More composite parts for V8s?

Release date: 16/03/2008 V8 Supercars Australia is investigating the possibility of using more composite panels on their Falcons and Commodores in an effort to reduce costs, construction times and to simplify repairs following a crash.

While V8 Supercars Australia hierarchy refused to admit knowledge of such a panel, a composite Commodore rear quarter was sighted in the V8 Supercar paddock at Albert Park.

It is believed the rear quarter was being secretly shown to V8 team engineers in an effort to gather their feedback.

V8 Supercars have used a composite front quarter panel for the past 12 months and, of course, front airdams are made from either carbon fibre or Kevlar, however it is believed other composite parts are being considered, including the rear quarter and back door skins.

Composite parts are easier to repair and will also assist in the construction of a V8 Supercar as currently the VE Commodore road cars need to be shortened by a few centimetres to meet the wheelbase rules, meaning the production panels need to be cut and shut.

There is also concern that the new FG Falcon may have to be shortened in a similar way to meet wheelbase regulations.

Composite parts could be easily and quickly made to the required size once a mould is produced.

While no-one would officially comment on the rear quarter at Albert Park, V8 Supercars Australia Board member, Larry Perkins, admitted that the use of more composite parts could be a good idea, and that the Board would be happy to investigate the possibility of using them.

“I know there has been various submissions based on other panels being made out of composites,” Perkins confirmed.

“It will be an easy decision for the company to make; it will either be more cost effective for the company or it won't. If things have been added to the list then I think that's great.

“We are always trying to keep our minds open on a new way of doing things.”

Perkins indicated that V8 Supercars could consider even more composite parts in the future.

“Again it will be based on the parts; if it stacks up to be a more efficient way without impacting on the business then we will do it. That will go for any part. We don't want to have our head in the sand over any issue whether that is composite parts or whatever.”

V8 Supercars Australia CEO, Wayne Cattach, also said he knew nothing of the composite rear quarter at Albert Park, but admitted that the Board would look at the rules of the category once in takes control of the sport's technical regulations.

“We are about to appoint a new category Technical Director,” he said.

“We are reshaping the organisation following the amalgamation of TEGA (with the V8 Supercars Australia Board), which is not quite there. When that happens then the technical management of the sport will come under the mantra of V8 Supercars Australia.

“From that point on the V8 Supercars Australia Board will make all of the technical decisions.

“The flow of information will come from the TAP (Technical Advisory Panel, which will consist of six team engineers) through the Technical Director, through to the V8 Supercar Board.

“I am not aware of any work being done on panels. I think more importantly we need to step back and have an overall look at our cars. There are various areas that require attention.”

Cattach indicated that V8 Supercars Australia is likely to take a leaf out of NASCAR's book and develop a concept similar to the American category's 'Car of Tomorrow' (see separate story).