TA2 cars run. 

The car wasn’t running the full engine capacity expected when they make their race debut, as they were testing with a lower rev limit. 

While the Camaro destined engine has now had its first track outing, the Mostech race engines designed 5.4-litre engine has not yet hit the track. 

The Gen 3 cars are expected to make their racing debut in August 2022.

_{Main Image: Bill Briggs}