2008

The Team engineered the 2008 Racecar with an emphasis on reducing weight and lowering the center of gravity as well as keeping in mind its previous goals of achieving refined operation and reliable functionality. With weight reduction as a driving force, the team’s composites manufacturing program was expanded to include a carbon fiber intake manifold, seat, muffler, suspension links, and steering wheel. Additionally, optimized design allowed for weight reduction in components such as the hubs, uprights, and CVs. Our already stressed engine was further integrated into the chassis by utilizing its upper mounts as suspension points. In order to achieve a lower center of gravity, the driver was reclined while still maintaining drivability for all team members, the fuel tank was placed under the seat, and the radiator was mounted horizontally. These important design considerations forced team members to be especially creative while pushing their engineering knowledge beyond conventional classroom learning. These efforts resulted in a seventh place overall finish out of 130 schools from around the world at the FSAE International Championship hosted at the Michigan International Speedway.