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Researchers at the university have today (5 May) unveiled the car, which can reach speeds of 125mph and is powered by waste chocolate and vegetable oil.
Components made from plants form the mainstay of the car’s make up, including a race specification steering wheel derived from carrots and other root vegetables.
A flax fibre and soybean oil foam racing seat, a woven flax fibre bib, plant oil based lubricants and a biodiesel engine configured to run on fuel derived from waste chocolate and vegetable oil.
It also incorporates, what the university calls, a radiator coated in a ‘ground-breaking’ emission destroying catalyst.
Dr Steve Maggs from the research team said: “As original equipment manufacturers focus on decreasing engine emissions, this project proves if you are going to wholeheartedly embrace the ‘green is great’ ethos you have to broaden your vision.
“And have a strategy that stretches throughout the chain from the raw materials to the final disposal of the car.”
Luke Walsh
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