The Melbourne based Aurora group has introduced exciting new technology to support its plans to campaign a series of international solar car events culminating in the FIA organised Phaethon 2004 in Greece next May, an official event in the Cultural Olympiad.

The solar car 'Aurora 101' holds 10 world solar car records including the achievement of the 13052 km longest solar car journey. The volunteer Aurora group is acknowledged as the world's most accomplished solar car team

New technology aimed at setting a new event record in the classic World Solar Challenge has been developed in the 2003 version of the solar super car 'Aurora 101'. A mix of solar cells from three different space programs cover its sleek black shape. Some of the cells were previously destined for use in the Mars lander program. The latest solar panels, which cover 40% of the car are made of 3 layers of Galium Arsenide and achieve an efficiency of up to 27%.

The solar panels used on 'Aurora101' pioneer a new shingling process and are coated in a microscopically grained non reflective surface in order to catch as much light as possible.

New Lithium Polymer batteries like the latest used in advanced mobile phones go to achieving high energy density and efficient electrical flow. This effort to achieve high efficiency is matched in the Australian technologies in the CSIRO designed wheelmotor, the Tritium motor controller and AERL solar trackers.

In unveiling the car today at the Rialto Towers, The Hon. Tim Holding, Minister for Manufacturing & Export, said the Aurora solar car technology paralleled the innovative principles needed to develop the next generations of hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

He urged Australians to support these advanced technologies in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 'Aurora has become a potent symbol of the potential of solar energy and the possibilities of a sustainable future' he added.

Under the patronage of Australia's most famous motor racing personality Sir Jack Brabham, the Aurora group plan a sustained 18 months of activities structured around 4 major solar car events: the Japanese Suzuka Dream Cup in July, the Australian World Solar Challenge in October, the Australian Sunrace in February on 2004 and the Greek Phaethon 2004 in May 2004.

Aurora Co Chairman David Fewchuk said. ' This is Aurora's biggest program ever and will produce the international credentials needed to advocate actions to continue to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and to promote Australia as a source of innovative technology'.

He acknowledged the 35 sponsor companies that were backing this program including the Foundation Supporters Ford, Minter Ellison, Sumitomo and Bosch as well as the ongoing partnership with RMIT University. These companies provide enormous encouragement to the 64 enthusiastic volunteer members of the Aurora group including its 21 student members from RMIT.

The solar car will be named Aurora 101 with a new symbol reflecting the unique support of the two significant business centres of Sydney and Melbourne: Aurora Place and 101 Collins Street.