Progressive Automotive X-Prize [Final] Round

[MetroMPG]

Neil: that picture of the rear wheel has me curious what tire & size the Edison2 car is running. Doesn't look like an RE92.

[gasstingy]

Neil, Thanks for taking the time to take and post these pictures for our benefit.
It seems very apparent to me that the route to maximum fuel efficiency is to maximize aerodynamics and reduce frontal area, followed by "right-sizing" the powertrain to avoid excessive available power. Kind of like the premises behind this forum.

[Patrick]

Neil, can you grab some pics of Enginer's hybrid steam system? Thanks.

[NeilBlanchard]

Here's a direct link to my PhotoBucket album, to make it easier to see my uploads; without me having to cross post!

I believe the Edison2 wheels are 14" 145's? It's a Continental tire; I'm forgetting the exact name.

I will go to the track right now and get a bunch of pictures of as many of the teams as I can!

[NeilBlanchard]

The storage is in various places; depending on which of the 3 class cars (they have 2 mainstream and 1 tandem and 1 side by side alternative class).

Originally Posted by Patrick

Neil, where is the Very Light Car's 10 cubic feet of "trunk" space? Will it have to tow the emissions testing equipment?

Yes, all the vehicles have to be able to tow a trailer (dynamometer?).

[cfg83]

MetroMPG -

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Neil: that picture of the rear wheel has me curious what tire & size the Edison2 car is running. Doesn't look like an RE92.

Not sure about the size, but it's a ContiEcoContact EP :

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ery-11841.html

Originally Posted by cfg83

Hello -

Got it! ContiEcoContact EP :

Tyres Continental ContiEcoContact EP tyre size 175/65 R13 - www.iTyre.com


...

CarloSW2

[Patrick]

Here's a little video from the BITW team, which is running a bio-diesel powered 2004 Chevy Metro. Check out that airdam/grillblock/bumper cover and the clear rear wheel skirts. It looks like they've got Kuhmo Solus tires (at least on the left front) and are running Volk Racing wheels.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AKMe...layer_embedded

Their website: BITW Technologies

A quote: In respect to the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize competition, the team has been modifying a car that fits the mainstream category, which is for traditional four-passenger vehicles with room for cargo. It is what you would call a reapplication of existing technology. Voll got the idea while talking with a customer about a diesel powered lawn tractor. Realizing the economy potential and engine design, he did some research on the torque curves and found similarity to the Geo Metro; thus the seed was planted. Now, over ten thousand miles later, the team has an automobile that performs well on a daily basis while working towards 100 mile per gallon-equivalent fuel economy while running on a simple bio-fuel. Our goal is to share this application with drivers and families around the world.

[Patrick]

Here's another video on the BITW Chevy Metro. They're using B20 in an under-one-liter, 3-cylinder turbo diesel. Check out the clear spoiler on the back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm-i1cpbKbs

[cfg83]

Patrick -

Originally Posted by Patrick

Here's another video on the BITW Chevy Metro. They're using B20 in an under-one-liter, 3-cylinder turbo diesel. Check out the clear spoiler on the back.

...

Ok, this is cool. I had seen the clear rear skirt, but not the spoiler. It seems like this is an aero-prototype for anyone with a Metro Sedan.

CarloSW2

[NeilBlanchard]

I've uploaded some more pictures from yesterday at the X-Prize:

Progressive Automotive X-Prize Knockout Round pictures by NeilBlanchard - Photobucket

Enjoy!

Unfortunately, one of the Edison2 VLC -- the side-by-side that is the oldest of the four, painted silver basically overheated, and was not able to complete the minimum 70% of the test required and was DQ'd from the X-Prize. The Edison2 team will push on with the remaining three cars -- which is still more than any other team.

The West Philly high school team (who are great to have here!) have two cars, and the two E-Tracers are the only other teams (IIRC) who have more than one car in the X-Prize.