The NTT INDYCAR SERIES confirmed on Thursday that the new hybrid system will be Introduced following the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 26.
The move comes amid reports in the U.S on Thursday that the new technology would not be ready amid reports that several of the ten full-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams have yet to test the new system.
Speaking about the progress in getting the new hybrid system ready for 2024, INDYCAR President Jay Frye said:
The partnership between Chevrolet and Honda has been phenomenal. “The INDYCAR-specific hybrid power unit is dynamic and an engineering marvel, and we’re completely committed to its successful introduction next season.”
Chevrolet and Honda Performance Development have been working together along with Ilmor Engineering to ensure the new system is up and running for the start of the new season.
The hybrid system is made up of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Energy Storage System (ESS), which both fit inside the bellhousing, located between the INDYCAR SERIES combustion engine and the gearbox. Multiple strategies for regeneration and deployment have been tested as the power unit builds and transmits energy through the MGU before being saved in the ultracapacitor ESS. The additional horsepower is deployed through the same motor generator. Unlike the traditional INDYCAR “push-to-pass” system, the hybrid power unit will not have a restriction on total time used over the course of a race.
The INDYCAR SERIES 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine was initially paired and tested with the hybrid unit Aug. 16, 2023, at Sebring International Raceway. In just three months, a total of 15,256 miles of testing have been successfully completed with the new power unit among 13 NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers. The much-anticipated debut of the new power unit is expected to launch after the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, during the second half of the 2024 INDYCAR SERIES season.