Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Racing car that runs on waste chocolate to race in Formula 3

The body work comes from recycled aeroplanes and its engine from an old BMW diesel.
But despite its bizarre origins, a recycled racing car is faster than most supercars, capable of reaching 60mph in 2.5 seconds and carrying onto more than 150mph.
It is so fast that it creators at the University of Warwick have announced it will be taking part in its first race next month.
Not just any race – a Formula 3 championship race at the former home of British motorsport, Brands Hatch, Kent.
The 250 horsepower, one-seater racing car – officially named World First but known as the Flying Carrot - has been built by experts to dispel the perception that 'green' motoring means dull motoring.
It is also hoped that one day it may even clean up the reputation of Formula One – hated by environmentalists for its polluting ways.
Dr Kerry Kirwan, its creator, is confident the car that cost £500,000 to build, will not embarrass itself.
“We believe it is the world’s greenest car but it shows that being green does not have to be boring,” he said.
The car, which returns 35 miles per gallon despite its performance, can run on any biodiesel. The team have recently been running it on fuel made from waste fat from a chocolate factory.
The carrot steering wheel is made from shredded carrot fibres glued together and is derived from technology used to make fishing rods.
The car was unveiled at the British Science Association's annual conference.

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