Featuring the 2021 IndyCar mod for Assetto Corsa, Virtual Racing Cars are on top form with their creations. Does it live up to the hype and deliverance you would expect?
Virtual Racing Cars have truly delivered with their 2021 IndyCar mod for Assetto Corsa. This creation, also known as Formula NA 2021, appears to be another excellent addition from these talented developers. Indeed, Virtual Racing Cars have a history of producing high-quality car modifications, and this one looks to continue that trend.
The 2021 IndyCar car was a spec chassis designed and built by Dallara Automobili of Italy. This chassis, known as the Dallara DW12, has been the standard for the IndyCar Series since 2012, with the current IR-18 aero kit introduced in 2018.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the 2021 IndyCar car:
Chassis:
- Manufacturer: Dallara Automobili, Italy.
- Model: Dallara IR-12 chassis (2012-present) with Dallara IR-18 aero kit.
- Construction: Monocoque containing the cockpit, aeroscreen, aeroscreen frame, fuel cell, and front suspension. The engine acts as a stressed (integral) member of the chassis. The rear assembly includes the bellhousing with the hybrid power unit components (introduced later), gearbox, and rear suspension members.
- Materials: Primarily carbon fibre, Kevlar, and other composites.
Engine:
- Manufacturers: In 2021, the engine suppliers were American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and Chevrolet.
- Type: 2.2-liter (134.25 cubic inches) V-6, twin-turbocharged (maximum bore diameter 95 millimeters).
- Minimum Weight: 248 pounds (112.5 kilograms).
- ECU (Engine Control Unit): McLaren Applied Technologies TAG 400i.
- Throttle: Drive-by-wire controlled port throttles.
Additional Indycar Information
Aerodynamics:
The IR-18 aero kit is a universal kit supplied by Dallara, allowing for different aerodynamic configurations for various track types (ovals, road courses, and street circuits).
Key aerodynamic components include front and rear wings, sidepods, and underwing elements, designed to generate downforce and manage airflow.
Hybrid Power Unit:
While the 2021 season did not feature the hybrid power unit in racing, it was under development and slated for introduction in later seasons. This unit was developed collaboratively with Chevrolet (Ilmor) and Honda (HRC).
Safety:
- The Dallara DW12 chassis was designed with significant emphasis on safety.
- The aeroscreen, a polycarbonate laminated screen, was introduced in 2020 and remained a key safety feature in 2021, providing frontal cockpit protection for the drivers.
- Partial enclosures around the rear wheels are designed to prevent cars from riding over each other’s wheels.
Weight:
The minimum weight of the IndyCar (without the driver) in 2021 would vary slightly depending on the track configuration but generally aimed to be around 1701 lbs (771.5 kg) for road and street courses and 1676 lbs (760.2 kg) for short ovals. This excludes the driver and fuel. The weight distribution is also tightly regulated.