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IndyCar officials have released the first official renderings of the series’ next-generation race car – the IR‑28 – and confirmed that the initial on‑track tests will begin this weekend. The move marks the start of a new era for the premier open‑wheel series, as it prepares to introduce a completely reimagined chassis for the 2028 season.
First glimpse of the IR‑28
The renderings, published by IndyCar on Tuesday, show a sleeker, more aggressive silhouette compared to the current DW‑12‑based Dallara chassis. The IR‑28 features a lower nose, raised sidepods and an integrated rear diffuser designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency and overtaking potential. According to a series spokesperson, the design “represents a significant leap forward in both performance and driver protection.”
The new chassis will incorporate next‑generation safety structures, including upgraded impact‑absorbing monocoque panels and a redesigned head‑restraint system. The renderings also suggest a larger roll hoop and reinforced cockpit sides, aligning with lessons learned from recent incidents across global motorsport.
Hybrid powertrain integration
Insiders confirm the IR‑28 will be built around IndyCar’s new hybrid power unit, which is currently under development in partnership with Honda and Chevrolet. The hybrid system – combining a 2.4‑liter twin‑turbo V‑6 with an electric motor – was originally slated for a 2024 debut, but was postponed. The IR‑28 chassis is being engineered from the ground up to house the hybrid components, including a 48‑volt battery pack and energy recovery modules.
“This car is not just a body update; it’s a complete re‑engineering of how power is delivered and managed,” said a technical lead involved in the project, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The hybrid system will give drivers more strategic options on the track and reduce fuel consumption by about 15%.”
Weekend test schedule
The first shakes‑downs of the IR‑28 are set for this Saturday and Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with a select group of test drivers (whose names have not yet been released) putting the prototype through initial straight‑line and low‑speed handling runs. IndyCar President Jay Frye said the tests will “validate the core dynamics before we move into full‑speed aerodynamic mapping.”
A second round of testing is expected later this year, focusing on race‑simulation mileage and tire wear with Firestone. Teams will not receive customer chassis until the 2026‑2027 offseason, but component suppliers – including Dallara, Penske Technology Group and Roush Yates – have already begun tooling production.
What the new design means for racing
The aero package shown in the renderings appears markedly different from the current “superspeedway” and “road/street course” trim levels. Sources indicate the IR‑28 will feature a single universal body kit, reducing team costs and parity concerns. The undertray has been redesigned to increase ground‑effect downforce, making the cars less sensitive to dirty air – a long‑standing complaint from drivers.
Competition director Kyle Novak emphasized that the IR‑28 “will still produce a thrilling spectacle, but with closer racing and less reliance on driver skill alone to overcome aero deficits.” Early computer simulations suggest lap‑time gains of 1.5 to 2 seconds per mile on road courses, which could push average speeds beyond 230 mph on ovals.
Timeline and rollout
Full‑scale production of the IR‑28 is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with all teams expected to have the new chassis by the start of the 2028 season. The current car (the IR‑18, introduced in 2018) will continue to race through the end of 2027. IndyCar has not yet announced whether the 2028 season will open with the new car or phase it in gradually, but Frye hinted that the series intends to “go all‑in from race one.”
The release of the renderings has already sparked intense discussion on social media, with fans praising the modern look but some veteran engineers questioning the complexity of the hybrid system. Nonetheless, the series is betting that the IR‑28 will attract new manufacturers beyond Honda and Chevrolet, potentially including a European OEM.
“This car is our statement of intent,” Frye said. “We’re not just updating the body; we’re rebuilding the entire platform for the next decade of American open‑wheel racing.”
Stay tuned to IndyCar’s official channels for live updates from the weekend’s test sessions, including photo galleries and telemetry data.
