Breaking the Acceleration Record: How Swiss Students Engineered a Car Faster than an F1 Car

TLDRSwiss students from AMZ Racing created a car that broke the acceleration record by reaching 0 to 62 mph in 0.956 seconds. They used a formula student car as a base, added fan-assisted downforce, and implemented a hydraulically connected suspension. The car's floor, tire pressures, and four-wheel drive powertrain were optimized to achieve maximum grip. The project was a result of innovative engineering and a loophole in the rules, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in car acceleration.

Key insights

🏎️The Swiss students from AMZ Racing broke the acceleration record by reaching 0 to 62 mph in 0.956 seconds.

🚀They used a formula student car as a base and added fan-assisted downforce to maximize grip.

🔗The car's hydraulically connected suspension maintained a consistent ride height and car attitude under different conditions.

💪Optimizing the car's floor, tire pressures, and four-wheel drive powertrain helped achieve maximum grip during acceleration.

🌟The project showcased innovative engineering and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in car acceleration.

Q&A

How did the Swiss students break the acceleration record?

The Swiss students broke the acceleration record by reaching 0 to 62 mph in 0.956 seconds. They utilized a formula student car as a base, added fan-assisted downforce, and optimized the car's floor, tire pressures, and four-wheel drive powertrain for maximum grip.

What were some of the challenges faced by the Swiss students?

The Swiss students faced challenges in designing a car that could withstand high loads during acceleration, maintaining a seal on the floor for optimal downforce, and ensuring the suspension could handle the forces exerted on the car.

How did the hydraulically connected suspension contribute to the car's performance?

The hydraulically connected suspension maintained a consistent ride height and car attitude under different conditions, enhancing the car's grip and stability during acceleration.

What role did tire pressures play in maximizing grip?

Although the Swiss students used standard tire pressures, they optimized the relative pressure based on the car's weight distribution and vertical load. This helped achieve maximum grip by ensuring the tires were properly compressed against the road surface.

What was the significance of the four-wheel drive powertrain?

The four-wheel drive powertrain allowed the Swiss students to control the torque to each wheel individually, ensuring maximum traction and acceleration. It eliminated the need for a differential, drive shafts, and a gearbox.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Swiss students from AMZ Racing broke the acceleration record by reaching 0 to 62 mph in 0.956 seconds.

01:40They utilized a formula student car as a base and added fan-assisted downforce to maximize grip.

02:30The car's hydraulically connected suspension maintained a consistent ride height and car attitude under different conditions.

04:20Optimizing the car's floor, tire pressures, and four-wheel drive powertrain helped achieve maximum grip during acceleration.

05:30The project showcased innovative engineering and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in car acceleration.