IndyCar Series Set to Debut New Race Car Chassis in 2028
Table of Contents
- IndyCar Series Set to Debut New Race Car Chassis in 2028
- Dallara to Produce Next-Generation IndyCar Chassis
- Key Enhancements in the 2028 IndyCar Chassis
- Advanced Safety Features
- The Evolution of IndyCar Chassis
- Frequently Asked Questions About the New IndyCar Chassis
- When will the new IndyCar chassis be introduced?
- Who is manufacturing the new IndyCar chassis?
- What are the key improvements expected in the new IndyCar chassis?
- How much weight reduction is expected with the new IndyCar chassis?
- What engine will the new IndyCar chassis use?
- Will hybrid technology continue to be used in the new IndyCar chassis?
- What safety improvements will be included in the new IndyCar chassis?
The NTT IndyCar Series is gearing up for a notable change with the introduction of a brand-new race car chassis slated for the 2028 season. This announcement, shared with team owners at Road America, signals a new era for the series, emphasizing enhanced competition, powertrain advancements, and cutting-edge safety features.
Dallara to Produce Next-Generation IndyCar Chassis
Dallara, the Italian manufacturer that has been the exclusive chassis supplier for IndyCar since 2008, will continue in this role, producing the new chassis [1]. The design aims to captivate a new generation of fans while retaining the iconic styling cues recognizable to IndyCar enthusiasts. According to IndyCar President J.Douglas Boles, the current DW12 chassis has served the series well, but recent updates, including the aeroscreen and hybrid power unit, necessitate a completely new car.
Did You Know? Dallara has been producing chassis for IndyCar as 1997, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the series.
Key Enhancements in the 2028 IndyCar Chassis
The development of the new IndyCar focuses on three core areas: competition, powertrain development, and safety. The goal is to create a car that excels on all four types of circuits featured in the series: superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits, and permanent road courses.
Weight Reduction and Engine Upgrades
The new design incorporates a projected weight reduction of 85-100 pounds compared to the existing chassis. Moreover, plans include a transition to a 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 internal combustion engine, promising increased torque and power. Xtrac, the exclusive transmission supplier as 2000, will provide a lighter gearbox, shedding 25 pounds from the current unit.
Pro Tip: A lighter car with a more powerful engine translates to improved acceleration, braking, and overall handling, enhancing the racing experience.
Hybrid Technology and Braking Systems
The low-voltage hybrid engine technology, successfully launched in July 2024, will continue to evolve, offering longer deployment, greater horsepower gains, and improved overall performance. Performance Friction Corporation (PFC) will remain the exclusive supplier of brake system components, a role they have held since 2017.
Advanced Safety Features
Safety remains a paramount concern in the design of the new IndyCar. The chassis will feature an ergonomic driver cockpit to improve seating position, an integrated aeroscreen, and a new roll hoop. These enhancements build upon the existing safety measures, such as the aeroscreen retrofitted to the current chassis in 2020.
Extensive on-track testing is scheduled for early 2026 to ensure the new chassis meets the highest safety and performance standards.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction Year | 2028 |
| Manufacturer | Dallara |
| Weight Reduction | 85-100 pounds |
| Engine | 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 |
| Transmission | Xtrac (lighter gearbox) |
| hybrid Technology | Evolved low-voltage system |
| Safety | Ergonomic cockpit, integrated aeroscreen, new roll hoop |
The delay in the new chassis introduction, initially planned for 2027, will allow for thorough testing and refinement [2].
What aspects of the new IndyCar chassis are you most excited about? How do you think these changes will impact the future of IndyCar racing?
The Evolution of IndyCar Chassis
The introduction of a new chassis marks a significant milestone in the history of the IndyCar Series.The current Dallara DW12 chassis has been in service for over a decade, providing a stable and competitive platform for racing. though, advancements in technology and safety necessitate a new design to meet the evolving demands of the sport. The new chassis represents a commitment to innovation and a desire to enhance the overall racing experience for drivers and fans alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New IndyCar Chassis
When will the new IndyCar chassis be introduced?
The new IndyCar chassis is scheduled to be introduced for the 2028 NTT IndyCar Series season.
Who is manufacturing the new IndyCar chassis?
Dallara, which has been the exclusive chassis supplier for IndyCar as 2008, will produce the new chassis.
What are the key improvements expected in the new IndyCar chassis?
The new chassis aims to enhance competition,powertrain development,and safety. It will be lighter, have a more powerful engine, and feature improved safety elements like an ergonomic cockpit and integrated aeroscreen.
How much weight reduction is expected with the new IndyCar chassis?
The new IndyCar chassis is projected to have a weight reduction of 85-100 pounds compared to the current chassis.
What engine will the new IndyCar chassis use?
The new IndyCar chassis will use a 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 internal combustion engine, expected to provide more torque and power.
Will hybrid technology continue to be used in the new IndyCar chassis?
Yes, the low-voltage hybrid engine technology introduced in July 2024 will continue to evolve in the new car, with longer deployment, more horsepower gain, and improved performance.
What safety improvements will be included in the new IndyCar chassis?
Safety enhancements include an ergonomic driver cockpit for improved seating, an integrated aeroscreen, and a new roll hoop.
Stay tuned for further updates and renderings of the new IndyCar chassis as they become available. don’t forget to share this article and join the conversation in the comments below!
