Ford perviously modified versions of their Mustang to be used in various Championship Cup racing series. It makes sense, as Mustang is an iconic and powerful American muscle car. But the Next-Generation of NASCAR models will get a bit domesticated.

NASCAR is going ahead with a 2013 design based off Ford Fusion, taking the track later this year. Plans for this were unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Ford wants to "signify a major return to auto manufacturer identity in the sport."¹

Making their race cars similar to a street-legal Fusion, like those from Pacifico Marple Ford near Philadelphia, might even bring fans to dealership lots for a test drive.

The latest incarnation of NASCAR vehicles might look more like production model Fusions on the outside, but inside they will hold all the technologically advanced safety features included in all NASCAR vehicles since 2007.

Source: ¹http://www.insideline.com/ford/fusion/2013/ford-to-debut-2013-nascar-fusion.html