The IndyCar Series revealed the first two prototpes of its 2012 Dallara IndyCar on Tuesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The mockups, which will be displayed in the Pagoda Plaza at IMS through the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500, were introduced on Versus’ “IndyCar Open Wheel Weekly” show.
A rolling chassis – dubbed the IndyCar Safety Cell – will be the universal feature of the next generation car, with bodywork open to development and sale by any approved manufacturer. Three engine companies – Honda, Chevrolet and Lotus – committed for 2012 will augment the IndyCar Safety Cell and aero kit programs, creating its own buzz.
“The idea behind these is to show two totally different-looking vehicles that underneath are the same chassis,” Cotman said. “There is a lot of room for aerodynamic kit development and that’s what this platform is about – allowing people the freedom to design as they wish, dream as they wish and come up with a superior product than others. That’s what drives competition. So will these be exactly what Dallara’s kits are going to look like on road courses and ovals next year? No.”
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