Indycar have announced the end of the V8 with it’s new engine rules for 2012 and beyond. The new rules stipulate a maximum of six cylinders as well as a 2.4 litre limit. According to the IRL the new engines will produce between 550 and 700 horsepower and will be turbocharged to allow for flexibility in power.

“The ICONIC Advisory Committee has researched future engine platforms with manufacturers, teams, drivers and fans, and they felt this strategy best highlights key attributes of the sport - speed, competition and diversity,” said Randy Bernard, chief executive officer of the Indy Racing League. “We feel this open and all-inclusive platform will make our sport an attractive option to engine manufacturers, while allowing development of a relevant and innovative platform to the current and future automotive industry by highlighting efficiency, performance, durability, quality, environmental responsibility and safety.”

The IndyCar Series will also explore new and relevant technologies to incorporate into the engine such as energy recovery, hybrids, fuel conservation and other developing green initiatives.

“Everyone wants to see competition and high performance on the track,” said Bernard. “We are the fastest and most versatile racing in the world and this new engine strategy will continue to enhance that. Now that we have a platform in place, it is our job to put this package in front of the automotive industry to attract the type of participation that will elevate the sport. We truly want to challenge manufacturers to once again make our sport a proving ground and a platform to showcase technology that will benefit the future of their industry.”

The new engine strategy will require that the series to adopt new chassis rules that can accommodate the various engine architectures.

Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations said. “For example, we could see a V-6 competing against an Inline 4 at all IZOD IndyCar Series events in the future. We will require reference engines as a benchmark in performance while looking at sonic air restrictors, fuel flow restrictions and more as key criteria for competition.”

The IndyCar Series formed the ICONIC Advisory Committee to make recommendations on the next generation IndyCar engine and chassis. The league plans to have a decision on its chassis by June 30.

“Speaking on behalf of the ICONIC Advisory Committee members, former racer & team owner Gil de Ferran said that it had been an honour to contribute to the development of the new generation of IndyCar. “We feel this new engine strategy is open, inclusive, powerful and high performance, in keeping with the historical values associated with Indy car racing. Additionally it poses relevant challenges to which the automotive industry faces today”.

The committee will be hoping that the new rules will attract the interest of manufacturers to bring some variety back to the series which currently features a control Honda V8.

Committee members include de Ferran, Barnhart, Tony Cotman, Eddie Gossage, Rick Long, Tony Purnell and Neil Ressler. It is mediated by retired Air Force General the delightfully named  William R. Looney III.