Called the Chaparral Volt, the racer was inspired by the creative genius
of racing legend,
The 2008 Design Challenge theme is Motor Sports 2025, an annual
competition for the Automotive Design Studios in the
"Our GM designers at the West Coast Advanced Design Studio in
Earth (geological) benefits the car as it takes advantage of the course topography and gravity to assist in creating energy via regenerative braking. Wind (aero-thermal) is used in many ways which include the turbine farm in the pit area which generates the team's electricity needs as well as providing a charge for the Chaparral Volt's batteries; the in-wheel turbines which articulate under braking to provide aerodynamic regenerative power creation and the Chaparral-historical use of rear-mounted suction turbines which aide in battery cooling and aerodynamic-induced down force. Fire (radiant sunlight) takes advantage of Southern California's most abundant resource -- the sun. Integrated thin-film PV panels for the racer's body and team support unit takes advantage this abundant resource and converts it for use as the Chaparral Volt's primary energy source.
In the five years since the Design Challenges inception, the GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio has won twice before, in 2004 with GMC PAD Concept and in 2005 with Hummer O2.
About GM
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been
the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM
today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters
in
SOURCE General Motors Corporation