The NTT IndyCar Series has unveiled the IR-28 chassis, which will replace the current generation of cars in the 2028 season. The new vehicle was revealed on Tuesday and was developed by Italian manufacturer Dallara.
Sources differ on the exact tenure of the outgoing platform. One account identifies the current chassis as the DW12, which debuted in 2012, implying a sixteen-year run by 2028. Another source states the series has used the IR-18 platform since 2018. The launch of the new car was previously delayed to 2028 due to financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IR-28 is approximately 100 pounds lighter than the current car. This reduction is partly achieved through a new hybrid system that uses a battery-based energy storage unit from BOLD Technology and an electric drive unit from Helix. This system stores roughly 14 times more energy than the current supercapacitor-based unit, which was introduced in mid-2024 and produces at most 60 horsepower for five seconds. The new hybrid components also reduce weight by about 20 pounds.
Power will come from new 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines supplied by Chevrolet and Honda, producing up to 760 horsepower. IndyCar expects these changes to result in faster lap times, potentially breaking long-standing track records such as Arie Luyendyk’s qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1996.
Aerodynamics and cockpit design
The aerodynamics have been redesigned to reduce turbulent air, allowing cars to follow each other more closely. The aeroscreen is now a fully integrated part of the chassis, unlike the bolt-on version introduced in 2020. It features a slimmer profile intended to improve visibility and aerodynamic efficiency.
The cockpit has been enlarged to accommodate a wider range of driver sizes. Additional exterior features include digital position displays and transparent engine-cover windows.
Suspension and safety upgrades
Mechanically, the IR-28 introduces electronically adjustable antiroll bars to replace manual controls. The suspension package features the Custom AXIS Inertance Control System. Safety improvements include stronger side-impact structures, a more stable chassis and improved driver cooling.
Testing of the IR-28 begins immediately at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Sebring. For context on cycle times in other series, sources note that since 2012, the NASCAR Cup Series refreshed its cars twice, Formula 1 three times and Formula E four times.
The current series schedule includes races at Portland International Raceway on August 9, the Streets of Markham, Ontario on August 16, and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC on August 23. A doubleheader is set for the Milwaukee Mile on August 29 and 30, with the season finale taking place on September 6 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.