Andersen Promotions, the team behind the Mazda Road to Indy, has revealed the first renderings of the Tatuus chassis that will serve as a combined replacement for its USF2000 and Pro Mazda models starting in 2017.

Under the current plan, the Tatuus USF-17 will replace the current USF2000 cars at the end of the year, and for 2018, the same chassis, badged as the PM-18, will be used to replace the aging Pro Mazda fleet.

“The first prototype will arrive stateside in May, and will be unveiled at IMS during the Indy 500 weekend,” Andersen told RACER. “Testing will follow in June. The first 15 cars will be delivered in September and the next 15 in December. It will come with a high-end Cosworth data system and wheel, PFC F3-style brake package, American Racing forged aluminum wheels similar to those on the Dallara IL15 Indy Lights cars, paddle-shifter, carbon nose/front wing assembly, and upgraded driver safety protection – an enhanced bulkhead for U.S. circuits.”

Concentrating on the 2017 170hp Mazda MZR-powered USF-17, Andersen is confident it will be a worthy upgrade for the current, tubeframe USF2000 chassis.

“Tatuus builds the best F4 in the world and we’ve stepped it up from that to make it a great USF2000 car,” he added. “It’s got better brakes, better wheels, better dampers, better data, better driver protection and more of everything.”

The Tatuus PM-18 is expected to carry a Mazda engine producing 270hp, and with the same chassis underpinnings, teams would have the ability to convert the car between the first two MRTI classes, depending on driver or sponsor preferences.

According to the series, “the cost of the USF-17 chassis – not including engine, wheels and dampers – is $51,400.”

Click on the thumbnails below for larger images.

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