IndyCar Reveals Revolutionary IR-28

The NTT IndyCar Series has officially unveiled the IR-28, an all-new race car that will usher in a new era of American open-wheel racing when it debuts in the 2028 season. Replacing the long-serving DW12 chassis, which has formed the backbone of the championship since 2012, the IR-28 has been designed from the ground up to be lighter, faster, safer and more competitive than its predecessor.

Developed in collaboration with long-time chassis partner Dallara, alongside engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda, tyre supplier Firestone, lubricant partner Shell, transmission specialist Xtrac, hybrid technology company Helix, and battery supplier BOLD Technology, the IR-28 represents the most significant technical overhaul in IndyCar for more than 15 years.

The new machine has been engineered with one clear objective: to improve racing while pushing performance to unprecedented levels, including the possibility of breaking several long-standing circuit records, most notably the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway qualifying records established by Arie Luyendyk in 1996.

A New Chapter for IndyCar

IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles described the project as a landmark achievement for the championship and praised the collaboration between the series and its technical partners.

“We are pleased to unveil renderings of the new NTT IndyCar Series chassis that will take our sport into an exciting new era,” Boles said.

“As you can imagine, a project of this magnitude takes an incredible amount of planning, collaboration and execution. I would like to thank all of our partners, including Dallara, Chevrolet, Honda, Firestone and Shell, who have worked tirelessly to create a package that will enhance IndyCar’s already incredible competition and industry-leading growth.

“With initial testing beginning this week, there is still plenty of work to do before 2028, but we are well on our way towards delivering enhanced wheel-to-wheel racing, faster lap times, new safety benchmarks and an even better spectacle for teams, drivers and fans.”

Dallara USA Chief Executive Stefano dePonti also highlighted the importance of the partnership.

“We are honoured that IndyCar has once again placed its trust in Dallara,” he said.

“This project reflects years of dedication, innovation and collaboration. It demonstrates our continued commitment to advancing motorsport technology while sharing that knowledge with education and industry.”

Lighter, Faster and More Efficient

One of the defining characteristics of the IR-28 is its substantial weight reduction.

Engineers have removed approximately 100 pounds from the overall package compared with the current DW12-based chassis, significantly improving acceleration, braking and cornering performance. The lower mass also enhances the car’s power-to-weight ratio, allowing drivers to race closer together while placing less stress on tyres and mechanical components.

IndyCar believes these gains will produce some of the fastest race cars in the championship’s modern history and potentially threaten several long-standing lap records across road courses, street circuits and superspeedways.

Aerodynamics Designed for Better Racing

Rather than simply increasing downforce, the IR-28 has been developed with a strong emphasis on improving airflow behind the car.

Its redesigned underbody and bodywork generate a much cleaner aerodynamic wake, reducing the “dirty air” effect that has traditionally made overtaking difficult.

The chassis also features:

• Completely redesigned front and rear wings
• Circuit-specific aerodynamic packages
• Improved superspeedway stability
• A sleeker, more integrated body profile

Perhaps the most striking visual feature is the fully integrated Aeroscreen, which is now built directly into the chassis rather than added afterwards. Besides improving aesthetics, the redesign reduces weight while improving structural rigidity and aerodynamic efficiency.

Advanced Cockpit Technology

Inside the cockpit, several mechanical systems have been replaced by electronic controls.

Traditional anti-roll bar adjustment levers have given way to electronically controlled systems, providing drivers with quicker and more precise handling adjustments during races.

Meanwhile, the newly developed AXIS inertance suspension system introduces sophisticated spring, damper and inerter tuning without significantly increasing operating costs.

Remarkably, IndyCar remains the only major international single-seater championship to allow both front and rear third-element inertance systems.

More Powerful Hybrid Era

Powering the IR-28 will be an entirely new 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain, jointly supported by Chevrolet and Honda.

Producing up to 760 horsepower, the new engine package is expected to provide noticeably stronger acceleration while maintaining the reliability demanded by IndyCar’s gruelling schedule.

The hybrid system has also undergone a complete redesign.

Rather than using the existing supercapacitor technology, the IR-28 introduces its first battery-based Energy Storage System (ESS), supplied by BOLD Technology.

The new battery stores approximately 14 times more energy than the previous system, giving drivers considerably greater flexibility over energy deployment and race strategy.

The hybrid unit itself is manufactured by Helix and packaged neatly between the engine and gearbox, while Xtrac supplies a completely new transmission that is approximately 25 pounds lighter than the current gearbox.

Chevrolet Vice President of Global Motorsports Competition Eric Warren believes the new platform will continue the manufacturer’s success in the series.

“This new car builds on more than a decade of collaboration with IndyCar,” Warren said.

“We’re confident our new 2.4-litre twin-turbo V6 engine will deliver the performance, sound and excitement that IndyCar fans expect.”

Honda Racing Corporation USA President David Salters echoed that enthusiasm.

“The combination of a lighter chassis, a more powerful hybrid powertrain and improved aerodynamics creates exciting opportunities for both engineers and drivers,” Salters explained.

“Honda is proud to continue its long-term commitment to IndyCar and cannot wait to see the IR-28 racing.”

Safety Remains Paramount

While outright speed has increased, safety has remained the project’s highest priority.

The IR-28 has been engineered to exceed whichever standards are more demanding between IndyCar regulations and FIA crash requirements.

Key improvements include:

• Larger cockpit dimensions accommodating a broader range of drivers
• Enhanced driver cooling and ventilation
• Stronger side-impact structures
• Improved crash energy absorption
• Better aerodynamic stability during airborne incidents
• Revised chassis geometry designed to reduce the likelihood of dangerous lift-offs

Testing Begins Immediately

Although the public unveiling marks a major milestone, development is only beginning.

Comprehensive testing starts immediately at a variety of venues, including both the oval and road course layouts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sebring International Raceway, and several additional circuits that will be announced during the programme.

Over the next two years, IndyCar, Dallara and the manufacturers will gather thousands of miles of data before the IR-28 officially replaces the DW12 at the start of the 2028 campaign.

IR-28: Key Technical Highlights

With a lighter chassis, a more powerful hybrid powertrain, cleaner aerodynamics and the most comprehensive safety package in IndyCar history, the IR-28 represents far more than a routine update. It is a complete redesign intended to redefine the championship’s future, combining record-breaking performance with closer racing and enhanced driver protection as IndyCar prepares to enter a new technological era in 2028.