SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 20, 2025 – Chevrolet has unveiled its groundbreaking Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype, just ahead of this year’s Daytona 500. This high-performance machine boasts over 1,300hp generated by three six-phase electric motors, capable of revving up to an impressive 15,000 rpm. Powering these motors is a 78kWh liquid-cooled battery.
Design and Performance
Built upon NASCAR’s Next Gen chassis and suspension components, the Blazer EV.R utilizes a programmable all-wheel-drive system to deliver its power to the Goodyear Racing Eagle tires. Chevrolet collaborated closely with NASCAR and other manufacturers on the prototype's parameters and technical specifications.
“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.”
Technology Transfer and Innovation
Chevrolet emphasizes that exploring new technologies in motorsports allows them to apply valuable learnings to their consumer vehicles. “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.
“Motorsports 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.
Testing and Development
GM engineers successfully transitioned the prototype from concept to reality, achieving reliable 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.”
Driver Feedback
Justin Allgaier, Team Chevy driver and the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion, had the opportunity to test drive the prototype. “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."
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