The NASCAR Gen 6 Cup cars defined stock car racing from 2013 through 2020. They were designed to be faster, more visually tied to their street counterparts, and safer than the Car of Tomorrow, which they replaced.
Specs
- Engine: 5.8L V8, ~750 horsepower (unrestricted trim)
- Weight: ~3,300 lbs (1,497 kg)
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Top Speed: 200+ mph at superspeedways
- Models: Chevy SS, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry
Handling Traits
- High Downforce: Stable in clean air, but aero push is dramatic in traffic.
- Draft Sensitivity: Runs form quickly at superspeedways.
- Tire Reliance: Conserving tires on long runs separates the best drivers.
Difficulty Level
- Intermediate–Advanced: Easier to control than older cars like the 1987 Cup or Gen 4, but much trickier in packs. Drivers must manage dirty air carefully.
Real-World Tie-In
The Gen 6 era delivered championships for Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., and Kyle Busch. Its legacy is one of NASCAR’s most competitive stretches, with multiple manufacturers regularly in contention.
Why They’re Fun in iRacing
- Fast & Modern: Capture the feel of 2010s NASCAR Cup racing.
- Diverse Tracks: From Daytona drafting packs to short-track brawls.
- Manufacturer Identity: Each model represents the brands that fought in real life.
