Race Weekend Central

INDYCAR Announces Changes to Engine Configuration Starting in 2021

INDYCAR engines will produce more power starting in 2021 as they will have a new engine configuration. The move, announced Saturday is the latest in a series of long-term moves for the racing series.

The 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engines are projected to generate roughly 100 more horsepower than the current versions. Those already have more than 900 horsepower available when using push-to-pass.

In order to provide a good baseline, the engine configuration will be in place for six years, through the 2026 season. The current formula has been used since 2012 with exclusive use of twin turbos since 2014.

“Our drivers have been asking for more horsepower and thanks to the hard work of Chevrolet, Honda and the INDYCAR engine group, they’re going to get it,” said Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations.

Both Honda and Chevrolet, INDYCAR’s main manufacturers, agree the new configuration fits perfectly for their future plans.

“The 2.4-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine formula introduced for the 2021 season will continue to showcase relevant technologies that we incorporate in our production engines,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President of performance vehicles and motorsports for General Motors. “The opportunity to transfer learnings in performance, reliability and efficiency between the racetrack and the showroom is very important to Chevrolet.”

“The new INDYCAR engine formula should be exciting for the fans and an interesting technical challenge,” added Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development. “While the overall architecture remains similar to the current engine, the increased displacement will bring many changes. That includes a notable increase in power that should please all fans of the sport. In addition, it provides our designers and engineers with an opportunity for significant development. It’s a challenge we welcome at Honda.”

Additional manufacturers have been included in the planning process. The hope for INDYCAR is that announcing these decisions now gives them plenty of lead time should they choose to enter the series.

“We’ve talked with a lot of key executives and asked for their opinions. They’ve all said this is a very relevant platform to what they’re doing,” Frye said. “No announcements of additional manufacturers are imminent, but it feels like we’re on a good path.”

On-track testing will begin in the summer of 2020.

About the author

His favorite tracks on the circuit include Barber Motorsports Park, Iowa Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, and Bristol Motor Speedway.

During the season, Christian also spends time as a photographer with multiple other outlets shooting Monster Energy AMA Supercross, Minor League & Major League Baseball, and NCAA Football.

Sign up for the Frontstretch Newsletter

A daily email update (Monday through Friday) providing racing news, commentary, features, and information from Frontstretch.com
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.

Share via