MEMBERSHIP LOGIN
JOIN PRI
IndyCar's Tatuus PM-18 Unveiled At PRI Show
Image
Providing a shot in the arm to its Pro Mazda Championship Series Presented by Cooper Tires, IndyCar unveiled the Tatuus PM 18 prototype on opening day of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center.
The PM-18 is slated for use during the 2018 season, effectively replacing the USF-17 chassis, which was introduced in 2004; it represents the completion of an entire overhaul of all three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy program.
"The car that we're saying goodbye to at the end of 2017 has a rich history, so part of me is amazed that that car lasted 13 seasons, but clearly it’s time to move forward with the technology," said Mazda North America Operations Director of Motorsports John Doonan. "We're excited about the competition and what's in store for us."
The base of the Tatuus PM-18 comes off of the USF-17, sharing the same carbon and aluminum monocoque chassis, but featuring significant upgrades.
"The PM-18 is really unique. I'm pretty sure this hasn't been done in the history of motorsports, where you can buy a race car, and then change roughly 10 to 12 parts, and move into the next step and compete effectively," said Cooper Tires Director of Event Marketing & Motorsports Chris Pantani. "The wings, the engine cover, the diffuser - those are the obvious things that we've changed on this car to give it more performance. It has a really nice, new engine based on the USF-17 engine; it's a work of art. It has higher horsepower, better aerodynamics."
The power created by the 275-horsepower, 2.0-liter Mazda Cosworth SQ6 will be transferred via a Sadev SL86 six-speed transmission and onto larger American Racing wheels wrapped in Cooper Tires rubber. An adjustable dual-element rear wing, single-pane carbon fiber front wing, and Pro Mazda-specific front and rear endplates enhance the aerodynamics package.
Plans call for the Tatuus PM-18 to begin testing between mid-March and mid-April, with the intention of delivering cars as early as June 2017.
"We are very excited to unveil the next generation Pro Mazda chassis," said Andersen Promotions Owner/CEO John Andersen. "With the success of the USF-17, I can't wait to see this car on the track."
The PM-18 is slated for use during the 2018 season, effectively replacing the USF-17 chassis, which was introduced in 2004; it represents the completion of an entire overhaul of all three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy program.
"The car that we're saying goodbye to at the end of 2017 has a rich history, so part of me is amazed that that car lasted 13 seasons, but clearly it’s time to move forward with the technology," said Mazda North America Operations Director of Motorsports John Doonan. "We're excited about the competition and what's in store for us."
The base of the Tatuus PM-18 comes off of the USF-17, sharing the same carbon and aluminum monocoque chassis, but featuring significant upgrades.
"The PM-18 is really unique. I'm pretty sure this hasn't been done in the history of motorsports, where you can buy a race car, and then change roughly 10 to 12 parts, and move into the next step and compete effectively," said Cooper Tires Director of Event Marketing & Motorsports Chris Pantani. "The wings, the engine cover, the diffuser - those are the obvious things that we've changed on this car to give it more performance. It has a really nice, new engine based on the USF-17 engine; it's a work of art. It has higher horsepower, better aerodynamics."
The power created by the 275-horsepower, 2.0-liter Mazda Cosworth SQ6 will be transferred via a Sadev SL86 six-speed transmission and onto larger American Racing wheels wrapped in Cooper Tires rubber. An adjustable dual-element rear wing, single-pane carbon fiber front wing, and Pro Mazda-specific front and rear endplates enhance the aerodynamics package.
Plans call for the Tatuus PM-18 to begin testing between mid-March and mid-April, with the intention of delivering cars as early as June 2017.
"We are very excited to unveil the next generation Pro Mazda chassis," said Andersen Promotions Owner/CEO John Andersen. "With the success of the USF-17, I can't wait to see this car on the track."
