The NTT IndyCar Series showed images of its new chassis for the first time on Tuesday.
Being developed for the 2028 season, Dallara’s new chassis will be named the IR-28 and has a more modern look.
Importantly, the chassis will also be roughly 100 pounds lighter than the current car, allowing it to be ‘equipped to exceed current lap times.’
The car will continue to feature separate road course and speedway wing configurations, allowing for a wide range of downforce specifications.
A new specification of Aeroscreen will be fitted, and has been designed in conjunction with the chassis for a more seamless fit.
There will also be electronically-adjustable anti-roll bars as opposed to mechanical knobs and handles.
Other changes to the suspension are meant to allow for more mechanical grip, which has been a request of drivers throughout the paddock.
“We are pleased to unveil renderings of the new NTT IndyCar Series chassis that will take our sport into an exciting new era,” IndyCar President Doug Boles said.
“As you can imagine, a project of this magnitude takes an incredible amount of planning, collaboration and execution. I would like to thank all of our partners including Dallara, Chevrolet, Honda, Firestone and Shell, who have worked tirelessly to create a package that will enhance IndyCar’s already incredible competition and industry-leading growth.
“With initial testing to begin this week, there is still plenty of work to do before 2028, but we are well on our way to showcasing a new era of IndyCar, which will include enhanced wheel-to-wheel competition, track records, standards in raceability and new benchmarks in safety.
“We are confident the IR-28 is the ideal package to move IndyCar forward for our teams, drivers, partners and fans.”
Engine and power update
In addition to a new chassis and aerodynamic pieces, a new engine design will be bolted into the back of the cars.
With branding visible through a transparent window in the engine cover, Chevrolet and Honda will continue to provide power to cars on track.
A 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 design has been developed, increasing from the current 2.2-liter spec, with expectations it will produce 760 HP.
Hybrid technologies will remain in place through a new package that is roughly 20 pounds lighter, but can produce more power.
A new partner, Helix, will work with the series to develop the next generation hybrid system.
It is expected the new Energy Storage System (ESS) will deliver 14 times the energy of the current supercapacitor system.
“Everyone at Chevrolet is looking forward to this next era of the NTT IndyCar Series and the debut of the IR-28 in 2028,” GM Vice President of Global Motorsports Competition Eric Warren said.
“This new car builds on more than a decade of collaboration with IndyCar, and we’re confident the new 2.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine will deliver the performance, sound and excitement IndyCar fans expect from Team Chevy — the same standard that has produced 16 manufacturer championships and 13 Indianapolis 500 victories.”
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