The NTT IndyCar Series shored up its engine future Saturday, announcing a multiyear extension to keep Honda and Chevrolet as engine suppliers “well into the end of the decade.”
Because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, IndyCar will delay the introduction of a 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 with hybrid technology by two years until 2023. The engine would add an additional 100 horsepower to more than 900.
“To be able to announce a long-term, multiyear extension with our two great partners is phenomenal,” IndyCar president Jay Frye said in a release. “It’s an exciting time in IndyCar with the innovations in the car, the new 2.4-liter engine and hybrid technology.”
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The news comes on the heels of Honda having revealed Friday that it will exit Formula One after the 2021 season, citing its shift toward achieving carbon neutrality.
IndyCar also is trying to add more engine manufacturers with Ferrari reportedly having shown interest.
Here’s the release from IndyCar:
INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020) – INDYCAR has reached a new, multi-year extension with engine
partners Honda and Chevrolet, taking their partnership well into the end of the decade and providing
stability and innovation for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.“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.”Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of the 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 with
hybrid technology will be delayed to the year 2023. Working in partnership with Chevrolet and Honda,
the new engine will give the most exciting and competitive racing series in the world an additional 100
horsepower, ultimately producing over 900.“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.”The newly designed powertrain system also will provide a departure from the traditional, manual
handheld starters and will let drivers restart the car quickly should it stall on the track. This will benefit
the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team as it reduces exposure time on track and adds to the fan experience by
potentially reducing the number of caution flags on track, leading to better flow and time of races.“Fast, loud, and authentic,” Frye said, “along with a history of innovation – that’s our racing roots and
will continue to be the sport’s legacy. This announcement keeps that in mind while celebrating a stable
and bright future.”The commitment and overall stability of the series will continue to allow INDYCAR future opportunities
for an additional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to join its mainstay engine partners.
