A new multi-year extension was announced from NTT IndyCar Series with their now traditional and long term engine partners Chevrolet and Honda, providing much needed stability for IndyCar Series. Additional engine manufacturer will be much welcomed and efforts for such a scenario are well under way.
Introduction of the 2.4 liter, V6, twin-turbo engines with hybrid technology is pushed back to the start of 2023 season, due to the global situation with COVID-19 pandemic and with a plan to help the teams in these uncertain times and volatile economy.
The new engines equipped with hybrid technology will give the cars additional 100 horsepower, pushing the total number over 900 hp. Also the new power units will provide departure from traditional manual handheld starters, and when the car stalls on track the driver will be able to restart the car quickly. This will lead to reduced number of caution flags, thus leading to better flow of the races.
“To be able to announce a long-term, multi-year extension with our two great partners is phenomenal,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “It’s an exciting time in INDYCAR with the innovations in the car, the new 2.4-liter engine and hybrid technology.”
“Honda welcomes this step to the future by INDYCAR, action that mirrors Honda’s efforts to develop and manufacture high-performance, electrified products that will meet industry challenges and delight our customers,” said Ted Klaus, president of Honda Performance Development. “At Honda, we race to develop our people, to innovate technologies and to engage fans. We are proud of our uninterrupted, 27-year leadership in INDYCAR, and look forward to delivering a next-generation Honda 2.4-liter hybrid power unit with more than 900 horsepower.”
“Chevrolet has enjoyed great success since joining the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012 with our 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 engine,” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors. “We are thrilled to be moving forward with INDYCAR because it’s the perfect showcase for our engine technology, in the only open-wheel racing series in America, a high-tech, growing series that Roger Penske and his team are absolutely taking to the next level.”
