--- title: "Here’s What IndyCar’s New Hybrid V6 Sounds Like" description: "The new hybrid V6 powertain for IndyCar's upcoming 2024 season sounds every bit as good as the current V6's." date: "2023-08-27" modified: "2023-08-27" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/heres-what-indycars-new-hybrid-v6-sounds-like" categories: - "News" - "Racing" --- # Here’s What IndyCar’s New Hybrid V6 Sounds Like ![]() *Racer | YouTube* Anytime a racing series makes changes to its engines, fans become skeptical, especially when engines become hybrids. What are they going to sound like? Will they have the same excitement as previous engines? These are understandable concerns for faithful fans of the sport. For [IndyCar ]()fans, the worry has been that the new V6 hybrid powertrain would sound worse than before, or somehow be less exciting. After see this new video from *[Racer]()*, though, that doesn't seem to be the case. The hybrid powertrain that will be used in IndyCar in 2024 isn't actually all that new. While IndyCar originally planned to switch to an all-new 2.4-liter hybrid V6, it scrapped the larger engine and instead decided to hybridize the current twin-turbo 2.2-liter V6s from [Honda ]()and Chevy. So the engine itself isn't actually changing, it's just getting a new hybrid boost, for the push-to-pass system, so it doesn't really sound any different. https://youtu.be/gjD7nHcLck4?si=kedUW4LaVnHTOgg8&t=60 In the video, you can hear the new hybrid powertrain, as cars were tested at Sebring ahead of the 2024 season. Since the V6 is the same, and the hybrid system changes neither the intake nor exhaust, the cars sound exactly the same. They still have that V6 growl that fans are used to. It isn't the most thrilling of motorsport sounds but it sounds raw and mechanical, as if you can hear the engine's metal bits flying around from the forces of internal combustion. So what's the point of going hybrid if the engines don't really change much, in terms of sound and fan experience? Since the engines now get assistance from a motor generator unit (MGU), which is powered by a super-capacitor in the gearbox housing, 2024 IndyCars will get a far more effective push-to-pass system. Rather than the 60 horsepower from the current push-to-pass system, 2024 IndyCars will get 150 horsepower. That added power could make races far more interesting [come next season](), as push-to-pass might become a much more valuable tool at drivers' disposal. So not only does the new hybrid powertrain not take anything away from IndyCar, its added power should actually bring more excitement. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()