Indy Racing League officials have confirmed that Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) is one of the five auto manufacturers that is taking part in round table discussions as the single-seater series (top) bids to expand engine supplier participation beyond current supplier Honda (bottom).

Indy Racing League officials have confirmed that Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) is one of the five auto manufacturers that is taking part in round table discussions as the single-seater series bids to expand engine supplier participation. The new engine specification planning got underway last May and the new regulations, that will continue to see the use of bio-ethanol fuel, will mostly likely be introduced in 2011.

Fiat is investigating the marketing potential of the Indy Racing League to accompany the re-launch of its Alfa Romeo brand in the United States, which has recently been postponed yet again due to the severe current economic downturn, although  a limited number of the Alfa 8C Competizione sports cars have been sold stateside in recent months through selected Maserati dealerships.

"IndyCar has done an extremely thorough job at examining all the future technical considerations that automotive brands are faced with," said Paolo Martinelli, vice president of Fiat Powertrain Technologies. "Working in concert with my peers to help define the next generation of IndyCars has been an enlightening and productive process that will likely have positive connections to other global motorsports."

As well as Fiat Powertrain Technologies, representatives from Honda Performance Development (the current engine supplier), Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen took part in the latest talks, guided by the "Three Es" - efficient, environmentally responsible and economics.

Through this collective process, the IndyCar Series will continue to work with the manufacturers and six specialty race engine design companies in refining these engine specifications for implementation as early as the 2011 season:

● 4-stroke engines with reciprocating pistons
● Engine capacity not to exceed 2.0 litres
● Dual-overhead cam shaft with 4 valves per cylinder
● Single turbo charger systems will be permitted
● Direct injection systems will be permitted
● Continue the league's leadership position with the use of alternative fuels
● Engine life between rebuilds of 3,750 miles
● Five-year sealed engine homologation process that will define areas with possible annual updates
● Cost containment engine lease ceiling that is applicable to all participants

The series' new engine architecture will align with the direction being taken by automotive manufacturers around the world, which will allow cost-effective team participation while allowing engine manufacturers flexibility in up-tuning and/or down-tuning the engine for possible use in other forms of motorsports. Specifications are expected to be finalized in the next several months.

Three manufacturer roundtable meetings, attended by senior executives from some of the world's leading and most prestigious automotive brands, have been held since the groundbreaking planning process was introduced in May 2008 to bring about expanded engine manufacturer participation in the series. "The IndyCar Series is steeped in history and synonymous with automotive technical innovation," said Donatus Wichelhaus, head of engine development for Volkswagen Motorsport. "The IndyCar Series has been proactive to take a global leadership role in defining an engine and technical platform that will further promote R&D development and innovation that will have positive effects on production-based consumer cars."

The meetings also have included input from Firestone, the exclusive tire supplier to the IndyCar Series, and chassis supplier Dallara. In addition to the engine specifications, the IndyCar Series has been investigating innovative ways to partner its teams with the manufacturers.