Indy Racing League divulges 2012 chassis wish list

The Indy Racing League this afternoon unveiled its wish list for the open-wheel series’ new chassis set to debut in 2012.

Why IRL officials didn’t wait until new series boss Randy Bernard is in place to make this announcement confuses me, but I digress.
 
I also didn’t understand why the IRL let Bernard’s hire leak out and then made the announcement during Super Bowl week in a town that is just plum Colts crazy. IRL officials certainly cost the series some prime media coverage by the timing of both announcements.

Again, I digress. There are several interesting revelations in today’s announcement.
 
Here’s what the IRL wants out of its 2012 chassis (in IRL officials own words):

Safe: The new chassis must adhere to the league’s already high safety standards while exploring new technology to improve safety in all aspects of the car.

Raceable: The new chassis must continue to produce the exciting racing that has become signature of the IndyCar Series while not affecting other cars on track (i.e. less sensitive to the turbulence).

Cost-effective: The league continues to work to reduce the cost of participation for teams in the IndyCar Series, which remains an important priority in this economic climate. The new chassis must have a price point that adheres to that goal.

American-made: The new chassis must be built in the U.S., preferably at an Indiana-based facility.

Less mass/More efficient: A lighter chassis with less mass that produces the same aerodynamic effect in an efficient way.

Relevant technology: The league would like the new chassis to be relevant to the future of the consumer auto industry; innovative technology that is born on the racetrack and can translate to consumer cars.

Modern Look: More space for sponsor logos, cars easily identifiable.

Green: The Indy Racing League prides itself on its role in the greening of racing and wants to maintain its position as a leader in environmentally-friendly initiatives with this chassis.