University of Auckland Formula SAE team race car on track

Speed and agility feature strongly in the design of the Formula One style race car launched by Faculty of Engineering students from the University of Auckland.

Each year, the international Society of Automotive Engineers (Formula SAE) invites university students to construct a small open-wheeled-style race car to compete in events around the globe.

The University of Auckland’s entry this year, called the M09, is sleek, high performance and incorporates many features on the cutting edge of mechanical design. On the outside it may look similar to the 2008 entry, but inside it is a different story. Weight and drivability have been on the forefront of the team’s mind, resulting in a shift to a single cylinder WR450 engine package. It features a custom-designed transaxle and paddle-shift gearbox, a carbon fibre monocoque and carbon fibre wheels - a new innovation this year.

“We are coming off the back of a strong 2008 campaign, which included a number of wins and podium places, leaving the team hungry for the top spot this year,” Formula SAE Business Manager Mike Male says.

“Initial testing of this year’s car has shown promising signs. In its first-ever testing session at Tamaki campus, it demonstrated impressive speed, matching the pace of last year’s car through slalom-style obstacles. With exams now over, the team is able to take full advantage of the early completion to help the M09 realise its full potential.”

The Formula SAE competition places emphasis not only on racing, but also design, cost and commercial viability - all factors of real-world automotive engineering.

The M09 will take on entries from other universities from around the world at the Australasian SAE-A event, to be held from 10-13 December at Victoria University, Werribee. With 24 competitors already confirmed, Male says the University of Auckland team are confident they have done enough to prepare themselves to take a top podium placing.

The team will complete final preparations for race day at the Meremere drag strip and the Mt Wellington kart track.