IndyCar has unveiled the IR-28, a new chassis set to debut in the 2028 season, after years of delays and development setbacks. The car, developed with Italian motorsport specialist Dallara, promises to deliver faster lap times and improved raceability.
The IR-28 is the first new car to be used by the NTT IndyCar Series since the 2012 season and the introduction of the DW-12.
Key Features of the IR-28
The IR-28 features a wider cockpit, improved airflow for driver cooling, and better side-impact and collision protection. It is also 100 lb lighter than the current DW-12, which is expected to result in faster lap times and potentially break track records.
IndyCar president J. Douglas Boles said the new car will take the sport into an exciting new era, with enhanced wheel-to-wheel competition, track records, and new benchmarks in safety. The emphasis on safety is particularly notable, as the IR-28’s design prioritizes driver protection while also improving overall performance.
The IR-28’s wider cockpit and improved airflow will provide a more comfortable driving experience, allowing drivers to focus on the track and push their limits. Additionally, the car’s lighter weight will not only improve lap times but also reduce the physical demands on drivers, making it easier for them to maintain their concentration and reaction times over the course of a long race.
Engine and Hybrid Technology
The IR-28 will use IndyCar’s new 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 internal combustion engine, capable of producing up to 760 horsepower. Both Chevrolet and Honda will continue to produce their own IndyCar engines, complete with enhanced low-voltage hybrid technology.
A new Energy Storage System (ESS) will enable hybrid power to be deployed 14 times faster than the supercapacitors in the current IndyCar powertrain setup. This significant improvement in hybrid technology will allow drivers to capitalize on the advantages of hybrid power, such as increased acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.
The transparent cover on the IR-28’s engine will also provide fans with a unique glimpse into the car’s powertrain, showcasing the detailed details of the V-6 engine and the advanced hybrid technology.
Andretti Global IndyCar driver Will Power commented on the new car, saying it has a seamless look that’s also modern and aggressive at the same time.
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Testing and Debut
Initial testing of the IR-28 is set to begin this week, with the car expected to make its racing debut in the 2028 season.
The entire shape of the IR-28 is intended to allow closer racing by minimizing aerodynamic outwash, with new front and rear wings designed to maximize style and downforce. This design approach will enable drivers to follow each other more closely, increasing the opportunities for overtaking and wheel-to-wheel competition.
Trackside viewers will also be pleased at the return of the digital position display, mounted behind the aeroscreen, to show a car’s running order in every session. This feature will provide fans with real-time information about the race, allowing them to track their favorite drivers’ progress and stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
Some observers notice the IR-28’s design bears a resemblance to ground-effect Formula 1 cars, which raced between 2022 and 2025. The IR-28’s aerodynamic design, particularly its front and rear wings, is reminiscent of the ground-effect cars, which were known for their high levels of downforce and impressive cornering capabilities.
IndyCar moves forward with the IR-28, and it will be interesting to see how the new car compares to its predecessors in terms of performance and safety. They will be watching closely as the car debuts.
Boles expects the IR-28 to bring excitement to the sport. The new car’s improved performance, combined with its enhanced safety features and advanced hybrid technology, is likely to attract new fans and reinvigorate the interest of existing ones.
As the IR-28 takes to the track for the first time, IndyCar teams and drivers will be eager to get familiar with the new car and explore its capabilities. The testing process will be key in fine-tuning the IR-28’s performance and ensuring that it meets the high standards of the NTT IndyCar Series.
The IR-28’s debut in the 2028 season will mark a new era for IndyCar, one that promises to deliver faster, more competitive, and safer racing. With its advanced technology, improved safety features, and sleek design, the IR-28 is poised to take the sport to new heights and provide fans with an unforgettable experience.