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Honda Commits to 900 HP Hybrid IndyCar Engine in 2022

Honda onboard with IndyCar decision to switch to hybrids 1 photo
Photo: Honda
Over the weekend, IndyCar announced that the teams participating in the NTT IndyCar Series from the 2022 season would be allowed to use hybrid powertrains on their cars. The news was welcomed on Monday (August 5) by one of the two engine suppliers for the series, Honda.

Presently, IndyCar engines are supplied by Honda and Chevrolet. The powerplants currently fielded have an output of between 550 and 700 hp. Once a hybrid system is added to the mix, the output should significantly rise above the 900 horsepower threshold.

"Racing has long been a crucible for the development of new technologies and people at Honda and this direction will enable us to promote a technology through racing that is essential to the future of our automobile business," said in a statement Ted Klaus, president of Honda Performance Development.

"At the same time, the immediate response delivered by an electrified powertrain will improve vehicle performance for our IndyCar drivers and the quality of the competitive show for our great fans."

The Japanese carmaker did not yet detail the solution it will be using for the IndyCar hybrid racer. The company is no stranger from hybrid racing, as over the past five seasons Honda has been fielding a hybrid car in Formula.

As per IndyCar, the hybrid powertrain to be deployed in the American series should consist of a multi-phase motor, an inverter and an electric storage device that will recover the energy generated under braking. For all intents and purposes, this will be the first time IndyCar racers will no longer use manual electric starters.

From a safety standpoint, It is hoped this system will increase the drivers' ability to restart the car quickly should it stall on track.

IndyCar says the new engine regulations will be in place from 2022 to 2027, and they will include the launch of a new generation chassis for the cars.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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