NGTC Avensis completes wind tunnel test

The prototype Next Generation Touring Car based on the Toyota Avensis has undergone extensive testing at the MIRA facility ahead of its BTCC racing debut this year.

The GPR Motorsport developed car, built to the new technical framework set out by TOCA for introduction this year, was tested alongside its road going counterpart, though fitted with a rear wing for the test.

“We needed to fix a position for the rear wing, based on the aerodynamics of the road car, which gave the levels of downforce we were looking for” said BTCC technical director Peter Riches.

“I am pleased to say that this was quickly achieved, and it means that we now have a base line for all cars built to the NGTC regulations and have saved a lot of development time and potential expense for the teams.”

Two teams will be running the new GPR built Avensis race cars this season, with Ginetta G50 Cup champion Frank Wrathall in a Dynojet Racing run car, and Speedworks Motorsport with Tony Hughes.

The only other fully NGTC-specification entry, which will also be built by GPR Motorsport, will be a pair of Audi A4s for Rob Austin Racing.