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Reports: New IndyCar and Engines Promised for 2027 Will Be Delayed
So it’ll be one more year for IndyCar’s Dallara DW12 chassis, which has already been in service for 14 years, certainly making it the oldest platform used in a major auto racing series.
IndyCar had promised that a new car would debut for the 2027 season, but that has been postponed until at least 2028, according to the Indianapolis Star and Racer.com. Why? Not so much because the car itself couldn’t be ready, but because engine suppliers Honda and Chevrolet need more time to develop upgraded powerplants, which include a new engine and energy recovery system.
According to Racer, the two companies need at least 18 months to build and test 50 new engines each, the quantity that is required to supply the series. Apparently, the Roger Penske–owned IndyCar series has yet to give Chevrolet and Honda a final draft of the rules governing the new engines.
The current formula—a 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6, used by both Honda and Chevrolet—dates back to 2012. A hybrid system was added late last season and has earned mixed reviews from drivers and teams.
Current supplier Dallara will also build the new car, currently called the IR-27. It’s unclear if it will be renamed the IR-28 … or beyond.
I hope the new chassis are lighter and narrower and that they don’t fall down the hole F1 has gone with all the electronic energy recovery systems. I understand the batteries and associated equipment are to take up to 50% of the allotted energy for each car. potentially meaning driving flat out down a straight you may lose half your power before you get to the braking zone. Sure you want some crossover of technology to the street products, but wouldn’t renewable fuels be simpler, greener and less expensive than all the batteries and electronic wizardry that likely won’t make it to the street? Some series are already using renewable fuels for a portion or most of their fuel. yes it is more expensive than 100 LL but certainly a lot less expensive than the electric systems in use and proposed.
Just make the cars simple, let more than one chassis and drop all this hybrid stuff.
Get back to the 70’s when racing was fun and not trying to be politically correct.
It was the driver and chassis that mattered.
It would make it more interesting to me. Indy has not been super exciting for me to watch.
I think they already do use renewable fuel. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.indycar.com/news/2023/02/02-27-shell-fuel%23:~:text%3D%25E2%2580%259CShell%27s%2520100%2525%2520Renewable%2520Race%2520Fuel,the%2520two%2520days%2520of%2520testing.&ved=2ahUKEwiazvGxmvKNAxXL48kDHZEAA6oQzsoNegQIFhAQ&usg=AOvVaw33ueGJVHMsaoPGdC9kaZsV
I like the hybrid systems. Still very street relevant. I’m not expert on how strong of a variable it is but I assume regen adds a piece to the chess board so to speak as part of the race strategy. At least I know energy management affects things in Formula E so I assume it does here too.
Most folks know I’m a Penske guy, but even I’ve gotta ask, “Hey Rog, where’re those specs and rules? What’s the holdup? Get on the stick, here!”