IndyCar officials have announced a series of power-train changes to start in 2012 and stimulate speed and competition among teams and engine manufacturers.
All Indy Cars currently run 450kW, ethanol-fuelled Honda V8 engines.The new guidelines will allow turbocharged four, five or six-cylinder units capable of of 400-515kW to attract more engine suppliers.
IndyCar chief executive Randy Bernard said: "This platform will make our sport an option attractive to engine manufacturers. "We're the fastest and most versatile racing formula in the world. Engine manufacturers can make our sport a proving ground, a platform to showcase technology that will benefit their industry."
Five companies are competing to replace the Dallara chassis with designs as diverse as a rocket-shaped DeltaWing and Swift's Batmobile-like vehicle. A decision is expected by the end of June 2010.
IndyCar has also announced a race on August 7, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland, on a 3.8km temporary street circuit around a harbour. - Sapa-AFP