Matt Damon Narrates Launch of New IR-28 Chassis for IndyCar

The long-awaited next-generation open-wheel machine has finally been revealed, bringing an end to the run of the DW12 chassis. Unveiled to the public at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the IR-28 represents a complete reset for the sport rather than a routine refresh.

Hollywood actor Matt Damon narrated the 45-second launch video that introduced the renderings, setting the stage for an engineering overhaul designed to increase speeds, improve raceability, and elevate safety across oval, road, and street circuits.

Engineering the IR-28 Chassis and Weight Reduction

Built in partnership with long-time chassis supplier Dallara, the IR-28 addresses key demands from drivers and teams. Most notably, the car will weigh approximately 100 pounds less than the outgoing DW12 model. This significant mass reduction improves the overall power-to-weight ratio, allowing drivers to push harder, brake later, and engage in tighter wheel-to-wheel battles.

The lighter frame pairs with a completely redesigned aerodynamic philosophy. For the first time, airflow wake behind the vehicle has been optimized specifically to reduce dirty outwash and facilitate easier overtaking. Front and rear wings have been re-engineered to provide an aggressive stance on road courses while delivering a high-downforce, low-drag package tailored for superspeedways.

Dallara USA Chief Executive Officer Stefano dePonti emphasized the collaborative effort required to meet contemporary motorsport demands while keeping an eye on academic and technological innovation. Initial testing for the new chassis begins this week across a mix of circuits, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and oval alongside the Sebring International Raceway road course.

Next-Generation Hybrid Power and Powertrain Specifications

Powering the 2028 grid will be a 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine capable of producing up to 760 horsepower. Both Chevrolet and Honda have secured official commitments to supply the engines, building on decades of open-wheel competition.

“This new car builds on more than a decade of collaboration with IndyCar, and we’re confident the new 2.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine will deliver the performance, sound, and excitement IndyCar fans expect from Team Chevy.”

Eric Warren, GM VP of Motorsport Competition, via Sports Illustrated

On the electrical side, the series is moving to its first battery-based Energy Storage System. Developed in partnership with UK-based Helix and BOLD Technology—both suppliers with extensive Formula 1 and Formula E experience—the new hybrid unit is 20 pounds lighter than the current powertrain and delivers approximately 14 times the energy storage capacity of the DW12 system. David Salters, President of HRC USA, noted that the evolution creates exciting aerodynamic and powertrain engineering challenges for Honda teams.

Suspension, Safety, and Cockpit Innovations

Driver safety and cockpit ergonomics receive substantial upgrades in the IR-28. The safety aeroscreen is now purpose-built directly into the chassis architecture rather than added as an afterthought, creating a sleek, fighter-jet profile.

Furthermore, the car introduces the Custom AXIS Inertance Control suspension platform, offering multi-mode spring, damper, and inerter tuning options. IndyCar remains the only major motorsport championship to permit both front and rear third-element inertance systems.

“There is a wow factor. The first thing that struck me is that it has more room in the cockpit and will fit differently-sized drivers. It also has an aggressive look with an integrated aeroscreen and a car that addresses a lot of little tweaks that drivers have asked for. Dallara has delivered on almost everything. I’m super excited for the future.”

Felix Rosenqvist, Meyer Shank Racing driver, via Sports Illustrated

Reviving Fan and Sponsor Technologies for 2028

Beyond pure mechanical performance, the IR-28 reintroduces fan-focused technology previously sidelined due to technical hurdles. The digital car position display—an LED panel mounted externally to show a car’s live track position during sessions—returns to the series after its initial stint ended in 2019 due to vibration and reliability issues.

With testing underway, teams and manufacturers have a busy window ahead. The IR-28 is officially slated to make its competitive racing debut at the opening round of the 2028 NTT IndyCar Series championship.