Is this too retro for the 2011 IndyCar?

[WhirlinGraphics]

First off, I'm by no means a concept car illustrator. I'm also 'out of practice' with my freehand drawing techniques. This was done very quickly with crude tools. My image was based off of a side view conceived by HarvE from speedanddesign.net (shown at the bottom of this post).


Features:
Retro design is reminiscent of a pre-split era (pre 1979, trying to make it an amicable chassis for both CCWS and IRL fans).
Entire rear portion of the car is a "crush zone".
Top surface of the nose has a concave shape to aid downforce.
Combination windscreen/downforce/mirror element.
Integrated HD camera built into the roll hoop.
Simple shapes utilized for maximum sponsor signage areas.
No wings.

Specifications:
800hp turbocharged inline 4 cylinder.
Common "stock block" type specifications.
Spec driver tub with more than one manufacturer.
Spec ground effect underwing plate.
Tire contract goes to a single highest bidder from the top 5 brands.

[millrace]

I could work with that. Maybe after a few refinements. Its not a bad effort at all.

What I like about that design is the car has a tougher quality about it than the current Dallaras. Might be a little "balloony" though, if you know what I mean.

[Coyote]

Nice!

But I've suddenly got this strange urge to see if Speedracer is on cable somewhere.

[Greg828]

No wings.

That's my favorite part.

[Grinder-Tank]

Great work, but the engine does need to be in the back IMO.

[Rick Jones]

In racing function defines the form. There is a sound reason that Indycars have had the engine in the rear for forty plus years. I see no reason to retreat to having engines up front just for the sake of sentimentality to an era that most who post on this forum were not alive to witness. I saw the roadsters. They were neat, but that was a long, long time ago!
Rick

[Outlaw]

Does that thing have fenders?

[Qdoba Addict]

This part IMHO looks like a sportscar or sedan type race car complete with split windshield:

[VonScratch]

Great work, but the engine does need to be in the back IMO.

Yeah a mid engine car really helps with the overall balance of the car. Interesting concept though, I like the idea of an 800hp TURBO 4 cylinder. It would need some serious rpms.

[numrounofan]

This part IMHO looks like a sportscar or sedan type race car complete with split windshield:

Thought the samething, is that where the chick and the monkey work all the computer gizmo's?? -cap

[Corvette Jack]

Could be a good direction

Retro could be a good direction for the new design. Look how popular 60's inspired cars are in the consumer market. Let's see, PT Cruiser, Charger, HHR, Thunderbird, Rustang (oops, I meant Mustang), and that new Camaro. IMHO, it could be longer, and sleeker but still having those older influences. (front engine)

[brickyard1911]

I'd hate to hit the wall going backwards!

[WhirlinGraphics]

In racing function defines the form. There is a sound reason that Indycars have had the engine in the rear for forty plus years. I see no reason to retreat to having engines up front just for the sake of sentimentality to an era that most who post on this forum were not alive to witness. I saw the roadsters. They were neat, but that was a long, long time ago!
Rick

Rick, I don't necessarily disagree with your view. It could be argued that the rear engine was the advent of the search for "all out speed". Correct me if I'm wrong but it was the result of trying to build the fastest car possible with the available technology. With today's best technology, the right aerodynamic fairings, and a 1200hp powerplant, 300mph speeds on the backstraight at Indy wouldn't shock me. We have long past the era of trying to make the cars go faster each year and have actually swung back around to try to figure out how to slow them down for safety's sake. My idea was to still make an IndyCar capable of 220mph on the straights but the drivers would have to slow them down and manhandle them through the corners again.

[WhirlinGraphics]

I'd hate to hit the wall going backwards!

There is just as much or more crush area there as the current car has. Also the cockpit would be larger allowing for better seat technology to fit.

[bret_pollack]

Pretty darn ugly!