The University of New South Wales Solar Racing Team have raced many cars since they began in 1996. Below is a list of the four main cars we have produced over the years.
Sunswift IV
2009 – present
- Ivy on the first day of racing in the 2009 WSC
Background
Ivy was built in 2009 for the 2009 WSC. She was the 3rd vehicle that Sunswift had ever designed and built from scratch – although many successful elements from previous cars were retained in Ivy’s design.
Achievements
- 4th overall in the 2009 World Solar Challenge, 1st in the Silicon Class. link
- Set the Guinness World Record for the Fastest Solar-Powered Vehicle at a speed of 88 km/h link, beating the record of 77km/h set in 1987 by the General Motors Sunraycer.
Video Links
Sunswift III mk2
2006-2008
Sunswift III mk2 before the 2007 World Solar Challenge
Background
The team modified the braking and steering system in Sunswift III for their 2007 race campaign. Their improvements were demonstrated when the team set the record for the fastest trans-continental crossing of Australia from Perth to Sydney. With a time of 5.5 days, they beat the previous record set by Dick Smith and the Aurora Solar Racing team in 1994 and still hold it to this day.
In the 2007 World Solar Challenge, revised rules separated the competition into two classes: the Challenge Class, with more practical regulations including upright seating and a steering wheel, and an Adventure Class for cars which were built before these regulations were implemented. The team finished 4th within the Adventure Class and was the first two-seater to cross the line.
Achievements
- 9th overall in the 2007 World Solar Challenge, 4th in the Adventure Class.
- CSIRO Award for Technical Innovation, 2007.
- Engineers Australia Award for Excellence in Teaching and Training, 2007.
- Australia Trans-continental World Record Holder.
Video Links
- The team prepares for the 2007 WSC
- Sunswift III.2 Bottom Shell Lay-Up Pt. 1
- Sunswift III.2 Bottom Shell Lay-Up Pt. 2
Sunswift III
2003-2005
Jaycar Sunswift III in the 2005 World Solar Challenge
Background
The team began work on the Jaycar Sunswift III just after the 2003 WSC. It was a four-wheel design, featuring a full carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, steerable aerodynamic cowlings for the front wheels, improved telemetry and a battery monitoring system.
Unfortunately, it ran off the road just prior to the 2005 race, and was unable to be repaired in time for scrutineering. Driving the route anyway, Jaycar Sunswift III unofficially placed 9th overall and was the 1st silicon car across the line.
Achievements
- 9th overall in the 2005 World Solar Challenge (unofficially), 1st in the Production Class.
Video Links
Sunswift II
1997 – 2003
Sunswift II on display in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Background
In 1997, the team commenced work on Sunswift’s first entirely self-designed car. Sunswift II featured a three-wheeled design, a chromoly space frame, and cutting-edge innovations such as an in-hub wheel motor and Control Area Network electronics.
From 1998 to 2003, the car was continually improved and 4 versions of Sunswift II were designed, built, and raced.
The Sunswift II team was the first, and remains the only, team in the world to encapsulate their own solar panels. This endeavor was known as the TopCell project. Tragically, the team was never able to compete in the 2003 World Solar Challenge with this design due to damage incurred while the car was being transported to Darwin.
Achievements
- First and only team in the world to encapsulate their own solar panels.
- SunRace Enterprise Award for Technical Innovation for the TopCell Project, 2002.
- Siemens Prize for Innovation for the CAN electrical system, awarded to team member David Snowden, 2002.
- 2nd in the 2003 Sunrace.
- Did not compete in the 2003 World Solar Challenge due to damage.
- 2nd in the 2002 SunRace.
- 11th in the 2001 World Solar Challenge.
- 18th in the 1999 World Solar Challenge.
- 3rd in the 1999 SunRace.
Video Link
Sunswift I
1995 – 1998
Sunswift I in the 1997 World Solar Challenge
Background
The UNSW Solar Racing Team was formed in 1995 by engineering student Byron Kennedy for his fourth year thesis project. The team purchased Aurora Q1 from the Aurora Solar Racing Team as their first car.
The team upgraded, repainted, and renamed this car Sunswift I to compete in the 1996 World Solar Challenge, coming in 9th place.
Achievements
- 9th overall in the 1997 World Solar Challenge out of 46 entries.
