Chevrolet has announced a return to open-wheel racing, and will supply V6 engines to Team Penske for the 2012 IndyCar Series. Longtime open-wheel fans will remember that the Bowtie brand supplied engines for Indy-style racing from 1986 to 1993, and then again from 2002 to 2005. The return was a rumor earlier this week, but General Motors made the announcement this morning and offered a glimpse at what’s in store.
The new engine, which is being developed by General Motors and Ilmor engineering, will be a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 2.4-liter V6 running on E85 fuel. Aluminum will be used for the block and cylinder heads, but other technical specs are not yet available.
Penske is the first team to fully commit to an entire Chevrolet-powered lineup for 2012. However, in accordance with the rules of the series, the engine will be available to any teams interested.
