The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is pushing back its introduction of a new 2.4-liter V-6 hybrid powertrain from 2023 to the following year, citing manufacturing supply chain issues that have paused hybrid development. The series currently uses a 2.2-liter V-6 with two turbochargers and will continue with these Chevrolet and Honda non-hybrid engines for the 2023 season.
According to INDYCAR president Jay Frye, the series consulted with both engine manufacturers – who have committed to the new powertrain and are readying their internal combustion engine (ICE) components for on-track testing the end of this month prior to changing the debut date. “We are pleased with the pace of the technical development of the 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 hybrid as we prepare it for competition,” Frye said.
While encouraged by the progress made by both manufacturers, “An immediate decision needed to be made to ensure we are prepared for the 2023 season utilizing our current 2.2-liter engine package. Thanks to our great partners at Chevrolet and Honda, for working through this challenging supply chain situation. We are going full-speed ahead with the 2.4-liter hybrid engine and cannot wait to have it on track in 2024.”
Frye maintains there are “cutting-edge innovations unique to INDYCAR” in the new powertrain, which will have a baseline of 800 horsepower. “The addition of the hybrid system will give another boost of 100 horsepower to ultimately produce 900,” once all aspects of the powertrain have been mated and verified.
The heads of engine development for both Chevrolet and Honda are moving forward despite this year-long delay in putting their latest engines on-track. “We are proud of the hard work and level of commitment by our engine group, along with our teams and partners, in the development of the Chevrolet 2.4-liter engine for our INDYCAR program,” noted Mark Stielow, director of GM Motorsports Competition Engineering. While Stielow said his group was “certainly excited to have it on track next season, Chevrolet remains fully committed to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and we look forward to debuting our future engine package in 2024.”
Stielow’s competitor, Honda Performance Development said, through its president and technical director, David Salters, “We are very excited to get the electrified era of INDYCAR SERIES racing underway. We have finished development and dyne testing of our new internal combustion engine, and once the hybrid system component supply chain issues are sorted, we’ll begin track testing of the new hybrid power unit,” which is a spec part.
On-circuit development of the 2.4-liter ICE gets underway the end of this month, when both manufacturers take part in lapping at Sebring International Raceway on March 30-31, a traditional site for INDYCAR testing. Added testing that incorporates the hybrid component of this engine will continue throughout the year, with further development in 2023.
It’s uncertain whether this change was made to accommodate a third engine maker, a quest the series has undertaken for several years without landing another manufacturer. The 2022 INDYCAR season continues, with the second race of the year scheduled to take place on the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway oval on Sunday, March 20th. While the Texas race has been a Saturday night staple for nearly all of its history, the race will take place at mid-day, beginning at 12:30PM (ET) and is being broadcast by NBC.
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