INDYCAR is primed for a new look, inspired by old favorites but clearly pointing toward what’s “NEXT” for the Verizon IndyCar Series. Your new Indy car: Bolder. Safer. Even more thrilling.
Debuting in preparation for the 2018 season, cars again powered by Chevrolet and Honda engines will represent a collaboration of several key constituents – INDYCAR, Dallara and design experts in the United Kingdom – paired with input from drivers, teams and fans alike.
The new car for 2018 will come in two specifications: one for superspeedway ovals and the other for use on short ovals, permanent road courses and temporary street circuits. The group overseeing the process likes what it sees with both looks.
Engineers have improved aero and body construction to ensure this daring new car better protects the stars of the series.
With the weight of the car shifted slightly forward, balance should be improved and the car will be more nimble.
The process for the new design started in April 2016 with invitations to potential manufacturers. Soon after, Frye’s “reverse engineering” mantra came into play. Make the car sweet to the eye, then tasty to the track. Design it and they will come.
Now we get a look at INDYCAR’s NEXT – a car with form and function.
This project of outfitting the current Dallara IR-12 chassis with a new aerodynamic kit began more than a year ago. Design support came from Dallara and Chris Beatty, a UK-based concept design and 3D animation consultant. Throughout the process, competitors contributed to the design progress.
The public reveal of the concept began with drawings shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi was one of the drivers in attendance. “It looks like a real race car,” he said.
More images were shown in March, another batch in May. The car came into focus and anticipation grew. Dallara, which has supplied the IR-12 chassis to all Verizon IndyCar Series teams since 2012, was named in June to supply the universal kit as well, providing for a seamless merger of the two.
The new car’s work begins in earnest on Tuesday with on-track testing at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2.5-mile oval.
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