Researchers unveil Formula 3 racing car powered by chocolate and steered by carrots
Last updated 05/05/2009 11:09:26
racing car powered by chocolate and steered by carrots
Researchers at the University of Warwick have today, Tuesday 5th May, unveiled the "WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car" which is powered by chocolate, steered by carrots, has bodywork made from potatoes, and can still do 125mph around corners.
There has been much speculation about the creation of this car but it has now been completed and today is the first day it has actually been ready to drive.
Following the recent turmoil in Formula 1 arising from the high costs of running competitive motor racing teams, and doubts in sponsors' minds over the commercial value of their involvement, the viability of motor racing is being critically questioned. With this in mind the University of Warwick team based in the University's Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and the Warwick Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre decided to build a competitive racing car using environmentally sustainable components to show the Industry just how much is possible using current environmentally sustainable technologies.
It is the first Formula 3 racing car designed and made from sustainable and renewable materials, putting the world first by effectively managing the planet's resources. The car meets all the Formula 3 racing standards except for its biodiesel engine which is configured to run on fuel derived from waste chocolate and vegetable oil. Formula 3 cars currently cannot use biodiesel.
Dr Kerry Kirwan from the research team said:
"Components made from plants form the mainstay of the car's make up, including a race specification steering wheel derived from carrots and other root vegetables, a flax fibre and soybean oil foam racing seat, a woven flax fibre bib, plant oil based lubricants and a biodiesel engine configured to run on fuel derived from waste chocolate and vegetable oil. It also incorporates a radiator coated in a ground-breaking emission destroying catalyst. "
full article here http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/racing_car