IndyCar has officially unveiled its next-generation race car, the IR-28, with Hollywood star Matt Damon narrating the launch video as the series prepares for a new era beginning in the 2028 NTT IndyCar Series season.
Billed as “Faster, Lighter and Built to Break Records,” the new car represents a major technological step forward for IndyCar, replacing the IR-12 chassis that has competed since the 2012 season.
Developed by longtime chassis partner Dallara, the IR-28 is designed to deliver faster lap times, closer wheel-to-wheel racing, improved drivability and enhanced safety.
A Lighter, More Powerful IndyCar
The new IndyCar will weigh approximately 100 pounds (45 kilograms) less than the current generation car, improving the power-to-weight ratio and allowing drivers to push harder during races.
The IR-28 will be powered by new 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engines supplied by Chevrolet and Honda, producing up to 760 horsepower. The upgraded power unit will provide increased torque, greater performance and a more advanced hybrid system compared with the current generation.
The new hybrid package will also be around 20 pounds lighter, while introducing a battery-based energy storage system for the first time in IndyCar history.
Designed to Break Track Records
IndyCar says the IR-28 has been engineered to deliver record-breaking performance, including the potential to challenge existing lap records at venues such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The car’s new aerodynamic philosophy focuses on improving racing quality by allowing drivers to follow more closely through corners and reducing aerodynamic turbulence.
A redesigned front and rear wing package, improved airflow management and reduced aerodynamic “outwash” are expected to create more overtaking opportunities.
A New Look With IndyCar DNA
The IR-28 features a completely redesigned body while maintaining the visual identity of IndyCar’s historic machines.
The new car includes a lighter and more aerodynamic Aeroscreen, giving it a fighter jet-inspired appearance while improving driver protection.
Additional design updates include:
- Wider cockpit dimensions to accommodate more driver sizes
- New electronically controlled adjustable anti-roll bars
- Advanced suspension technology
- Increased sponsorship visibility through larger branding areas
Safety Remains a Priority
While the IR-28 is built for higher speeds and closer competition, IndyCar emphasized that safety remains at the center of development.
The new chassis incorporates stronger side-impact structures, improved crash dynamics, enhanced driver cooling and a more stable design during incidents involving sliding, spinning or airborne situations.
The vehicle is being developed to exceed the latest IndyCar and FIA safety standards.
Hollywood Meets Motorsports
The launch campaign brought a Hollywood touch to IndyCar’s biggest technical announcement in years, with Matt Damon, the Academy Award-winning actor and star of The Odyssey, providing the voiceover for the reveal film.
IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles said the IR-28 represents the future of the series and thanked partners including Dallara, Chevrolet, Honda, Firestone and Shell for their involvement in creating the next-generation package.
Drivers Excited for the Future
The reaction from IndyCar drivers has been overwhelmingly positive.
Four-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou praised the design, saying the car feels like “a proper next step” for the series while maintaining the identity that makes IndyCar unique.
The 2026 Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist highlighted the car’s improved cockpit space, aggressive appearance and the fact that it still carries the DNA of an IndyCar machine.
Alexander Rossi also welcomed the changes, saying the series finally has a modern, lighter and faster car while preserving IndyCar’s reputation for safety and competition.
The IR-28 will make its competitive debut in 2028, marking what IndyCar hopes will be a new commercial and sporting era for one of the world’s most iconic motorsport championships.