Due to disrupted supply chains, the IndyCar Series has to postpone the introduction of the 2.4-litre hybrid engines for another year, to the 2024 season
The IndyCar Series’ hybrid era will begin another year later than planned. The racing series announced Thursday that the new 2.4-litre turbocharged V6 engines with hybrid powertrains will not be introduced until the 2024 season, not 2023. The 2023 date was already later than it had originally been due to the Corona crisis.
“We are pleased with the pace of technical development of the 2.4-litre V6 hybrid engine,” said IndyCar president Jay Frye. “We are very encouraged by the progress our team and partners have made, but a decision needed to be made immediately to ensure we are prepared for the 2023 season with our current 2.2-litre engine package.”
The IndyCar Series cites disruptions in global supply chains as the reason for the new postponement. After consultations with engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda, as well as German company Mahle, which will supply the hybrid unit, the series decided to continue racing next year with the current engines.
“Thank you to our great partners at Honda and Chevrolet for working with us through this difficult supply chain situation,” said Frye. “We are working flat out on the 2.4-litre hybrid engine and can’t wait to have it on the track in 2024. “
Notwithstanding the postponement, the new 2.4-litre internal combustion engine is scheduled to be tested on track for the first time at Sebring on 30 and 31 March.
“We have completed the development and dyno testing of our new internal combustion engine, and as soon as the issues with the supply chain for the hybrid system are resolved, we will begin track testing of the new hybrid powertrain,” affirms David Salters, president and chief technology officer of Honda’s motorsport division in North America.
The switch to 2.4-litre engines is expected to increase the power output of IndyCar race cars to 800 hp, with the hybrid system adding another 100 hp. Until then, the IndyCars’ 2.2-litre twin-turbo V6 engines, introduced at the start of the 2012 season, will be in use for a twelfth season.