“As a passionate race fan, the debut of the SS NASCAR race car is a genuinely exciting moment for me,” GM North America President Mark Reuss said. “With the SS, Chevrolet is delivering a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR race car that is very closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale, ensuring that our most loyal enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the same thrill every day on the open road that our race car drivers enjoy on the track on race day.”

NASCAR opted to go with Sprint Cup cars that more closely resemble their street counterparts, beginning in 2013. Other manufacturers competing in the series — Ford and Dodge — have already unveiled their designs for next year. Chevrolet is the only manufacturer going with a different nameplate. Ford will stick with the Fusion, while Toyota continues on with the Camry.

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Photos, below, courtesy of Getty Images for NASCAR