[Surferdude]

With the V8 Supercars group pushing its COTF (Car of the Future) and actively pursuing other manufacturers to join the Holden (General Motors- Holdens) and Ford on the grid, a couple of months ago they announced Nissan would be a player.

Now, today, they have announced another name - Mercedes!

The currently Holden mounted Kelly Brothers Racing will shift to Nissans next year, while Ford proponents, Stone Brothers Racing will race Mercedes.

Now, all we need is a Hyundai i45 and the grid would be REALLY exciting.

Here's the link to their press release.

http://stonebrothersracing.com.au/erebus-motorsport-on-the-v8-supercar-grid-in-2013/

[2i30s]

I'm sure there will be more than 4 manufactureres next year.     a Hyundai could be in the making allready. 

[Doggie 1]

 

[Surferdude]

I'm sure there will be more than 4 manufactureres next year.     a Hyundai could be in the making allready. 

Yes. I had heard that from a couple of sources.
Ans earlier in the year Mark Skaife dropped the brand name as a 'throwaway comment" which I didn't believe was unintentional.

[Phil №❶]

There is a lot of component sharing in the current V8's, does that mean the Nissan and Merc's would not share these parts too 

[Dazzler]

When I heard a 4th manufacturer on the news today I expected it to be Toyota  (was surprised to hear the newsreader say Mercedes)

[Surferdude]

There is a lot of component sharing in the current V8's, does that mean the Nissan and Merc's would not share these parts too 

The COTF project is designed to let anyone enter. The whole machine, except the engine (which must be from a production engine used by the named manufacturer somewhere in the world) and the body panels is the same.
Each manufacturer's panel including wings and spoilers are tested to provide parity with one another.
The idea is that, technically all cars are identical so "sorting of suspension" and engine development (within strict parameters) are crucial. As is driver selection and pit team work.

[rustynutz]

Sort of fitting seeing as most taxi's in Germany are Mercedes.....