IndyCar Announces Next-Gen Chassis Update Ahead of Wisconsin Qualifying
In a significant development for the NTT IndyCar Series, officials have confirmed plans for a next-generation chassis, set to launch in 2028, following discussions with team owners ahead of qualifying in Wisconsin.
IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles emphasized the need for the new design, citing the strengths of the current DW12 chassis while acknowledging recent technological advancements that warrant a fresh approach. “The time has come for a new NTT IndyCar Series chassis. The DW12 served the series well, but the advancements in safety and performance necessitate a completely new car,” Boles stated.
Key technical upgrades will include a weight reduction of 85 to 100 pounds, primarily from a 25-pound decrease in gearbox weight. The new chassis will also feature a 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, moving up from the current 2.2-liter variant, alongside enhancements to the hybrid power unit introduced in 2024.
Dallara will continue as the exclusive chassis supplier, a partnership that has lasted since 1997, while Xtrac remains the exclusive transmission supplier since 2000. PFC will supply the braking systems. Engine supplier announcements have yet to be made, although current OEMs Chevrolet and Honda’s contracts expire in 2026.
IndyCar’s ambitions with the new chassis focus on improvements in competition, powertrain technology, and safety features. Specific goals include a hybrid unit that offers longer deployment and increased horsepower, along with an ergonomically optimized driver cockpit, a new roll hoop, and an integrated aeroscreen.
The current chassis, utilized since 2012, has undergone multiple adaptations, including the addition of the aeroscreen and hybrid technology to maintain competitiveness in the evolving motorsport landscape. Detailed renderings and additional information regarding the new chassis are expected to be revealed in the future.
