Toyota Australia's commitment to green automotive research
has been bolstered by it becoming a major sponsor of the University of NSW SunSwift II
solar car project.
SunSwift II, a project undertaken by the
UNSW’s Solar Racing Team, is Australia’s newest solar-powered car.
The car has been two years in the making and is preparing to challenge the existing
trans-Australian solar-powered record set by Dick Smith in 1994.
The record-breaking attempt begins on January 1st, 1999.
The UNSW team aims to complete the Perth-to-Sydney drive in just over six days,
slashing Dick Smith’s current 8.5 days benchmark.
Project manager John Ransom, pictured with the record attempt car, has placed his
civil engineering degree on hold to complete the project.
"To travel the 4,200 kilometres from Perth to Sydney in six days we will need to
average around 70 kilometres per hour - drawing about the same power as a hair
drier," said John Ransom.
"SunSwift II is a single-seat World Solar Challenge regulation solar car designed
to make the most of every watt of energy its solar panel can collect. As with most racing
vehicles, driver comfort has been compromised to make the vehicle as competitive as
possible."
Driving the Nullarbor Plain without airconditioning is one of the greatest challenges
facing the drivers.
John welcomed Toyota to the team, saying the record attempt would not be possible
without corporate support.
Toyota Australia’s sponsorship means the SunSwift II project will receive vital
funds to transport the solar car, 25 people and support vehicles, together with 500
kilograms of tools and spares to Perth and back.
It has also provided the team with support vehicles vital to the record attempt. Two
4WD Prados will help transport people and equipment.
The team will end its record attempt at the Sydney Opera House.
