What Engine is Used in Indy Cars?
IndyCar is the premier open-wheel racing series in North America. The cars are powered by 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engines that produce up to 700 horsepower. The engines are designed to be lightweight and powerful, and they are capable of reaching speeds of over 200 mph.
History of Indy Car Engines
The first Indy cars used naturally aspirated engines. In the 1960s, turbochargers were introduced to Indy cars, and they quickly became the standard. The first turbocharged Indy car engine was used in the 1965 Lotus 38. The engine was a 2.5-liter V8 that produced 450 horsepower.
In the 1970s, the displacement of Indy car engines was reduced to 2.6 liters. In the 1980s, the displacement was further reduced to 2.2 liters. The 2.2-liter engine is still used in Indy cars today.
Technical Specifications of Indy Car Engines
The following are the technical specifications of the Indy car engine:
- Displacement: 2.2 liters
- Number of cylinders: 6
- Valve configuration: DOHC
- Bore: 83 mm
- Stroke: 60.2 mm
- Compression ratio: 12:1
- Maximum power: 700 horsepower
- Maximum torque: 500 lb-ft
- Weight: 220 lbs
Manufacturers of Indy Car Engines
There are two manufacturers of Indy car engines: Chevrolet and Honda. Chevrolet has been the exclusive engine supplier for IndyCar since 2012. Honda previously supplied engines to IndyCar from 2003 to 2011.
Conclusion
The engine is one of the most important components of an Indy car. It is responsible for providing the power that propels the car around the track. The engines used in Indy cars are some of the most powerful and efficient racing engines in the world.