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IndyCar Unveils New Images Of 2018 Car Design
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IndyCar has released new images of the universal aerodynamic bodywork kit that will be used by all competitors in 2018.
The computer-generated images are the next evolution of the car’s development process and provide more detail than concept sketches released in January.
IndyCar president Jay Frye said IndyCar is on target to begin testing the car by mid-summer. Verizon IndyCar Series teams will still choose between Chevrolet and Honda engines for competition next season, but all cars will be outfitted with the universal kit that covers the Dallara IR-12 chassis that has been used since the 2012 season.
As with the current aero kits provided through the end of this season, the universal car will come in two configurations: one for superspeedway ovals and the other for street courses, road courses and short ovals. The supplier of the universal kit has yet to be announced.
A key component of the new car is for it to generate most of its downforce from underneath instead of on top. This will improve racing and passing opportunities by decreasing the turbulent air that the Indy car leaves in its wake.
IndyCar director of aerodynamic development Tino Belli added that simulations show the new car meets IndyCar’s aerodynamic targets, and additional safety enhancements include side impact structures in the sidepods and repositioned radiators to assist in reducing the severity of side impacts by crushing on impact.
Other noticeable features include a lower engine cover; turbocharger inlets are also moving to the inside of the radiator inlet ducts.
The rear wing and front wing main plane are also smaller, and the centerline wicker from the nose of the car to the cockpit is tapered. The rear wing in the road course/short oval configuration is lower and wider. The fins on the leading edge of the sidepods of the current car will be removed or minimized on the 2018 car.
The computer-generated images are the next evolution of the car’s development process and provide more detail than concept sketches released in January.
IndyCar president Jay Frye said IndyCar is on target to begin testing the car by mid-summer. Verizon IndyCar Series teams will still choose between Chevrolet and Honda engines for competition next season, but all cars will be outfitted with the universal kit that covers the Dallara IR-12 chassis that has been used since the 2012 season.
As with the current aero kits provided through the end of this season, the universal car will come in two configurations: one for superspeedway ovals and the other for street courses, road courses and short ovals. The supplier of the universal kit has yet to be announced.
A key component of the new car is for it to generate most of its downforce from underneath instead of on top. This will improve racing and passing opportunities by decreasing the turbulent air that the Indy car leaves in its wake.
IndyCar director of aerodynamic development Tino Belli added that simulations show the new car meets IndyCar’s aerodynamic targets, and additional safety enhancements include side impact structures in the sidepods and repositioned radiators to assist in reducing the severity of side impacts by crushing on impact.
Other noticeable features include a lower engine cover; turbocharger inlets are also moving to the inside of the radiator inlet ducts.
The rear wing and front wing main plane are also smaller, and the centerline wicker from the nose of the car to the cockpit is tapered. The rear wing in the road course/short oval configuration is lower and wider. The fins on the leading edge of the sidepods of the current car will be removed or minimized on the 2018 car.
