INDYCAR Reveals New Car For 2028 and Beyond

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN.) — INDYCAR has officially unveiled its all-new IR-28 race car, marking the most significant technological leap for North America’s premier open-wheel championship in more than a decade. Set to debut at the opening round of the 2028 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, the next-generation machine promises increased speed, improved overtaking, enhanced safety, and a bold new appearance designed to usher the series into a new era.

Developed in partnership with longtime chassis supplier Dallara, the IR-28 replaces the current IR-18 platform that has served the series since 2018. Engineers focused on reducing overall weight while improving aerodynamic efficiency, creating a car capable of producing faster lap times and more competitive wheel-to-wheel racing across street circuits, road courses, short ovals, and superspeedways.

One of the headline changes is a weight reduction of approximately 100 pounds compared to the current car. Combined with an all-new aerodynamic package that minimizes turbulent air behind the vehicle, the redesign is expected to allow drivers to follow more closely through corners and create additional passing opportunities without sacrificing stability at high speeds.

“We are pleased to unveil renderings of the new NTT INDYCAR SERIES chassis that will take our sport into an exciting new era,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. “As you can imagine, a project of this magnitude takes an incredible amount of planning, collaboration and execution. I would like to thank all of our partners including Dallara, Chevrolet, Honda, Firestone and Shell, who have worked tirelessly to create a package that will enhance INDYCAR’s already incredible competition and industry-leading growth.
 
“With initial testing to begin this week, there is still plenty of work to do before 2028, but we are well on our way to showcasing a new era of INDYCAR, which will include enhanced wheel-to-wheel competition, track records, standards in race ability and new benchmarks in safety. We are confident the IR-28 is the ideal package to move INDYCAR forward for our teams, drivers, partners and fans.”

Powering the IR-28 will be a new generation of 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines supplied by Chevrolet and Honda. With output expected to reach nearly 760 horsepower, the engines will work alongside an upgraded hybrid system featuring battery-based energy storage that provides significantly greater deployment capability while reducing weight over the current supercapacitor design.

Safety remains at the forefront of the project. The chassis incorporates stronger side-impact structures, a redesigned aeroscreen integration, improved driver cooling, enhanced cockpit ergonomics, and a more stable underbody intended to reduce the likelihood of airborne incidents. Electronically adjustable anti-roll bars and revised suspension geometry also improve both driver comfort and vehicle performance throughout a race weekend.

The IR-28 introduces several fan-focused innovations as well. LED position displays return to provide live running order information on each car, while transparent engine-cover panels showcase the hybrid powertrain beneath. The redesigned bodywork also creates additional space for team sponsors without compromising the car’s sleek, futuristic styling.

“We are honored that INDYCAR has chosen Dallara once again,” Dallara USA Chief Executive Officer Stefano dePonti said. “After more than a decade of partnership, their continued trust is the greatest recognition of our team’s efforts. This achievement demonstrates the dedication, expertise and collaboration of many individuals who worked tirelessly to create a car that meets today’s needs while looking toward the future. It also reflects Dallara’s ongoing commitment to investing in innovation and education, sharing the knowledge developed in motorsport with academia and beyond.”

Testing of the new platform begins immediately, with extensive development planned over the next two seasons before full competition begins in 2028. Teams, manufacturers, and drivers will collaborate throughout the testing program to refine setups across every track type on the calendar.

Series officials believe the IR-28 represents more than a replacement race car—it is the foundation for INDYCAR’s future. By combining modern hybrid technology, lighter construction, improved aerodynamics, and industry-leading safety innovations, the championship aims to preserve its reputation for some of the closest racing in motorsports while attracting a new generation of fans.

With the introduction of the IR-28, the countdown has officially begun toward the next chapter of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES—one built around greater performance, closer competition, and the continued pursuit of “The Fastest Racing on Earth.”