Samueli School of Engineering

Goal: To build the highest performing car possible while adhering to the FSAE Guidelines.  This year, we are designing and building a race car for the 2015 FSAE competition in Lincoln, Nebraska.  We have two different to analyze two different strategies.  The first is a superlight design carbon fiber and steel chassis coupled with a minimalistic suspension package, and powered by a light yet powerful dirt bike engine.  The second is a traditional steel tube chassis, proving superior manufacturability, driven by a high-power sport bike engine, and leveled by a robust 4-bar anti roll suspension.  These designs both have their advantages and drawbacks, but the final goal of highest power to weight will be the main influence in our decision.  Overall, we have a 300 lb. dry weight goal without the river, which when combined with the driver and fuel will keep the overall weight low enough to help us a achieve a 3.7 second finish time in the 75 m acceleration test.  We have aggressive goals, but we also have the experience and leadership of our two advisors Robert “Smitty” Smith and Professor Michael McCarthy to keep us racing in the right direction.