## Who Makes IndyCar Engines?
The NTT IndyCar Series, the premier open-wheel racing series in North America, features a field of Dallara DW12 cars powered by 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engines. But who makes these powerful engines that propel the cars to speeds of over 230 mph?
Chevrolet
Chevrolet has been a partner with IndyCar since 1986, providing engines for some of the most iconic teams and drivers in the series’ history. The current Chevrolet IndyCar engine is the Ilmor-Chevrolet 2.2-liter V6, which produces over 700 horsepower.
Some of the notable teams that have used Chevrolet engines in IndyCar include Penske Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Team Penske. Drivers who have won championships with Chevrolet power include Al Unser Jr., Rick Mears, and Scott Dixon.
Honda
Honda entered the IndyCar Series in 1994, and has since become one of the most successful engine manufacturers in the series. The current Honda IndyCar engine is the Honda HR35TT 2.2-liter V6, which produces over 700 horsepower.
Some of the notable teams that have used Honda engines in IndyCar include Andretti Autosport, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Team Penske. Drivers who have won championships with Honda power include Tony Kanaan, Dario Franchitti, and Scott Dixon.
Past Engine Manufacturers
In addition to Chevrolet and Honda, several other manufacturers have supplied engines to IndyCar teams over the years. These include:
* **Ford:** Ford was involved in IndyCar from 1965 to 1999, providing engines for some of the most successful teams in the series’ history. Drivers who won championships with Ford power include A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Rick Mears.
* **Buick:** Buick entered IndyCar in 1987, and provided engines for some of the most competitive teams in the series during the 1990s. Drivers who won championships with Buick power include Emerson Fittipaldi and Paul Tracy.
* **Toyota:** Toyota entered IndyCar in 2003, and provided engines for several teams in the series. Drivers who won races with Toyota power include Dan Wheldon and Ryan Briscoe.
* **Infiniti:** Infiniti entered IndyCar in 2012, and provided engines for Andretti Autosport. However, the Infiniti program was short-lived, and the company withdrew from the series after the 2014 season.
## Engine Specifications
The current IndyCar engine specifications are as follows:
* **Displacement:** 2.2 liters
* **Configuration:** Twin-turbocharged V6
* **Power output:** Over 700 horsepower
* **Weight:** Approximately 220 pounds
* **Fuel:** Ethanol
The engines are built to withstand the extreme demands of IndyCar racing, including high speeds, high temperatures, and high levels of vibration. They are also designed to be fuel-efficient, as the cars must complete each race on a single tank of fuel.
## Engine Development
The development of IndyCar engines is a constant process, as manufacturers strive to improve performance and efficiency. In recent years, there has been a focus on developing engines that are more powerful, more fuel-efficient, and more durable.
Manufacturers also work closely with teams to develop engine packages that are optimized for each team’s specific needs. This includes tailoring the engine’s power output, fuel economy, and durability to the team’s driving style and the tracks on which they race.
## Engine Costs
The cost of an IndyCar engine can vary depending on the manufacturer and the level of support that is required. However, it is estimated that a new IndyCar engine can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000.
In addition to the initial purchase price, teams also have to factor in the cost of maintenance and repairs. Engines must be rebuilt regularly, and major repairs can be very expensive.
## Conclusion
The engines that power the NTT IndyCar Series are among the most powerful and sophisticated in the world. They are built to withstand the extreme demands of IndyCar racing, and they are constantly being developed to improve performance and efficiency.
Chevrolet and Honda are the two current engine manufacturers in IndyCar, and they have a long history of success in the series. Both manufacturers offer competitive engines that are capable of winning races and championships.
