IndyCar to switch to more powerful engines from 2021

The Verizon IndyCar Series will switch to a more powerful engine formula from the 2021 season when it adopts new 2.4-litre twin-turbo V6 engines, capable of producing more than 900 BHP.

IndyCar currently races with 2.2-litre twin-turbo V6 engines that have been in use since the 2012 season, but a new raft of units are set to be introduced in three years' time in a bid to offer drivers an additional 100 BHP over the existing output.

Series governing body INDYCAR believes the new engines will be capable of over 900 BHP with the push-to-pass boost applied. The rev limit will rmeain at 12,000 RPM, with the new engines due to run until at least to the end of the 2026 season.

"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."

While Chevrolet and Honda currently stand as the only two engine suppliers in IndyCar, Frye is hopeful the new rules will attract more companies to the championship in the near future.

"We've talked with a lot of key executives and asked for their opinions, and 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."

Officials from both Chevrolet and Honda were quick to welcome the plans from INDYCAR for 2021, with the announcement coming ahead of qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 on Saturday and Sunday.

"The 2.4-litre, twin-turbo V-6 engine formula that will be 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."

Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development, added: "The new INDYCAR engine formula should be exciting for the fans and an interesting technical challenge for Honda Performance Development.

"While the overall architecture remains similar to the current engine, the increased displacement will bring many changes, including 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, which is a challenge we welcome at Honda."