Here's some info on the new cars for 2012 from the IZOD Indy Car Site, written before Sunday's race and before everyone became an "expert" on racing safety!!!! Safety is one of the main reasons for the new car. Not a lot of real details out till all the testing is done;

"Attributes of safety, raceability, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, relevant technology, American-made, green and modern look have been rolled into the chassis strategy selection that was rolled out in the form of 3D renderings at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
The platform is a universal road/oval rolling chassis with an enhanced driver safety cell and an anti-wheel lock design that will be produced by long-time IZOD IndyCar Series partner Dallara Automobili at a state-of-the-art facility to be built on Main Street in Speedway, Ind. -- a few hunderd yards from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League offices The IndyCar Safety Cell will serve as the base, with bodywork (aero kits of front and rear wings, sidepods, engine covers) an open development area. Any manufacturer (including inhouse by teams) will be able to produce aero kits for the chassis with stipulations that the parts receive approval from the IZOD IndyCar Series, be available to all teams, undergo safety testing approved by the IZOD IndyCar Series and have a maximum price of $70,000. Each team can race two different aero kits from any manufacturer during a season.Dallara has a contract through 2015 to produce the IndyCar Safety Cell.
Dallara’s rolling chassis (encompassing everything but the driver's seat) will cost $349,000 -- a 45 percent price decrease from the cost of each of the 26 cars that will compete this weekend in the Honda Indy Toronto. Dallara's aero kit the first year of the program will be available for $36,000, increasing to the $70,000 ceiling the second year. Total weight will drop 185 pounds to 1,380, with a minimum weight determined once variables with suppliers, including engine weight, are determined."