IndyCar's Future Takes Shape
IndyCar Unveils Lighter, Faster, Safer IR-28 Car for 2028 Season Debut
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Key Points
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Matt Damon frames the IR-28 reveal as a bold shift, saying 'This isn't a refresh; it's a reset,' underscoring IndyCar's move into a new era.
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Initial IR-28 testing is planned to begin this week across a mix of tracks, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and oval and Sebring International Raceway.
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The IR-28 introduces a battery-based Energy Storage System delivering 14 times the energy storage capacity of the current system, signaling a major hybrid technology leap for IndyCar.
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Dallara’s Stefano dePonti emphasized the long-standing partnership with IndyCar, noting that the organization’s trust after more than a decade is the greatest recognition of Dallara’s efforts.
IndyCar has unveiled the IR-28, a ground-up redesign that promises to shatter lap records when it debuts in the 2028 season. The new car is about 100 pounds lighter than the current IR-12 and packs a 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing up to 760 horsepower, according to Fox Sports.
Matt Damon narrated the reveal video and set the tone plainly: "This isn't a refresh; it's a reset." IndyCar says the IR-28 is not only faster but also the safest car the series has ever built. On-track testing begins this week, WIBC reported.
A Lighter, More Powerful Machine Built for Speed
The IR-28 was built from scratch with chassis partner Dallara. It is roughly 100 pounds lighter than the outgoing IR-12, also known as the DW12 platform. That weight loss, paired with the new 760-horsepower V6, is designed to push lap times to record levels at every track on the schedule, Racing News 365 reported.
Both Chevrolet and Honda will supply engines for the new car. Firestone handles tires and Shell provides fuel. Dallara's CEO Stefano dePonti called IndyCar's trust in the partnership "the greatest recognition" of the company's efforts after more than a decade together, according to Yahoo Sports.
Hybrid Battery System Delivers 14 Times More Energy Storage
The IR-28 introduces a new battery-based Energy Storage System. IndyCar says it stores 14 times the energy of the current hybrid system. That is a massive leap in hybrid technology for a series that has used limited energy recovery until now, Head Topics reported.
The extra stored energy will give drivers more power to deploy during races. IndyCar has not yet detailed exactly how or when drivers can use it on track. But the upgrade signals the series is serious about keeping pace with modern motorsport technology.
New Aero Package Designed for Wheel-to-Wheel Battles
IndyCar overhauled the front and rear wings on the IR-28. The new aerodynamic package is built to cut the "dirty air" that makes it hard for cars to follow each other closely. Wake optimization — shaping the airflow that trails behind each car — should allow drivers to race side by side more often, according to Fox Sports.
Closer racing has been a priority for IndyCar for years. The IR-28 aero changes are aimed directly at that problem. Yahoo Sports noted the paddock reacted with excitement to the aggressive new look and the promise of better overtaking opportunities in 2028.
Testing Kicks Off This Week at IMS and Sebring
IndyCar will run the IR-28 on track for the first time this week. Testing is set for multiple venues, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, the IMS oval, and Sebring International Raceway. The variety of tracks will give engineers data on how the car performs in different conditions, WIBC reported.
The 2028 debut gives IndyCar and its partners four years to develop and refine the package. Racing News 365 described the IR-28 as a "record breaker" built to push the series into a new era of speed and safety.
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