Cosworth Unveils New High-tech Steering Wheel for IndyCar 2025

• The next-generation CCW Mk3 steering wheel will debut this weekend at St. Petersburg, Florida, as the new IndyCar season gets underway
• Majority of teams on the 2025 IndyCar grid set to run the CCW Mk3 steering wheel
• Developed in close collaboration with IndyCar teams, the new steering wheel features enhanced ergonomics and advanced functionality
• CCW Mk3 steering wheel features first-ever push/pull paddle shifting system for IndyCar, enhancing driver flexibility
• Customisable gripless design allows teams to tailor grips for driver comfort
• High-tech 5-inch TFT display with RGB LED backlit controls enhance race data visibility for the driver in high-pressure environments

28 February 2025. Indianapolis, IN, USA – Cosworth, a global leader in motorsport electronics, has unveiled its next-generation CCW Mk3 steering wheel, which is set to make its official debut in the 2025 IndyCar season that gets underway this weekend.

The high-tech wheel has been meticulously designed, honed and engineered with direct input from IndyCar teams and drivers, incorporating a host of enhancements that push the limits of performance, ergonomics and functionality in high-level motorsport.

Cosworth’s commitment to engineering excellence in motorsports is underscored by the fact that the vast majority of IndyCar teams lining up on the grid for the season opener this weekend will be using the CCW Mk3, a testament to its superior performance and reliability.

“Cosworth has been at the forefront of motorsport technology for decades, and our latest evolution of the CCW Mk3 steering wheel sets a new benchmark for performance in IndyCar,” said Ethan Duncan, US Motorsport Manager, Cosworth. “This wheel is the result of extensive collaboration with teams and drivers to ensure it meets the highest standards in ergonomics, customisation and race-critical functionality. By working closely with the IndyCar teams, we’ve created a product that balances cutting-edge technology with real-world usability.”

Collaboration at the core
The development of the CCW Mk3 began with an in-depth consultation with IndyCar teams to understand their evolving needs. One of the primary focuses was ergonomics, ensuring the wheel simultaneously provides optimal comfort and efficiency. A key outcome of this collaboration was the decision to adopt a gripless design, allowing teams to apply bespoke grips tailored to individual driver preferences. This personalisation feature ensures that each competitor can configure their steering wheel for maximum control and comfort during races.

Further refinements include an increase in wheel diameter from 280mm to 300mm, a new design that’s been engineered to meet specific IndyCar requirements for the 2025 season. Additionally, working in close collaboration with the IndyCar Medical Team, thumb clearance on the steering wheel has been enhanced to reduce the risk of injury in high-load racing scenarios, a crucial consideration in the fast-paced world of IndyCar.

A first for IndyCar
The CCW Mk3 also introduces a push/pull paddle shifting system, a first for IndyCar, offering a more intuitive gear-shifting experience. Alongside this, rear button placements have been optimised based on driver feedback, ensuring crucial controls are within easy reach while maintaining a natural hand position.

From a technological standpoint, Cosworth has pushed the boundaries of steering wheel design with the integration of a fully configurable 5-inch TFT display, providing drivers with vital real-time data, allowing for split-second decision-making on track. RGB LED indicators, fully customisable for buttons, rotary switches and shift lights, enable teams to fine-tune visibility based on their racing environment and driver preference.

The CCW Mk3 also features 12 front-facing button inputs, four additional rear buttons, four front rotary switches, and two thumbwheel encoders, providing unparalleled levels of control and customisation.

The development journey of the CCW Mk3 IndyCar steering wheel saw its 3D-printed prototype benefit from Cosworth’s state-of-the-art additive manufacturing techniques, allowing the company’s engineering teams to rapidly test and refine its design before full-scale production. Feedback from teams and drivers played a crucial role in shaping the final iteration, ensuring it met the rigorous demands of IndyCar racing.

“The CCW Mk3 is a game-changer for IndyCar,” added Ethan. “From the push/pull paddle system to the customisable backlighting and TFT display, we have packed this wheel with advanced technology to give IndyCar drivers the best possible experience on track. Every function, every button, and every ergonomic consideration has been fine-tuned to deliver precision and performance at the highest level of competition.”

Cosworth’s involvement in IndyCar extends beyond the new CCW Mk3. With a legacy spanning decades of innovation, the company remains a cornerstone of motorsport, providing cutting-edge electronics and control systems that power some of the most advanced racing machines in the world. This latest pioneering development reinforces Cosworth’s ongoing commitment to IndyCar, ensuring that teams and drivers continue to benefit from superior engineering and performance-driven solutions.

Source: Cosworth