Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) regulations were created for the 2011 British Touring Car Championship in order to reduce the running costs of the cars and engines in order to allow more manufacturers and privateers entry to the series
NGTC engines, however, have been eligible since 2010, with three teams at the time opting to run the new engine. The engines are 300+bhp, 2-litre turbo-charged direct injection engines and include fly by wire throttle control and an over-boost function. Teams can decide to make their own engine to spec or can lease/buy a ready-built TOCA-BTCC unit.
Originally cars were only allowed to be front-wheel drive, but following high interest from rear-wheel drive teams wanting to take part, the regulations were changed to include both front- and rear-wheel drive entries. Cars must use an Xtrac 6 speed sequential gearbox and use AP Racing specified brakes and carbon clutch.
The body must be a minimum of 4.4 metres in length and can be anything from 2 to 5 door, although the 2 or 3 door car must share the same basic profile as their 4 or 5 door equivalent and the base model must be on sale through the manufacturer’s normal dealer network.
Aerodynamics are all specified, with the front incorporating flat floor, apertures for radiator, brake cooling ducts, intercooler and side exits, as well as a specified rear wing profile. Front and rear sub-frames attach to specified points on the car’s roll cage, with the front sub-frame incorporating suspension, brakes, transmission, and engine location.
The target cost of a car, less engine, is around £200,000, while a TOCA-BTCC engine is £25,000 with the option to be leased.