IndyCar releases new images of '18 aero

IndyCar’s 2018 universal bodywork is "99 percent" finished according to competition president Jay Frye, and based on the detailed superspeedway and first-look road course/short oval renderings released on Wednesday, the product is stunning.

Notable changes from previous renderings include the removal of the "sponsor blocker" from the leading edge of the floor, and the addition of a small spine down the engine cover. The sculpted, three-element road course front wing package and triple-element rear wing offer a simplified solution compared to some of the configurations used during the 2015-’17 aero kit era.

Greater detail on the sidepods reveal the tight waist below the radiator inlets that reduce surface area and improve flow to the back of the car between the wheels and drivetrain. The large floor, with the removable plug to fill the speedway "hole," can also be seen with more clarity.

In superspeedway trim, clean front and rear wing designs help the DW12 to look sleek for the first time since its introduction. A light adjustment to the shock cover – shown in both packages – adds raised seams to divert some air from atop the tub around to the sides.

"Another thing with the car, too, there's less parts and pieces," Frye told RACER. "There's less opportunity for debris, which is good."

The 2018 bodywork is expected to start testing in July or August.

"There's lots of learning that could be done on the current car," Frye added. "We have taken a different approach and it's just a different aesthetically-looking car. It has a historical feel with a very forward look. We're excited about that."

The full set of updated images is available below. Please click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.

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