Generation 3 (NASCAR)

The Generation 3 era began in 1981[1] and featured bigger spoilers, and streamlined designs[2] that barely resembled their showroom counterparts.[2] The wheelbase was reduced to 110 inches in response to the demand of the production car market that the time, making the cars smaller than the previous 2 generations.[2]

These were the cars that necessitated restrictor plates at Daytona and Talladega. In 1987 at Talladega, Bill Elliott set what remains the NASCAR qualifying record of 212.809 mph (342.483 km/h). But soon into the race, Bobby Allison's car went airborne and nearly went into the main grandstands, and that was the last unrestricted race on either of the two giant tracks. NASCAR mandated smaller carburetors for the rest of that season, and in 1988 required the restrictor plates.[3]

The Generation 3 cars were used until 1991. It was the last generation without roof flaps (mandated in 1994). It was succeeded by the Generation 4 cars in 1992. In that same year, the Gen 3 car was still used in the Busch Series, until the series adopted their Generation 4 car in 1994.

In 1982, NASCAR Xfinity Series competitors began looking at alternatives from the 5-litre based (311 cu in (5 L) engines, as in short track racing there was a push for six-cylinder engines in short track racing to save on costs, with some series allowing weight breaks. One popular idea was to use 231–275 cu in (4–5 L) six-cylinder engines; instead of Cup Series' 358 cu in (5.9 L) V-8s.[4][5][6] In 1989, NASCAR changed rules requiring cars to use current body styles, similar to the Cup cars. However, the cars still used V6 engines. The cars gradually became similar to Cup cars.

Bill Elliott vs. Kyle Petty at Martinsville in 1985.

• Buick Regal: 1981–1985, 1988–1991
• Buick LeSabre: 1986–1987
• Chevrolet Lumina: 1989–1991
• Chevrolet Monte Carlo: 1981–1989
• Oldsmobile Cutlass: 1981–1991
• Oldsmobile Delta 88: 1986–1987
• Pontiac Grand Prix: 1981-1991
• Pontiac LeMans: 1982-1983

• Ford Thunderbird: 1981–1991

• Chrysler Cordoba: 1980-?
• Dodge Mirada: 1981-1986
• Imperial: 1981-1986