Gen 2 pace cars!

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

I still remember the gen 1 pace cars...i guess with new gen..naturally, a newer solara...here you go guys:
(BTW: green and solara's don't mate well)....IMO

[slingshot]

Looks nice! This Solara gen desperately needs a brighter blue like that pace car blue to replace that Oceanic color.

[Jon11582]

Is that a fade on the A and D pillars? If it is, it looks real nice.

And the green doesnt look so bad IMO, nor does the blue.

[thealkimo]

any chance these will ever run pace for NASCAR?

or only Toyota (import) affiliated events?

[Astro]

I bet only at Toyota events.
Stock under the hood. I can't wait to see something.

2004 TOYOTA SOLARA PACE CAR SPECIFICATIONS
DRIVE TRAIN
Engine: V6, DOHC 24-Valve with VVTi
Displacement: 3.3 Liters
Power: 225 at 5,600 rpm
Torque: 240 lb-ft. at 3,600 rpm
Bore: 3.62Inches
Stroke: 3.27 Inches
Fuel: 100 Octane Unleaded
Transmission: 4-Automatic ECTI

CHASSIS/BODY
Chassis: Unibody
Body: Toyota Solara
Steering: Power Rack and Pinion
Paint: House of Color
Graphics: Molly Designs

SUSPENSION
Type: Independent
Front: Macpherson Strut
Rear: Macpherson Strut
Shock Absorbers: Bilstein

WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels: BBS 19” x 8 ½”
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position
Front/Rear: 245/40ZR19

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Safety: Full Roll Cage, Four-Point Racing Safety Harness, Competition Shock Absorbers, Springs and Safety Fuel Tank, On-Board Fire System

DIMENSIONS
Overall Weight: 3,425 lbs.
Wheel Base: 107.1 Inches
Overall Length: 192.5 Inches
Overall Width: 71.5 Inches
Overall Height: 56.1 Inches
Track Width: Front – 60.9 Inches; Rear – 60.4 Inches
Fuel Capacity: 18.5 Gallons

[TW85]

Any of you know if the pace cars have heavier (less assist) steering? That is one thing I wish the Solara had...

[Jewls]

Yep, gotta agree on the steering. I have a hard time driving my camaro now because after driving the Solara, it's like I physically have to work for it, the Sol is so effortless!

[cgs0409]

A thought crossed my mind a couple of weeks ago and one of the posters here had the same idea. Wonder if Toyota will race the Solara in NASCAR. Seems like a fit...have the engine running in the truck series now. Just a thought....

[TW85]

I drove a BMW 330i Performance Package all day Saturday in a BMW performance course. Perfect steering effort and I'm having a hard time driving my Solara now. I find myself steering a little too much...

My mom's 4Runner has heavier steering, much like the BMW as far as effort goes. It would be great in the Solara. Wonder if TRD would ever offer a power steering unit???

[Mole]

I drove a BMW 330i Performance Package all day Saturday in a BMW performance course. Perfect steering effort and I'm having a hard time driving my Solara now. I find myself steering a little too much...

My mom's 4Runner has heavier steering, much like the BMW as far as effort goes. It would be great in the Solara. Wonder if TRD would ever offer a power steering unit???

i know exactly what you are talking about in the BMW steering.

its really almost to the point of no power steering and lets you feel like you're in control.

why wait for TRD? just pop off your power steering pump!

Assuming that the Solaras being the pace car, they have nothing much in dealing w/ the actual racing on the course. i doubt they tinkered w/ any engine components.

[TW85]

The BMW's steering is definitely assisted but not to the point of being able to do one-finger turns like on the Solara.

One thing is for sure; I much prefer the 3.3L V6 in the Solara over the 235 HP 3.0 I6 in the BMW 330i Performance Package. Torque is a great thing!

[ChrYstiE]

I saw the green one at the sema show. I'll post pictures soon.