Mumbai  :  A passionate bunch of students from K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering tackled the challenge of building one of the most fuel efficient cars to participate in SASOL BAJA 2014 and were the only Indian team amongst all other colleges to represent India in the competition held in South Africa. The team was applauded, appreciated and acknowledged in four segments of the competition which secured them 10th position in overall rankings. Redshift Racing team won 1st position in Sales presentation segment, 4th place in Car Design Evaluation, 6th place in Design Report and also got the 1st Social Team award.

The single seater car derives its power from 305cc 10HP engine. The car can attain a maximum speed of 55 kmph. The fact that would surprise is that the 1,600 mm long car has a 4 litre fuel tank. The innovative features of RAUDR II includes lighter gear box providing great torque for the hill climb up to 45°, incorporation of alloy steel instead of aluminium, lighter wheel hubs weighing merely 400 grams and turning radius of 2.85m instead of previous 4.00m that distinguishes itself from other racing cars. The car implements the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system for its power transmission used in cars like Audi and Mazda.

The team took a period of two months to design the car based on their concepts and another three months to manufacture and accomplish their dream racing car. Team Redshift has used mild steel tubes to frame the entire chassis as light as possible. To give higher strengths to critical components Alloy Steel (EN36) was used. The ATV has better power transmission, all-wheels-locking Brakes system, infinitely adjustable Pneumatic Shock absorbers and Glass fibre for bodyworks that ensures a better appearance and durability of composites.

Speaking on the achievement Ms Shubha Pandit, Principal K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering said, ‘RAUDR II car is designed specifically for rough terrain racing. This achievement became possible through the hard work and labour that the students put in throughout the year. The project promoted leadership, problem-solving techniques and business skills throughout the entire process of designing and building. The inclusion of fresher’s in the team has also helped in reducing repetitive and non-value adding work”.

The mechanism of the car was tested through series of event Manoeuvrability test, car jump from wooden ramp, suspension test and panic brake test in the Somaiya Vidyavihar campus. The demonstration of the car left the audience with a lasting impression about twists and turns involved in racing car events.