IndyCar reveals new images in next evolution of race car – Indianapolis Star

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IndyCar released a new computer-generated look at the 2018 car.(Photo: Image provided by IndyCar)

INDIANAPOLIS -- Out with the old and in with the old. That's the idea behind IndyCar's next evolution of race car, whichborrows upon design elements of bygone eras to create a new retro chic look.

IndyCar released Wednesday the latest images of its new car with a uniform body kitthatwill debut in the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2018.

While this remains a work in progress, we are encouraged with where the development of the 2018 car stands,IndyCarpresident of competition and operations Jay Frye saidin a news release.The look of the car is bold, the performance data from simulations is meeting targeted goals and safety enhancements built into the design will be substantial.

Frye said IndyCar still plans to begin testing the car by mid-summer. He also said that teams will be able to choose between Chevrolet and Honda engines next season, but all of the cars will have the same universal kits. The supplier of the universal kit has yet to be announced.

The initial concepts, which outline the bodywork that will cover the Dallara IR-12 chassis,were revealed in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The biggestchange will be that the new car's downforce will originate from the undercarriageinstead of from wings on top, many of which will disappear. This change is designed not only to make the car look sleeker and sexier but also to produce more passing, as drivers will not deal with as much turbulence when closing in on opponents.

An artist's sketches of the 2018 aerokit concepts for IndyCar.(Photo: George Sipple, DFP)

Weve been working on the aerodynamics to suit the look, rather than the other way around, said Tino Belli, IndyCar director of aerodynamic development, in the release.

Were working on creating more of the downforce from the underwing, Belli said. The hole in the floor (of the undertray on this years car) will be sealed for the road courses and short ovals, but will still be open for the superspeedways.

Drivers seem to like the new changes.

Definitely some throwbacks to the old Indy cars and Champ cars of old," James Hinchcliffe said in February."I think its the right direction aesthetically certainly. But the most important things are the performances goals, and if we hit that, then the quality of the racing will be tremendous, as it has been, but we can make it better, and thats what the goal is for the new car."

Graham Rahal added: "I think the new car -- you know, I haven't seen the finished product by any means, but I think it looks pretty awesome,"Rahal said. "I'm excited about it. For me, it's more like what I feel an IndyCar should look like."

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IndyCar reveals new images in next evolution of race car - Indianapolis Star