All cars have been built to the same NGTC regulations. These technical regulations are designed to dramatically reduce the design, build and running costs of the cars and engines.
In 2022, the BTCC became the first major touring car series to implement hybrid power as the new hybrid era was launched, alongside the introduction of the new M-Sport TOCA engine.
For the 2024 campaign, several enhancements have been made to the hybrid system to ensure the deployment carries a greater impact.
NGTC allows independent teams to compete on a level playing field against manufacturer-backed efforts by keeping costs down whilst at the same time rewarding precise engineering and all-important split-second strategy.
The foundation for NGTC is an emphasis on some common components – turbo, wastegate, intercoolers, ECU (engine control unit), instrumentation and dash, power management system, six-speed sequential gearbox, fuel tanks, differential, subframe, steering, brakes, clutch, wheels, dampers and suspension – which dramatically drives down costs for teams looking to compete in one of the world’s most attractive motor sport arenas.
Teams have the option of running either TOCA’s unbranded NGTC-spec engine or, whether privateer or full manufacturer-backed entries, developing their own powerplant to the regulations, as long as it is from the same ‘family’ as their chosen model of car – all are 350+bhp 2-litre turbo-charged engines
An overview of the Technical Specifications are below:
Engine:
- 350+bhp 2-litre turbo-charged direct-injection engine with ‘fly by wire’ throttle control
- Low cost to develop, build, buy and maintain – either by teams and/or race engine-builders developing their own, or through lease/purchase of the 2022 specification TOCA/M-Sport prepared engine
- Engine can be sourced from a manufacturer’s broad ‘family’ range, including subsidiary marques under their effective control
- Common Owen Developments turbo charger and PWR intercooler to be used by all cars
Hybrid:
- The electric motor generator unit (MGU) is incorporated into the BTCC Xtrac gearbox for better packaging and also to satisfy the requirement for the cars to run on full electric power when exiting the pits the first time in each session
- The MGU has its own cooling system
- The MGU has no impact on the turbo engine or its exhaust sound as it is deployed through the gearbox
- The 48v battery is contained in a crash proof structure and has its own cooling system. It is mounted on the floor of the passenger compartment, inboard of everything in the car and is inside its own carbon-fibre safety cell designed to withstand a 60g impact
- The entire vehicle strategy system has been packaged into one unit. This means that the battery management, motor control strategies, cooling and all of the control surrounding the internal combustion engine is managed by the Cosworth Antares 8 ECU (Electronics Control Unit)
- Battery charging (if needed between races) is carried out via a 240v wall socket, taking less than one hour to be fully charged. However, normally the hybrid battery regeneration during the race is more than sufficient to keep the battery fully charged (LIGHTNING LOGO)
Drivetrain:
- Xtrac 6 speed sequential-shift gearbox and differential
- AP Racing carbon clutch with steel cover
- Drive-train layout (i.e. front or rear wheel drive) as per base vehicle
- 4WD base car keep engine orientation as production which defines driven wheels
Suspension:
- RML designed full front sub-frame incorporating suspension, brakes, transmission and engine location that attaches to specified roll cage locations. Multi-adjustable double wishbone suspension with SPA Penske coil-over dampers
- RML designed rear sub-frame that attaches to specified roll cage locations. Multi-adjustable double wishbone suspension with SPA Penske coil-over dampers
- Hydraulic Power Steering
Bodyshell:
- 2, 3, 4 or 5 door of a minimum 4.4m length (2 or 3 door cars must share the same basic body profile as the 4/5 door model)
- Equalised width of 1890mm
- Specified front aerodynamic device incorporating flat floor, apertures for radiator, brake cooling ducts, intercooler and side exits
- Specified rear wing profile
- Stylised front & rear wheel-arch extensions
- Increased driver protection
- Latest specification FIA Homologated seat
- Side exhaust permitted
- 80 litre ATL fuel tank
- Lifeline fire extinguisher system
- Base vehicle must be freely on sale in the UK through the manufacturer’s normal dealer network at time of homologation
- Equal base vehicle weights, for front and rear-wheel drive – 1280 kilos
Wheels/Tyres:
- Specified Rimstock 18” centre-lock wheel
- Goodyear: Hard, Medium, Soft and Wet compounds
Brakes:
- AP Racing specified package
- AP Racing specified pedal-box
Electronics:
- The entire vehicle strategy system has been packaged into one unit from 2022. This means that the battery management, motor control strategies, cooling and all of the control surrounding the internal combustion engine is managed by the Cosworth Antares 8 ECU (Electronics Control Unit)
- Common power management box and switch panels
- Common Cosworth wiring loom design
- Judicial camera system to be run by all cars
Sustainable Fuel:
- From 2022 the BTCC will use 20% sustainable fuel
- TOCA has selected a fuel that is considerably more sustainable than that which has recently been introduced to petrol station forecourts throughout the UK (E10).
- The BTCC’s new-for-2022 fuel – designated Hiperflo® R20 – has a total of 20% renewable components, comprising 15% second generation ethanol content and 5% of renewable hydrocarbons.
- It is calculated by the manufacturer that this will give approximately an 18% reduction in greenhouse gasses when compared to current pump fuel, significantly lowering the fuel’s impact on the environment.
Click here to download the full 2024 Sporting and Technical Regulations
PLEASE NOTE: These regulations may be amended by TOCA during the course of the season with all teams and officials notified of any changes via official championship bulletins.
