The subtle differences between the two Gen3 prototypes

Zane Goddard was buoyed by how close the two Gen3 prototypes "already are" after testing earlier this week.

The former Matt Stone Racing driver was present at Queensland Raceway this week as Supercars conducted testing of the two prototypes.

Goddard, who is a free agent, was handed the rare chance to test both Gen3 prototypes from Ford and Chevrolet.

The two test days marked the first major outing for the prototypes since they were unveiled at the Repco Bathurst 1000 six weeks ago.

Private testing before the launch was centred on basic reliability, with earlier engine testing carried out in mule cars.

This week’s testing was centred on mileage, ergonomics and helping drivers get a feel for the new cars and how they compare to current Gen2 cars.

Ahead of the test days, the Gen3 prototypes had been fitted with new componentry, notably the addition of anti-roll bars.

The Gen3 cars have undergone a significant downforce reduction relative to the Gen2 predecessors.

Having sampled both cars, Goddard noted the reduced downforce made the overall package more challenging, something Will Davison also noted.

"Less downforce will make it more tricky for the driver," Goddard told Supercars.com.

"That’s another positive when it comes to racing. There’ll be closer racing and more overtaking.

"My first taste in both Gen3 cars shows it’s heading in the right direction.

"It’s pretty cool to see how close they already are.

"Obviously, some work still needs to be done, but it’s a promising start."

The Gen3 regulations stipulate that the race cars must bear a closer resemblance to their road car counterparts.

The aggressive styling of the Gen3 cars has made for reduced visibility versus previous cars.

Both Gen3 prototypes are markedly different in design in the effort to be visually aligned to the road cars.

Goddard noted subtle differences in balance between the two cars, as well as tighter visibility versus current cars.

It was noted that the Mustang favours oversteer, and the Camaro understeer - but the balance, according to Goddard, will be adjustable.

Regardless, Goddard was excited by the feel of the prototypes as genuine race cars, saying the unique Supercars "spectacle" will not only be retained, but enhanced.

"It’s a fair bit different to the current car. It’s still got some of the DNA from the car we race now," he said.

"I think that’s really important; it’s quite a spectacle watching a Supercars nose-to-tail and bouncing off kerbs.

"It was an awesome experience, big thanks to Supercars for letting me jump between the two cars."

There is still tinkering to come; work on what will become the control oil tank saw testing carried out with cameras fitted to the engine bays of both cars to visually monitor oil surge.

For Goddard, the running in both cars gave him a unique opportunity to witness what the racing package will ultimately be when it debuts in 2023.

"It’s an experience I really enjoyed. It’s something I haven’t done before, testing brand new cars," he said.

"The whole approach to the day was different to a normal test.

"Normally we’re fine-tuning little things to make a car faster around a track.

"Here, we’re fine-tuning driver things here and there; the way the throttle works, the way it brakes.

"It’s not about where to fix understeer here, fix oversteer there. It’s about how the throttle’s picking up, how the brake pedal feels."

Testing will continue next week at Queensland Raceway.