Honda Engines in IndyCar

Honda has been a major force in IndyCar racing since the early 1990s. The company’s engines have powered some of the most successful drivers in the sport, including Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Dario Franchitti. Honda engines have also won the Indianapolis 500 a record five times.

History

Honda first entered IndyCar racing in 1994 with a 3.5-liter V8 engine. The engine was initially underpowered compared to the competition, but Honda quickly made improvements. In 1995, Honda engines powered Scott Pruett to his first IndyCar victory. In 1996, Honda engines won four races, including the Indianapolis 500 with Buddy Lazier.

Honda continued to develop its IndyCar engine throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In 2006, Honda introduced a new 3.5-liter V6 engine. The engine was more powerful and fuel-efficient than its predecessor. In 2007, Honda engines won nine races, including the Indianapolis 500 with Dario Franchitti.

Honda continued to dominate IndyCar racing in the late 2000s and early 2010s. In 2013, Honda engines won 11 races, including the Indianapolis 500 with Tony Kanaan. In 2014, Honda engines won six races, including the Indianapolis 500 with Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Current Engine

Honda’s current IndyCar engine is a 2.2-liter V6 turbocharged engine. The engine produces over 700 horsepower. It is one of the most powerful and fuel-efficient engines in the sport.

Specifications

Displacement: 2.2 liters
Cylinders: 6
Valves: 4 per cylinder
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Horsepower: 700+ hp
Torque: 500+ lb-ft
Weight: 250 lbs

Success

Honda engines have been very successful in IndyCar racing. Honda engines have won the Indianapolis 500 five times, more than any other engine manufacturer. Honda engines have also won the IndyCar championship 12 times.

IndyCar Championships

1996: Scott Pruett
1997: Tony Kanaan
2000: Gil de Ferran
2001: Sam Hornish Jr.
2003: Tony Kanaan
2004: Tony Kanaan
2006: Sam Hornish Jr.
2007: Dario Franchitti
2009: Dario Franchitti
2010: Dario Franchitti
2013: Scott Dixon
2015: Scott Dixon

Indianapolis 500 Wins

1996: Buddy Lazier
2000: Juan Pablo Montoya
2003: Gil de Ferran
2007: Dario Franchitti
2013: Tony Kanaan

Conclusion

Honda engines have been a major force in IndyCar racing for over 25 years. Honda engines have powered some of the most successful drivers in the sport and have won the Indianapolis 500 a record five times. Honda is currently the only engine manufacturer in IndyCar, and the company’s engines are expected to continue to dominate the sport for years to come.