Honda announced the initial details of the new series of racing engines they are developing for IZOD IndyCar Series using the new formula which will be used from 2012 season. Based on this formula, the current 3.5 liter V8 units will be replaced with new 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engines. Honda Performance Development promises these engines will meet the cost reduction rules as they have 40 percent lower running cost than current powerplants.

“Through both robust and trying times, our commitment to open-wheel racing in America has never wavered,” said Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development. “With today’s announcement, we are pleased to reaffirm that commitment, and extend it deep into the current decade.

“With a passionate and energetic new title sponsor in IZOD, dynamic new management at its helm, and plans to significantly reshape its on-track product in the near future, the IndyCar Series is poised for significant growth,” Berkman continued. “We are delighted to take a role in that promising future.”

In 2010, HPD and technical partner Ilmor Engineering continue to prepare and maintain the engines used by all teams during competition in the season-long IndyCar Series, which includes the Indianapolis 500.

In an open-wheel racing history that dates to 1994 – beginning with nine seasons (1994-2002) in the former CART/Champ Car Series – Honda has recorded 170 race victories, 12 drivers’ championships, 10 Manufacturers’ Championships and seven Indianapolis 500 victories.

From April, 2007 through August, 2009, more than 40 drivers and teams completed 44 consecutive IndyCar Series races without the loss of a single Honda Indy V-8 engine. This total of 244,880 racing miles with 100 percent reliability exceeds the average
distance from the earth to the moon.

For the fifth consecutive year, Honda powered the entire 33-car starting field in May’s Indianapolis 500, and for a record-extending fifth consecutive time – the only five times in Indy 500 history – there was not a single engine failure.

The 2010 Indianapolis 500 also marked the 100th Honda victory in IndyCar Series competition. The company recorded its 105th win on July 25, in the most recent IndyCar event at Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Founded in 1993, and located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for American Honda high-performance racing cars and engines. In addition to its role as single engine supplier to the IZOD IndyCar Series, HPD is active in a variety of motorsports activities from pinnacle through grassroots, including this year’s class win in its inaugural attempt at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.