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Designed to make a
difference
ZF Race Engineering's SACHS motorsport clutches have stood for top-tier quality in international racing for decades. The ambition: continuous improvement and the drive to keep pushing the limits. From the lightest clutch used in Formula 1 to proven twin-plate and multi-plate systems in WRC, DTM, NASCAR, Le Mans and the Dakar Rally - ZF Motorsport technology is a core component of many winning cars worldwide.
SACHS Racing Carbon Clutch
IndyCar 2.2-L V6 Twin-Turbo
The Clutch of Competence – vehicle-specific for Dallara IR-12/IR-18 IndyCar
For use in NTT IndyCar Series vehicles (Dallara IR-12, 2.2-L V6 twin-turbo, from 2018): the SACHS RCC 3/115 carbon racing clutch combines a compact 115 mm diameter with extremely low rotating mass—ideal for rapid engine-speed matching, short shift windows, and razor-sharp response during standing starts and pit stops.
The triple-plate design spreads friction work and temperature, increasing torque density with a low stack height and delivering consistent performance over long stints—matched to IndyCar operating conditions and engine speeds of approx. ~12,000 rpm.
Technology transfer from top-tier formula series ensures high temperature stability, repeatable actuation, and maximum durability—precisely tuned to the packaging constraints of the IndyCar transaxle layout.
Benefits
maximum thermal resilience - carbon quality from Formula 1
very low weight and minimal moment of inertia
smooth and comfortable launch behavior
no flywheel wear
extreme durability - up to 4x longer than conventional sintered racing clutches
Lowest mass
One of the major strengths of a carbon racing clutch is its low mass and the resulting low moment of inertia.
They are designed for the lowest possible mass with the goal of transferring engine torque to the gearbox as quickly and directly as possible.
Lightening measures in the cranktrain that reduce the moment of inertia increase vehicle acceleration noticeably in the lower gears.
Faster acceleration
If, for example, the clutch has a moment of inertia (Mtm) of 0,061 kgm2, with a gearbox ratio of 13,4:1 (first gear ratio) this acts at the drive wheel with 180 times the value (13,42). Converting Mtm into vehicle mass results in an additional weight of approx. 145 kg in 1st gear that must be accelerated.
Thanks to the extremely low inertia of the SACHS carbon clutch, shift times are significantly reduced and the vehicle accelerates faster.
Maximum service life
For carbon clutches there are pressure plate and shim packs available that compensate carbon wear. With these compensation pressure plates the clutch can be reset to as-new condition - significantly extending service life.
Each unit undergoes stringent quality checks and is individually tested and measured before shipment. Preload force, installation height and release characteristics are documented. The preinstalled carbon stack thickness is also recorded - the included document supports maintenance and the shimming process (compensation pressure plates for refurbishment).
Technology
Technical data RCC 3/115
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Vehicle:
Dallara IR-12/IR-18 IndyCar
2.2-L V6 twin-turbo, 2018– - Maximum engine torque [Nm]: 720
- Mass (weight) [kg]: 1.91
- Moment of inertia [kg·m²]: 0.00480
- Release diameter [mm]: 38
- Release force [N]: 4,900
- Release travel [mm]: 4.5 + 0.3
Clutch housing
High-strength forged aluminum for maximum stiffness at minimal weight. The housing geometry promotes heat dissipation and stabilizes the clutch pack’s operating temperature window; a wear-resistant hard coating reduces friction and fit wear and increases service life under IndyCar conditions.
Material: carbon
Carbon provides high temperature resistance and consistent friction coefficients across a broad operating window. Its low density reduces rotating mass and thus the moment of inertia; good thermal conductivity supports rapid thermal stabilization—crucial for repeatable launch performance and precise gearshifts.
Hub spline
The RCC 3/115 clutch is supplied with the exact hub spline to match the IndyCar transaxle input shaft—precisely tailored to the Dallara IR-12/IR-18 package. This ensures the highest fit accuracy, reliable torque transfer, and maximum durability in racing use. Custom solutions are available on request.
Scope of delivery
RCS 115Y clutch cover (HA115), aluminum
3 × RCS 115Y carbon intermediate plates
4 × RCS 115Y carbon pressure plates
1 × RCS 115Y hub, steel
1 × RCS 115Y base plate, steel
1 × RCS 115Y retaining ring, steel
Quality Made in Germany
ZF Race Engineering has been among the technology leaders in motorsport for years. The combined know-how from top-tier racing flows directly into the development of carbon racing clutches. State-of-the-art manufacturing methods, the highest quality standards and motorsport technologies make carbon clutches the first choice for maximum performance and reliability - on circuit racing as well as in rally, formula and endurance applications.
Applications
INDYCAR – USA & Canada
NTT IndyCar Series (2018–): Indianapolis 500, St. Petersburg, Long Beach, Detroit, Toronto, Road America, Mid-Ohio, Portland, Laguna Seca, Iowa, Gateway, Milwaukee Mile, incl. ovals, road and street courses.