| Make
|
Honda
|
| Model |
Indy
Racing Car |
| Concept
year |
2009 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
- |
The Honda Indy Racing Car project was sponsored by Honda
and and the Indy Racing League. The vehicle's designer,
Yutian Li, is a graduate of the Transportation Design
course at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit,
Michigan. Yutian also holds a bachelors degree in vehicle
engineering and a masters in industrial design from Tsinghua
University in Beijing, China.
The overall shape of the Honda Indy Racing Car was inspired
by modern architecture - but more specifically Zaha Hadid's
work which is greatly influenced by topological patterns
found in nature and has a high degree of fluidity and
continuity. Yutian applied this theme to vehicle design
by using a combination of blended surfaces, and crossing/overlapping
shapes in order to bring a whole new look to the future
Indy Car Series.
Aside from bringing completely new forms to the racing
world, the Honda Indy Racing Car has also been designed
to offer superior aerodynamic performance. The large integrated
rear wing located above the engine creates downforce over
the rear axle. This downforce is increased once the engine
is up at operating temperature because of the pressure
difference between hot and cold air. The side panel directs
the air to go around the wheels so that rotating drag
is reduced. The air box on either side of the driver and
the large air intakes in the front ensure sufficient airflow
to the engine.
As with all racing vehicles, driver safety in the event
of a crash is the utmost priority. The driver of the Honda
Indy Racing Car concept is protected by a structure which
was inspired by the shape of leaves. This unit is designed
to diffuse the energy of the collision, and at the same
time keep the interior cockpit structure intact.
Aside from keeping the rear tires firmly in contact with
the track surface, the expansive rear spoiler also acts
as a prominent billboard which could make the Indy series
more attractive to sponsors. The stripe which divides
this spoiler in two contains a thermally sensitive material
which changes color depending on engine temperature. This
is designed to add more excitement to the race and the
spectators. |
|
