Teams competing under the Honda banner for the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series now have plenty to be happy about when it comes to aerodynamics and the ability to tune them with Honda’s new Honda Indy car aero kit, developed solely by Honda Performance Development (HPD), the company’s North American racing division. This kit comes with close to 200 individual parts that can be added to the existing Honda-powered Dallara chassis, and they’re designed to give all of Honda’s IndyCar teams a means by which they can extract true performance at any of the circuits found on the series.
Developed using current CAD (computer-aided design) and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) technology, the HPD team tested these aero components in a full-scale wind tunnel to determine actual aerodynamic performance capabilities, and used that data to help create aero mapping for the teams to use during on-track testing. The HPD aero kit gives drivers and teams a wide range of configurations by which they can tune their cars, not just by aerodynamic performance alone but also by providing a completely customized look.
Unveiled earlier this week in Los Angeles at a private media event on the Andretti Autosport racecar (piloted by Ryan Hunter-Reay), the HPD aero kit definitely lends a more aggressive look in comparison to last year’s setup. From a head-on view, the front end with multi-tiered aero pieces flows up towards the back end/rear spoiler, and should be a menacing sight in any competitor’s mirrors. Though it may not be the look for everyone, we commend Honda and HPD for giving their IndyCar teams an aero package that not only alters its appearance but can also give them a more competitive edge at the same time.
If you happen to be in the area, you can see the Indy car aero kit make its public debut at the Verizon IndyCar “Open Test” on March 16-17 at Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, Alabama. If not, catch it at the season opener on March 29 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Photos: courtesy of Honda