Chevy Blazer EV.R NASCAR: A Striking 1,300 HP Concept | Carscoops

      The custom Blazer EV features an aggressive new aerodynamic design that includes a large rear wing.

      17 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      The EV.R is constructed on the NASCAR Next Gen chassis and incorporates a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery.

      GM's daring prototype racer is also equipped with an advanced programmable all-wheel drive system.

      This weekend, Chevrolet will serve as the pace car for the Daytona 500 race with the street-legal Blazer EV SS.

      It appears that Chevrolet is following Ford's lead, aiming to attract attention to its electric vehicles by developing a high-powered, track-exclusive prototype based on the Blazer EV. Ford has similarly introduced unique models in recent years, unveiling one-offs like the Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype, F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, SuperVan 4.2, and most recently, the Mach-E NASCAR.

      Chevy’s distinctive prototype, dubbed the Blazer EV.R NASCAR, has been unveiled ahead of this weekend’s Daytona 500 and bears a resemblance to Ford’s electrified models.

      While the Blazer EV.R NASCAR shares its name with the street-legal Blazer EV, it is fundamentally different. It is built on NASCAR's Next Gen chassis and is powered by a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery that drives three six-phase electric motors. Altogether, the prototype produces an impressive 1,300 hp, delivered to the ground via a programmable all-wheel drive system.

      The design of the prototype is aligned closely with the standard Blazer EV SS, though with a much stronger emphasis on performance. It features striking aerodynamic enhancements aimed at maintaining stability at high speeds. While the front retains the recognizable Blazer EV aesthetic, it now sports a more aggressive splitter to enhance downforce.

      Chevrolet's designers and engineers have also created new center-lock wheels for the prototype, equipped with Goodyear Racing Eagle tires. The one-off model has been modified from a four-door to a two-door configuration and omits side windows, because who needs them in a race car?

      Notable features at the rear of the Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype include the large wing and diffuser. While the exact amount of downforce produced is not specified, it is expected to be significant.

      “NASCAR and its manufacturer partners are deeply committed to emerging technologies and are striving to remain at the forefront of innovation,” said NASCAR vice president of vehicle design Brandon Thomas. “With the Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype, Chevrolet and its engineers have integrated new technologies with the NASCAR Next Gen platform, resulting in a powerful, exhilarating vehicle that we believe fans will love when they see it at Daytona International Speedway.”

      Although the EV.R NASCAR prototype is a racing dream, Chevrolet has not forgotten about the consumer market. The Blazer EV SS, the flagship model, is set to launch in dealerships soon, boasting up to 615 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. As for range, it offers an impressive 303 miles on a full charge, priced at $62,490 including destination charges.