IndyCar is set for a serious shake-up for the 2022 season with the adoption of new hybrid powertrains.
The sport’s organizers have revealed that the cars will use 2.2-liter V6 internal combustion engines alongside hybrid systems to pump out more than 900 HP.
The use of a multi-phase electric motor, inverter, and electric storage unit will help to recover engine from the car’s braking system. In addition, the system will increase the available horsepower of the current push-to-pass system and “potentially improve the pace and overall time of races.”
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IndyCar originally intended to switch to hybrid powertrains for the 2021 season, but that has been pushed back by 12 months. This means that when the new powertrains are introduced in three years’ time, the cars will also be using the sport’s next-generation chassis. Honda and Chevrolet have committed to building the new hybrid powertrains and the sport hopes to attract other manufacturers as well.
The new engine regulations will be in place for six years through to the end of the 2027 season. In a bid to improve safety, drivers will be able to restart their cars quickly from the cockpit if they happens to stall on track. Currently, the cars have to be started with external starter motors.
“It’s an exciting time for INDYCAR with the forthcoming evolution of the cars and innovations like the hybrid powertrain being incorporated into the new engine,” IndyCar president Jay Frye said. “As we move toward the future, we will remain true to our racing roots of being fast, loud and authentic, and simultaneously have the ability to add hybrid technology that is an important element for the series and our engine manufacturers.”
