Honda welcomes Lotus to IndyCar
addition of Lotus Cars to IZOD IndyCar Series competition, beginning in 2012 (See Home page for feature article):
"This is exciting news. Lotus Cars has a long and distinguished record in motorsports, and will
add to the worldwide appeal of IZOD IndyCar Series racing. Congratulations to Randy Bernard
and the entire IndyCar Series staff. They have returned multiple-manufacturer competition to
IndyCar racing following a lengthy absence, and we appreciate the efforts and dedication that
helped make this possible.
"Along with last week's announcement that Chevrolet will join the series in 2012, the addition of
Lotus is yet another indication of IndyCar's growing popularity. We look forward to taking on our
worthy rivals from both Lotus and Chevrolet, and providing fans with the thrilling competition that
is the hallmark of IZOD IndyCar Series racing."
The 2012 platform allows manufacturers to produce engines with a maximum of six cylinders. The engines will be turbo charged producing between 550 and 700 horsepower to suit the diverse set of tracks on which the IZOD IndyCar Series competes. All engines will run on E85 with additional details on the fuel platform to be announced at a later date.
The new engine strategy was based on a recommendation from the ICONIC (Innovative, Open-Wheel, New, Industry-Relevant, Cost-Effective) Advisory Committee, which was tasked with reviewing, researching and making a recommendation to the sanctioning body on the next generation IZOD IndyCar Series engine and chassis.
Committee members include Brian Barnhart, Tony Cotman, Gil de Ferran, Eddie Gossage, Rick Long, Tony Purnell and Neil Ressler. It was mediated by retired Air Force Gen. William R. Looney III.