What was announced today is exactly what was announced on June 2 when the framework for the engine specifications were mandated.
These are open invitations, nothing more. In both cases, the existing business partner has accepted a guaranteed contract.
EVERYONE is cordially invited to design, prototype, and submit an engine or body kit for testing and approval....so long as they also meet IRL mandated price caps, schedule deadlines, and demonstrate their ability to supply the entire field...
And if they do it all on their dime, unless teams are willing to place advance orders for a non-existent product that is of unknown competitve value against the spec package. There is no guarante that they will sell anything. See "Falcon", 2002.
That could mean four other alternate engines. Or zero.
That could mean four other alternate body kits. Or zero.
As of today, this is a new spec Dallara/ Honda, and the old engines and chassis are worthless as of Oct, 2011. The deadline for additional engine submissions is October 2, 2010.
The deadline for body kits has not been stated, although they must fit a tub design which has not been finalized, and the kits must fit tubs that will be built in a factory which does not yet exist.
The Honda 2.4L twin turbo V6 is a bespoke stressed arcitecture. So the Dallara tub will be designed for that, and alternate engine plarforms will have to be adapted IF and when they are approved.
That means the chassis could be designed for a non- stressed engine, and additional mount brackets bolted on the side of the Honda.
For the business savvy posters, particularly the ones who have been reading the "New Chassis" thread since it began (or my worthless blog), the following quote will look familiar. Only this time the author is Paul Tracy, and he wrote it today.
paultracy3
Insider
Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 198
"2012 will cost a extra 1 million"
"At this point I am told to run a 1 car deal . Allready owning the cars and some spares cost about 4.5 -5 mil . That has some crash damage built into the budget and no driver salary unles you finish in the top 5 where it pays well . 2 new cars some spares and a extra wing body kit from another suplyer will add about 1 million to the season budget ... So where is the reduction in cost I ask ?????"