Profound changes are occurring for both IndyCar engines and the chassis for the 2012 season. It's the first all-new formula since 1997. For a description of IndyCar engine and chassis specs through the 2011 season, go to:
Engine
For the first time since 2005, a new engine formula is in place. Honda had been the sole supplier of the 3.5 L, normally aspirated V8, used through 2011. The new engine formula calls for a 2.2 L, turbocharged V6 provided by three different suppliers: Chevrolet (in association with Ilmor Engineering), Lotus (in partnership with John Judd and Jack Brabham), and Honda. The Chevy and Lotus engines will have twin-turbos whereas the Honda will incorporate a single unit located inside the bellhousing.
The turbos have stainless steel housings with titanium aluminide turbines and ceramic ball bearings. IndyCar will regulate turbo boost to control horsepower for the different types of tracks ranging from 550 BHP on ovals to 700 BHP on road and street courses with a 12,000 rpm limit, comparable to the previous formula's 3.5 L normally aspirated V8's power output.
McLaren Electronic Systems supplies the same PCM to all competitors. Functions controlled are fuel delivery, ignition timing, throttle operation, boost pressure and the 12,000 rpm redline.
Although from 2007-2011 100% fuel grade ethanol was used, the new formula calls for Sunoco-branded E85. I don't know the reason for the switch but it may have a political motivation (pushing flex-fuel?)
Partial Specifications
Type: 2.2 L/134.2 CID, DOHC V6, single or twin turbocharged (BorgWarner)
Valves: Two inlet, two exhaust, mechanically operated only. VVT not permitted.
Bore: 95 mm maximum (3.74")
Weight: 248 lbs, minimum,with alternator and intake plenum but without the clutch, electronic controls or turbocharger(s)
Ignition: Coil-based, one plug per cylinder
Fuel Injectors: Maximum of two per cylinder, direct injection permitted, with electronically controlled throttles
Torque: 300 lbs/ft (407 N-m), approximate
Clutch: Three-plate carbon fiber with steel housing
Transmission: Six-speed sequential with paddle shift actuation, supplied by Xtrac
Chassis
The new chassis will still be made only by Dallara, as in the past. It consists of a core rolling chassis called the "IndyCar Safety Cell" which, for the first time, will be optimized for either road or track depending on the particular type of Aero Kit fitted. The Aero Kit consists of front and rear wings, sidepods and engine cowlings. Development of Aero Kits is open to any manufacturer but only the Dallara components will be allowed for the 2012 season.
Some of the new safety features include improved driver protection, and large end plates on the front wing, wide side pods, and rear fairings which partially enclose the rear wheels. The intent here is to help prevent interlocked wheels during close-in racing. Additionally, the partially shrouded rear wheels will reduce drag and increase straightaway speed.
Dan Wheldon carried out the first official test of the new Dallara chassis at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August 2011. After his death, Dallara named the chassis the DW12 in his honor.
Partial Specifications
Length: 5012.3 mm/197.3"
Width:2011 mm/79.2"
Height: 1127.9 mm/44.4"
Track Width: 1940 mm/76.34", maximum
Wheelbase: Between 2997.2 mm and 3073.4 mm/118 and 121", depending on use of original or weight distribution correction A-arms
Minimum Weight: 1565 lbs/710 kg
Weight Distribution: 43% front/57% rear (approximate)
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons/70 liters
Suspension: Front - Double A-arm, pushrod, with 3rd spring and stabilizer bar; Rear - Double A-arm, pushrod, with 3rd spring and stabilizer bar
Brakes: Carbon discs and pads supplied by Brembo
Wheels: Single lug supplied by Avus, BBS, or OZ. Front - 15 x 10"; Rear - 15 x 14"
Wheel Lug Nut torque: 430 ft/lbs (583 N-m)
Tires: Slicks supplied by Firestone. Front - 10.0/25.8-15, weight 18 lbs (road and street course); Rear - 14.5/28.0-15, weight 23 lbs (road and street course)
The previous IndyCar formula was totally a spec series; with the new regulations it is less so which should renew interest in this series for many observers of the open-wheel racing scene.
Happy Motoring!
Engine
For the first time since 2005, a new engine formula is in place. Honda had been the sole supplier of the 3.5 L, normally aspirated V8, used through 2011. The new engine formula calls for a 2.2 L, turbocharged V6 provided by three different suppliers: Chevrolet (in association with Ilmor Engineering), Lotus (in partnership with John Judd and Jack Brabham), and Honda. The Chevy and Lotus engines will have twin-turbos whereas the Honda will incorporate a single unit located inside the bellhousing.
The turbos have stainless steel housings with titanium aluminide turbines and ceramic ball bearings. IndyCar will regulate turbo boost to control horsepower for the different types of tracks ranging from 550 BHP on ovals to 700 BHP on road and street courses with a 12,000 rpm limit, comparable to the previous formula's 3.5 L normally aspirated V8's power output.
McLaren Electronic Systems supplies the same PCM to all competitors. Functions controlled are fuel delivery, ignition timing, throttle operation, boost pressure and the 12,000 rpm redline.
Although from 2007-2011 100% fuel grade ethanol was used, the new formula calls for Sunoco-branded E85. I don't know the reason for the switch but it may have a political motivation (pushing flex-fuel?)
Partial Specifications
Type: 2.2 L/134.2 CID, DOHC V6, single or twin turbocharged (BorgWarner)
Valves: Two inlet, two exhaust, mechanically operated only. VVT not permitted.
Bore: 95 mm maximum (3.74")
Weight: 248 lbs, minimum,with alternator and intake plenum but without the clutch, electronic controls or turbocharger(s)
Ignition: Coil-based, one plug per cylinder
Fuel Injectors: Maximum of two per cylinder, direct injection permitted, with electronically controlled throttles
Torque: 300 lbs/ft (407 N-m), approximate
Clutch: Three-plate carbon fiber with steel housing
Transmission: Six-speed sequential with paddle shift actuation, supplied by Xtrac
Chassis
The new chassis will still be made only by Dallara, as in the past. It consists of a core rolling chassis called the "IndyCar Safety Cell" which, for the first time, will be optimized for either road or track depending on the particular type of Aero Kit fitted. The Aero Kit consists of front and rear wings, sidepods and engine cowlings. Development of Aero Kits is open to any manufacturer but only the Dallara components will be allowed for the 2012 season.
Some of the new safety features include improved driver protection, and large end plates on the front wing, wide side pods, and rear fairings which partially enclose the rear wheels. The intent here is to help prevent interlocked wheels during close-in racing. Additionally, the partially shrouded rear wheels will reduce drag and increase straightaway speed.
Dan Wheldon carried out the first official test of the new Dallara chassis at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August 2011. After his death, Dallara named the chassis the DW12 in his honor.
Partial Specifications
Length: 5012.3 mm/197.3"
Width:2011 mm/79.2"
Height: 1127.9 mm/44.4"
Track Width: 1940 mm/76.34", maximum
Wheelbase: Between 2997.2 mm and 3073.4 mm/118 and 121", depending on use of original or weight distribution correction A-arms
Minimum Weight: 1565 lbs/710 kg
Weight Distribution: 43% front/57% rear (approximate)
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons/70 liters
Suspension: Front - Double A-arm, pushrod, with 3rd spring and stabilizer bar; Rear - Double A-arm, pushrod, with 3rd spring and stabilizer bar
Brakes: Carbon discs and pads supplied by Brembo
Wheels: Single lug supplied by Avus, BBS, or OZ. Front - 15 x 10"; Rear - 15 x 14"
Wheel Lug Nut torque: 430 ft/lbs (583 N-m)
Tires: Slicks supplied by Firestone. Front - 10.0/25.8-15, weight 18 lbs (road and street course); Rear - 14.5/28.0-15, weight 23 lbs (road and street course)
The previous IndyCar formula was totally a spec series; with the new regulations it is less so which should renew interest in this series for many observers of the open-wheel racing scene.
Happy Motoring!