Penske Entertainment has unveiled a proposed design for the 2027 IndyCar to team owners, sparking mixed reactions. The design, seen as a modified version of the current Dallara DW12, features a large rear wing similar to Formula 2 cars. Some owners, like Michael Shank and Dale Coyne, are calling for a more innovative and visually striking design, citing Adrian Newey's X1 concept as inspiration. Penske aims to retain many mechanical components from the DW12 to reduce costs, but feedback suggests a desire for a bolder approach. The design process remains open to changes.
The Dallara DW12, a prominent chassis in IndyCar racing, is set to make its 200th race start at the season-opening event in St. Petersburg. Originally introduced in 2011, the DW12 has undergone significant transformations over the years, including safety improvements and aero kit changes. Despite initial criticisms, the chassis has become a mainstay in IndyCar, with drivers like Scott Dixon and Graham Rahal having contested all 200 races in the DW12. While the car's longevity is impressive, there are calls for a new chassis to be introduced in the near future.
Optimizing hybrid power is the current priority for IndyCar, with the focus on improving the quality of racing and attracting a third original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Despite calls for a new chassis, the trusted Dallara DW12 will continue to be used, undergoing significant updates to support the move to hybrid engines. The series hopes that the introduction of hybrid technology will entice additional auto manufacturers to join, and the success of the hybrid system will determine the possibility of a new chassis in the future.
Alex Palou's 16.801s win over Pato O’Ward at the Indianapolis Grand Prix only ranks fifth on the list of largest margins of victory during the Dallara DW12 era. Palou's teammate Scott Dixon, former Andretti Autosport ace Alexander Rossi, and Honda engines also feature in the top five. The largest margin of victory in IndyCar dates back to 1911, while the biggest DW12 margin of victory was produced by Palou's win at Laguna Seca in 2020.
