Students to develop 'green' racing car: Cobra

[Don]

Scotland TV News:

" Engineering students at a Scottish university are to create a "green" racing car as part of their course. "

" 20 February 2009 07:00 AM "

" The car is to be designed by 12 students studying for degrees in motorsport design engineering or engineering management at the University of the West of Scotland.

The first stage of the project involves building a 1967 replica AC Cobra, which will be followed by testing and compiling performance data at a race track in Scotland.

During the second phase the students will convert the petrol engine into a hydrogen-powered engine. The car will be tested with performance data recorded.

The students will compare both sets of data, which will then be used to investigate techniques to improve the performance of the hydrogen engine.

Jim Mooney of the university's school of engineering & science said in a statement: "This is an extremely ambitious project - one which will provide a fantastic, hands-on learning experience for our students.

"The students are developing the car using the latest industry standard equipment at our new state-of-the-art £2.1 million Centre for Engineering Excellence.

"On completion the car will be displayed at various conferences and car and energy related exhibitions."

The students are looking for funding for the project and any corporate sponsors will have their logos displayed on the car.

Derek Neil, who is studying engineering management, said: "Working with the Cobra for the green motorsport project has been fantastic and has opened my mind to the renewable energy and environmental issues that major car manufactures have only scratched the surface of." "

Last updated: 20 February 2009, 09:26