Full Breakdown
INDYCAR Unveils the IR-28 Chassis and Powertrain for the 2028 Season
7/29/2026, 5:19:31 AM
Core Event: New Car Revealed
INDYCAR announced the IR-28, a new chassis and powertrain package that will debut at the start of the 2028 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship. Developed with longtime supplier Dallara, the car features a modernized aerodynamic package, a lighter structure, and an upgraded hybrid-enhanced V6 engine. Initial on-track testing will take place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Sebring.
Design and Performance Upgrades
- Weight reduction: About 100 lb (?45 kg) lighter than the IR-18 platform.
- Aerodynamics: New front and rear wings and a wake-optimizing architecture aim to reduce turbulent air and enable closer following.
- Suspension: The Custom AXIS Inertance Control System offers expanded spring, damper and inerter tuning without raising costs.
- Driver-adjustable anti-roll bars: Electronically controlled bars replace manual knobs.
- Digital cockpit: A position display shows real-time track position, and a transparent engine-cover window highlights Chevrolet and Honda branding.
Powertrain and Hybrid Evolution
The IR-28 will be powered by 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engines from Chevrolet and Honda, each delivering up to 760 hp. A low-voltage hybrid system, developed with Helix and battery storage from BOLD Technology, is roughly 20 lb (?9 kg) lighter than the previous unit and stores about 14 times more energy.
Safety Enhancements
Safety advances include stronger side-impact structures, a more stable chassis, improved driver cooling, and a lighter, more aerodynamic aeroscreen. The cockpit is wider to accommodate a broader range of driver sizes, and the monocoque exceeds the stricter of INDYCAR or FIA specifications.
Official Statements & Responses
INDYCAR President J. Douglas highlighted the decade-long partnership with Dallara and the commitment to innovation. Chevrolet’s Eric Warren expressed confidence in the new V6’s performance, while Honda’s David Salters noted the continuation of a 30-year racing heritage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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 raceability and new benchmarks in safety,” — J. Douglas Boles, INDYCAR president
- “We are delighted to unveil the designs for the new NTT INDYCAR SERIES chassis, which will take our sport into an exciting new era,” — INDYCAR President J. Douglas
What’s Next
Testing of the IR-28 will commence this week at Indianapolis and Sebring, giving teams nearly two years to refine the package before the 2028 championship launch. Dates for subsequent driver tests and media events will be announced by INDYCAR in the coming months.
